Assessing Genetic Diversity, Translocation Success and Future Management Options for the Endangered Grevillea acropogon

Darcy J St Jack

With Earth’s floristic diversity in decline, plant translocations are playing an increasingly important role in conservation efforts, however, there are relatively few papers that demonstrate translocation success in terms of long-term persistence. The South-West Australian Floristic Region has hosted translocation efforts of over 65 species to 110 sites. One such species is the endangered Grevillea acropogon, which, through translocation efforts, has grown from two known populations, to three. This study aimed to: assess the population dynamics, demography, survival, and reproductive output for all G. acropogon populations; assess the success of G. acropogon translocation efforts, and; determine the most genetically-diverse sources of G. acropogon seed for ongoing recovery actions. Translocation success was assessed via comparisons of canopy volume, reproductive output, and genetic diversity between the naturally-occurring and translocated populations. The genetic variability between mature plants and soil-stored seed was also compared. It was found that for measures of growth, reproductive output, and genetic diversity, the Translocated population did not differ significantly from the natural populations. The genetic analyses also revealed that the northernmost population of G. acropogon was a novel species. In comparing the genetic diversity of the two seed sources, neither source was determined to produce significantly greater diversity than the other. When considering the literature surrounding translocations, the G. acropogon translocation has been successful, as its reproductive, genetic, and physical performance mimics that of its naturally occurring counterparts. These findings add to a body of literature that demonstrates the assessment of translocation success, as well as demonstrating what a successful translocation might look like. Future research efforts for G. acropogon could focus on assessing the rate of recruitment occurring at each population, as well as potential pollinator interactions. For the novel species, future research efforts should focus on the collection of baseline data to aid conservation efforts.

Assessing Genetic Diversity, Translocation Success and Future Management Options for the Endangered Grevillea acropogon

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