Genetic Evidence of the Contribution of Ethnic Migrations to the Propagation and Persistence of the Rare and Declining Scrambling Shrub Caesalpinia bonduc L.

This paper examines the contribution of human migrations to the propagation and maintenance of Caesalpina bonduc by means of an analysis of its population genetics and distribution patterns. One hundred and forty seven sites were surveyed in the three climatic zones of Benin and all individuals of the species were recorded. A set of individuals was randomly selected and sampled from seven populations and morphological variation and genetic diversity were assessed. The study confirmed the presence of the species in all climatic zones but its abundance varied greatly. Morphological variability between populations and zones was low in comparison with the high amount of variation within populations. AFLP and cpDNA finger- printing revealed an extremely low genetic diversity within populations and a low genetic differentiation, suggesting parental links between populations. The results support the hypothesis of human involvement in Caesalpinia dispersal and persistence in Benin. However, the low genetic diversity may imply high risks for future extinction. We recommend that gene flow among the remaining populations be supported in order to conserve the species.

Source de publication: Human Ecology (2012) 40:117–128

Contacts du ou des auteurs: Achille E. Assogbadjo  (assogbadjo@gmail.com) Belarmain Fandohan (bfandohan@gmail.com), Romain Glèlè Kakaï (glele.romain@gmail.com),Tina Kyndt, Olivier J. Hardy, G. Gheysen, Brice Sinsin