Patterns of geographic distribution have a considerable influence on population genetic structure in one common and two rare species of Rhododendron (Ericaceae)

Genetic diversity is essential for species to sustain their populations and evolutionary potential. In order to develop effective conservation strategies for rare species, it is necessary to understand differences in patterns of genetic diversity between common and rare species. Data about population genetic structure is important to design effective conservation strategies for rare species. In this study, we compared the genetic diversity and population genetic structure of a common species, Rhododendron weyrichii, to those of two rare species, Rhododendron sanctum and Rhododendron amagianum, with different geographic distributions. We analyzed five microsatellite loci in 16 populations of R. weyrichii, 9 populations of R. sanctum, and 6 populations of R. amagianum. As expected, the level of genetic diversity indicated by allelic richness and gene diversity was lower for the rare species R. sanctum than for the common species R. weyrichii. However, there was no statistically significan...