Using genomic information for management planning of an endangered perennial, Viola uliginosa

Species occupying habitats subjected to frequent natural and/or
anthropogenic changes are a challenge for conservation management. We
studied one such species, Viola uliginosa, an endangered perennial wetland
species typically inhabiting sporadically flooded meadows alongside
rivers/lakes. In order to estimate genomic diversity, population structure
and history, we sampled five sites in Finland, three in Estonia, and one
each in Slovenia, Belarus, and Poland using genomic SNP data with
double-digest restriction site associated DNA sequencing (ddRAD-seq). We
found monophyletic populations, high levels of inbreeding (mean population
FSNP = 0.407 – 0.945), low effective population sizes (Ne = 0.8 – 50.9),
indications of past demographic expansion and rare long-distance
dispersal. Our results are important in implementing conservation
strategies for Viola uliginosa, which should include founding of seed
banks, ex situ cultivations, and re-introductions with individuals of
proper origin, combined with continuous population monitoring and habitat
management.