Scoring of 13 microsatellite loci for Tetrastigma loheri in Cebu (Philippines) based on the fragment length size of their respective alleles

Little is known about the effects of habitat fragmentation on the patterns
of genetic diversity and genetic connectivity of species in the remaining
tropical forests of Southeast Asia. This is particularly evident in Cebu,
a Philippine island that has a long history of deforestation and has lost
nearly all of its forest cover. To begin filling this gap, data from 13
microsatellite loci developed for Tetrastigma loheri (Vitaceae), a common
vine species in Philippine forests, were used to study patterns of genetic
diversity and genetic connectivity for the four largest of the remaining
forest areas in Cebu. Evidence of relatively high levels of inbreeding was
found in all four areas, despite no evidence of low genetic diversity. The
four areas are genetically differentiated, suggesting low genetic
connectivity. The presence of inbreeding and low genetic connectivity in a
commonly encountered species such as T. loheri in Cebu suggests that the
impact of habitat fragmentation is likely greater on rare plant species
with more restricted distributions in Cebu. Conservation recommendations
for the remaining forest areas in Cebu include the establishment of
steppingstone corridors between nearby areas to improve the movement of
pollinators and seed dispersers among them.