In-situ and ex-situ conservation priorities and distribution of lentil wild relatives under climate change: A modelling approach

Lentil wild relatives are an important source of desirable traits that can be used for improving the productivity and resilience of cultivated lentil. Yet, our understanding of their habitat suitability and associated environmental factors remains limited. This study aimed to (i) assess climate change's impact on the potential distribution of six wild lentil species (Lens culinaris subsp. orientalis, L. culinaris subsp. tomentosus, L. culinaris subsp. odemensis, Lens ervoides, Lens lamotte and Lens nigricans) under various climate scenarios and (ii) assess their risk of extinction and determine their in-situ and ex-situ conservation status. We used a species distribution modelling approach with MaxEnt to assess the present and future potential distribution of wild lentil species. Extinction risk was evaluated based on International Union of Conservation of Nature criterion B, and the conservation status was assessed using the GapAnalysis method. The precipitation of the coldest quarter (bio19) and the minimum temperature of the coldest month (bio6) were found as the most important variables influencing the distribution of wild lentil species. Final Conservation Score (FCS) ranged from 17.85 and 37.55, highlighting three wild lentil species (L. ervoides, L. nigricans, and L. culinaris subsp. tomentosus) with high priority for conservation and medium priority for the remaining species. L. culinaris subsp. tomentosus is categorized as a vulnerable species, while the other five species are of least concern or near threatened. Synthesis and applications: This study underscores the urgent need for policy development to safeguard the diversity of lentil wild relatives in the face of climate change. The identified vulnerability of Lens culinaris subsp. tomentosus, among others, needs prompt and proactive conservation actions. Key management practices include the establishment and expansion of protected areas, habitat restoration, and the promotion of sustainable land use practices. The integration of effective in-situ and ex-situ conservation strategies, along with ecological management practices, is essential. These measures, not only, enhance biodiversity conservation but also improve the resilience of agricultural ecosystems. Such an approach is pivotal in shaping effective conservation management practices for lentil wild relatives, promoting a sustainable agricultural system and ensuring food security in an evolving climate scenario.