Pinus chiapensis, a keystone species: Genetics, ecology, and conservation

We present an overview of recent studies carried out on Pinus chiapensis (Mart.) Andresen (Pinus strobus var. chiapensis Mart.) and provide management and conservation recommendations. Because of its wood quality, and being commonly used by 12 ethnic groups, this pine is an outstanding forest resource at mid-altitude humid mountains of southern Mexico and Guatemala. P. chiapensis appears to be a distinctive species, closely related with North American white pines, and a potential valuable resource for establishing breeding programs with such species. P. chiapensis is the most abundant tree species in early successional stands of the tropical montane cloud forest playing a key role in ecosystem regeneration particularly in areas managed under slash-and-burn practices. However, many natural stands of this pine are severely reduced. Molecular studies based on isozymes and DNA markers reveal low genetic diversity, the lowest compared with its closest relatives (P. ayacahuite, P. monticola and P. strobus). Heterozygosity and seed viability increase significantly with population size, and inbreeding depression appears to significantly decrease seed viability, suggesting the involvement of genetic factors on population decline. Low population size is associated with both lack of perturbation in well-preserved habitats and high deforestation rates in severely disturbed habitats. Conservation and management practices require preserving and restoring connections between suitable habitats to enhance gene flow between populations, and on careful programs that monitor and control slash-and-burn practices. Restoration practices should use seeds from as many tree sources as possible to reduce inbreeding risks. Spline climate models predict significant increases in temperature, decreases in precipitation and consequently an increase of aridity along the range of P. chiapensis. Thus, assisted migration would be needed to match present genotypes to forecasted climate changes.