About This Project

I am developing and applying innovative population genetics data analysis with habitat suitability modeling to solve longstanding challenges in the effort to save endangered plant species. Combining high throughput RADseq data analysis with species distribution models, I am exploring relatively inexpensive, feasible methods to generate powerful population viability assessments, estimates of threshold population size and the constraints on the habitats of rare plants.

Ask the Scientists

What is the context of this research?

The International Union of Conservation of Nature completed an assessment of the cactus family two years ago and found that 31% of the species in that family are threatened, making it the fifth most endangered plant or animal family on Earth. https://www.nature.com/article... At the same time, an extensive literature review reveals that there are very few plant conservation studies specific to the Cactaceae, especially important due to the highly specialized anatomy, physiology and ecology of these unique plants, for example, https://link.springer.com/arti.... Of additional importance, Next Generation sequencing and species distribution modeling have not been widely employed in plant conservation research in general, in spite of the efficacy of these methods.

What is the significance of this project?

What are the least expensive, most data driven and most effective strategies to conserve global biodiversity? In spite of the promise of Next Gen conservation genomics and powerful analyses of habitat suitability for endangered species, much of conservation biology still employs data gathering and analysis approaches from 30 years ago. Population level genomic data reveals detailed structure, demographic history, selection pressures, bottlenecks and founder effects for endangered species. Habitat suitability modeling using properly selected and scaled environmental variables shows the areas where endangered species are most likely to thrive. Armed with this combined data set, conservation biologists will be able to craft effective protection and recovery plans.

What are the goals of the project?

I've sampled 11 populations across the entire range of the threatened plant, with clusters representing distinct habitat types and the extremes of the range. The goal is to use population genomic data to analyze species-wide genetic diversity, possible demographic threats to the species and landscape effects on gene flow. I have been onsite in Baja California where the species grows, gathering occurrence data and environmental variables at a small scale for the habitat suitability models. The next step for the population genetics project is to perform the DNA extractions, with the support of the lab at the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix, and submit those samples to Floragenex. Analyzing the genomic data and refining habitat models will continue through next year.