Abstract
This indicator provides information on the number and distribution of forest-associated species at risk of losing genetic variation across their geographic range. Comparing a species' current geographic distribution with its historic distribution is the basis for identifying those species whose range has contracted significantly. Human activities are accelerating changes in species' distributions through land use conversions, climate change, the alteration of native habitats, the introduction of exotic species, and direct exploitation. The size of a species' distribution is often related to the number of genetically distinct populations that exist. Consequently, species that currently occupy a smaller portion of their former distribution signals a potential lost of their genetic variation. This erosion in genetic variation makes species less able to adapt to environmental change, increases the risk of extinction, and lowers the overall resilience of forest ecosystems.
Keywords
indicator,
species,
at-risk,
genetic variation,
geographic range
Citation
Flather, C. H.; Knowles, M. S; Sieg, C. H. 2011. Indicator 1.07. Number and geographic distribution of forest-associated species at risk of losing genetic variation and locally adapted genotypes. In: National report on sustainable forests - 2010. FS-979. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service: II-27-II-29.
