Evolutionary processes in an undescribed eucalypt: implications for the translocation of a critically endangered species

Background and Aims Knowledge of the evolutionary processes responsible for the distribution of threatened and highly localised species is important for their conservation. Population genomics can provide insights into evolutionary processes to inform management practices, including the translocation of threatened plant species. In this study, we focus on a critically endangered eucalypt, Eucalyptus sp. Cattai, which is restricted to a 40 km 2 area of Sydney, Australia and is threatened by increased urbanisation. Eucalyptus sp. Cattai is yet to be formally described in part due to its suspected hybrid origin. Here, we examined evolutionary processes and species boundaries in E. sp. Cattai to determine whether translocation was warranted. Methods We used genome-wide scans to investigate the evolutionary relationships of E. sp. Cattai with related species, and to assess levels of genetic health and admixture. Morphological trait and genomic data were obtained from seedlings of E. sp. Catt...