4.3 Conservation and Management Strategies
The findings of this study hold significant implications for the
conservation and management of critically endangered C.
hainanense populations within fragmented habitats in Hainan. Based on
the observed patterns of genetic diversity, population structure, and
inbreeding, the following conservation and management strategies are
recommended:
- Habitat protection and restoration: Prioritize the preservation of
existing habitats and restore degraded areas to improve habitat
quality and connectivity. Enhancing connectivity between fragmented
habitats will facilitate gene flow among C. hainanense populations,
promoting genetic diversity and reducing the risk of inbreeding.
- Assisted gene flow and population augmentation: Introduce individuals
from genetically diverse populations into small, isolated populations
to increase genetic diversity and reduce inbreeding. This approach
should be undertaken cautiously, considering potential ecological and
genetic risks, such as outbreeding depression and disruption of local
adaptations.
- In-situ conservation: Efforts to protect the natural habitats ofC. hainanense should be prioritized. This includes maintaining
or establishing protected areas, enforcing regulations to prevent
habitat destruction, and promoting sustainable land use practices.
- Ex situ conservation: Establish ex situ conservation programs, such as
seed banks and living collections in botanical gardens, to preserve
the genetic diversity of C. hainanense. These efforts can serve as a
genetic reservoir for potential reintroduction or population
augmentation initiatives in the future.
- Monitoring and adaptive management: Implement long-term monitoring
programs to track changes in genetic diversity, population structure,
and habitat conditions. Utilize the collected data to inform adaptive
management strategies, ensuring the conservation efforts remain
effective and responsive to emerging threats or changing
circumstances.
- Community engagement and education: Involve local communities in
conservation efforts by raising awareness about the importance of
preserving C. hainanense and its habitat. Promote sustainable land use
practices and develop community-based conservation initiatives to
empower local stakeholders in the protection and restoration of the
species’ habitat.
- Legal protection and policy development: Strengthen the legal
protection status of C. hainanense and its habitat by incorporating
the species into national and regional conservation plans. Develop and
enforce policies that minimize habitat destruction, such as regulating
land-use change, deforestation, and infrastructure development within
the species’ range.
- Collaborative research and information sharing: Foster collaboration
among researchers, conservation practitioners, and policymakers to
facilitate the exchange of knowledge, data, and best practices in the
conservation of C. hainanense. Encourage interdisciplinary research
that integrates genetics, ecology, and social science to develop
comprehensive conservation strategies.
- Climate change adaptation: Consider the potential impacts of climate
change on C. hainanense populations and their habitats. Develop
proactive conservation measures that enhance the species’ resilience
to climate change, such as assisted migration, habitat restoration in
areas with suitable future climatic conditions, and incorporation of
climate change projections into spatial conservation planning.
By implementing these conservation and management strategies, we can
contribute to the preservation and restoration of the critically
endangered C. hainanense and its fragmented habitats in Hainan,
while also informing efforts to protect other endangered plant species
facing similar challenges.