Assessing Genetic Diversity in Critically Endangered Chieniodendron hainanense Populations within Fragmented Habitats in Hainan

Abstract Habitat fragmentation engenders a reduction in the geographic distribution of species, thereby rendering diminutive populations susceptible to extinction due to environmental, demographic, and genetic factors. Chieniodendron hainanense (henceforth C. hainanense) exemplifies a wild plant with extremely small populations (WPESP) and faces endangerment, necessitating urgent national conservation efforts. Elucidating the genetic diversity of C. hainanense is crucial for uncovering underlying mechanisms and devising protective strategies. In the present study, 35 specimens from six distinct cohort groups were genotyped utilizing genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) methodologies. The results indicated that C. hainanense exhibits limited genetic diversity. Observed heterozygosity within C. hainanense populations spanned from 10.79% to 14.55%, with an average value of 13.15%. The six C. hainanense populations can be categorized into two distinct groups: (1) Diaoluoshan and Baishaling, and (2) Wuzhishan, Huishan, Bawangling, and Jianfengling. The degree of genetic differentiation among C. hainanense populations is relatively weak. The observed loss of diversity can be attributed to the effects of natural selection.