Comparing Genetic Diversity in Three Threatened Oaks

Genetic diversity is a critical resource for species’ survival during times of environmental change. Conserving and sustainably managing genetic requires understanding the distribution amount (in situ ex situ) across multiple species. This paper focuses on three emblematic IUCN Red List threatened oaks (Quercus, Fagaceae), highly speciose tree genus that contains numerous rare species poses challenges conservation. We compare oak species—Quercus georgiana, Q. oglethorpensis, boyntonii—to common oaks; investigate correlation range size, population abiotic environment with within among populations in situ; test how well preserved botanic gardens correlates geographic size. Our main findings are: (1) these generally have lower than more abundant (2) some cases, small size correlate differentiation; (3) currently protected inadequately predicted by number samples preserved, suggesting non-random sampling conservation collections. results highlight most managed to avoid severe erosion, but their will likely necessitate management going forward.