Genetic Diversity and Structure of Quercus hondae, a Rare Evergreen Oak Species in Southwestern Japan

Conservation of rare species is essential for maintaining ecosystem function. Quercus hondae a evergreen oak (Cyclobalanopsis) endemic to Japan. This found in several locations Southwestern Japan; small populations remain the tutelary forests Japanese shrine. To evaluate genetic diversity and phylogeographic structure this species, 11 microsatellite loci chloroplast DNA sequences are analyzed 12 Q. 8 more widespread congeneric glauca. It that heterozygosity at both population level substantially lower than Genetic differentiation among was high, contrast glauca, which exhibit largely insignificant differentiation. STRUCTURE analysis shows K = 7, clusters corresponded major predefined populations. study suggests there little gene flow extant genetically differentiated due greater effect drift pattern sharp common will be an important consideration conservation hondae.