TAXUS PARKS

In this project, demographic and genetic processes were characterized in Taxus baccata L. populations within the Spanish National Parks Network in order to evaluate their evolutionary potential and conservation status. Results indicated small population sizes and irregular are structures, inbreeding, and strong reductions of the effective population size in all populations starting around 100,000-300,000 years BP). In addition, among population differences and selection signatures in potentially adaptive genes (taxol pathway) were detected, possibly related to varying adaptive pressures. This information was transferred to park managers to improve management strategies and monitoring activities for the conservation of the species.