Short-distance barriers affect genetic variability of Rhizophora mangle L. in the Yucatan Peninsula

The environmental variability at local scale results in different physiognomic types of mangrove forest. However, this variability has never been considered in studies of mangrove genetic variability. This study analyzed the genetic and morphological variability and structure of Rhizophora mangle at regional and local scales in the Yucatan Peninsula. Thirteen mangrove populations (eight scrub and five tall), located in seven sites, were sampled, and their morphological variability and relationship with the availability of phosphorus and salinity were analyzed. The diversity and genetic structure were estimated at different hierarchical levels with nine microsatellites, also Bayesian inference and Principal Coordinates Analysis were used. We found a great morphological variability of R. mangle that responded to local environmental variability and not to the precipitation gradient of the peninsula. The genetic diversity found in the peninsula was greater than that reported for other populations in Mexico and was grouped into two regions: the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. At a local scale, tall and scrub mangroves had significant genetic differentiation suggesting that ecological barriers promote genetic differentiation within sites. These results need to be considered in future population genetic studies and for mangrove management and conservation.