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Publication
Ecology as a Tool to Assist Conservation of a Rare and Endemic Mediterranean Plantago Species
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Advisor(s)
Abstract(s)
Reviewing the ecological studies on the endangered endemic Plantago almogravensis
Franco, an Al-hyperaccumulator plant, and combining these with morphological,
physiological, biochemical, and molecular data, significant knowledge on the limiting
factors that cause its narrow geographical distribution and rarity status is achieved,
which can contribute to suited conservation guidelines. Emphasis was given on (i)
the major factors limiting P. almogravensis’ ecological niche (biotic and abiotic); (ii)
phases of the life cycle and population dynamics; and (iii) and the phylogenetically
close taxa (Plantago subulata aggregate) in order to fill the knowledge gaps in the
uniqueness of P. almogravensis ecology, its phylogeny, and conservation status. The
identification of relevant ecological data and using plant functional (morphological and
physiological) traits, as well as genetic attributes, substantiate into a powerful tool to
guide protection and conservation measures, usable toward this and other endangered
hyperaccumulator plant species. Knowledge of the limitations of this strongly narrowly
distributed plant allows for better design of conservation measures and to guide
value and investment strategies in order to secure the species’ current area (habitat
conservation and reclamation), direct the expansion of the existing population (assisting
in populational densification and colonization), and/or grant ex situ conservation (genetic
resources conservation).
Description
Keywords
Pedagogical Context
Citation
Serrano HC, Pinto MJ, Branquinho C and Martins-Loução MA (2021) Ecology as a Tool to Assist Conservation of a Rare and Endemic Mediterranean Plantago Species. Front. Ecol. Evol. 9:614700. doi: 10.3389/fevo.2021.614700
Publisher
Frontiers