Low genetic diversity indicating the threatened status of Rhizophora apiculata (Rhizophoraceae) in Malaysia: declined evolution meets habitat destruction.

ABSTRACT: Worldwide, many mangrove species are experiencing significant population declines, including Rhizophora apiculata, which is one of the most widespread and economically important species in tropical Asia. In Malaysia, there has been an alarming decline in R. apiculata populations driven primarily by anthropogenic activities. However, the lack of genetic and demographic information on this species has hampered local efforts to conserve it. To address these gaps, we generated novel genetic information for R. apiculata, based on 1,120 samples collected from 39 natural populations in Peninsular Malaysia. We investigated its genetic diversity and genetic structure with 19 transcriptome and three nuclear microsatellite markers. Our analyses revealed a low genetic diversity (mean H_e: 0.

SUBMITTER: Azman A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7644706 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature