Aethionema thomasianum is a rare plant species, currently reported in few sites of France, Italy and Spain, whereas its presence in Algeria is still uncertain. In Italy this species is almost exclusively present in the Cogne Valley, where it is considered vulnerable and it is legally protected. Since no ecological or genetic studies of A. thomasianum have been conducted so far, the present work aims at analyzing its distribution, habitat, and genetic structure in order to improve in situ and ex situ conservation strategies. This first integrated study on ecology, distribution and population genetic of Aethionema thomasianum provides valuable insights for its conservation status and useful suggestions for ex situ conservation actions. Although this study confirms a species’ preference for high altitudes, i.e. 2.600 m a.s.l., climate changes combined with the lack of suitable habitats above these elevations, as well as the low genetic diversity detected, may pose serious concern for its future survival in the valley of Cogne. Moreover, the evidence of two genetically distinct groups highlights the need of sampling both populations for effective ex situ conservation.
Aethionema thomasianum J. Gay: ecology and population genetics of a rarity worth conserving in the Cogne Valley
Comino C.;Portis E.;
2025-01-01
Abstract
Aethionema thomasianum is a rare plant species, currently reported in few sites of France, Italy and Spain, whereas its presence in Algeria is still uncertain. In Italy this species is almost exclusively present in the Cogne Valley, where it is considered vulnerable and it is legally protected. Since no ecological or genetic studies of A. thomasianum have been conducted so far, the present work aims at analyzing its distribution, habitat, and genetic structure in order to improve in situ and ex situ conservation strategies. This first integrated study on ecology, distribution and population genetic of Aethionema thomasianum provides valuable insights for its conservation status and useful suggestions for ex situ conservation actions. Although this study confirms a species’ preference for high altitudes, i.e. 2.600 m a.s.l., climate changes combined with the lack of suitable habitats above these elevations, as well as the low genetic diversity detected, may pose serious concern for its future survival in the valley of Cogne. Moreover, the evidence of two genetically distinct groups highlights the need of sampling both populations for effective ex situ conservation.
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