Incorporating Genetic Diversity to Optimize the Plant Conservation Network in the Third Pole

Area of Science:

• Ecology
• Conservation Biology
• Population Genetics

Background:

• Climate change is a major driver of biodiversity loss.
• Protected areas are vital but often lack systematic planning and genetic diversity integration.
• Genetic diversity is essential for species adaptation and survival.

Purpose of the Study:

• To map genetic diversity patterns in Third Pole plant species.
• To project climate-driven range shifts and genetic erosion.
• To design an optimized conservation framework incorporating genetic diversity.

Main Methods:

• Utilized population genetic and distribution data for 96 plant species.
• Employed regression models to identify climate and topographic drivers of genetic diversity.
• Applied ecological niche modeling to predict future habitat shifts and genetic diversity loss.

Main Results:

• Identified high haplotype diversity (H_D) patches, particularly in the southeastern Third Pole.
• Latitude and precipitation were key predictors of genetic diversity for cpDNA and nrDNA, respectively.
• Projected significant habitat shifts and potential loss of up to 15.49% of genetic diversity under future climate scenarios.

Conclusions:

• Existing protected areas inadequately cover crucial genetic diversity hotspots.
• An expansion of conservation areas by 5.91% is recommended to preserve plant evolutionary potential.
• This study pioneers the integration of genetic diversity into regional conservation strategies.