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Authors
Advisor(s)
Abstract(s)
Oceanic islands are known for their high levels of plant diversity, due to disjunct
geographical distribution that leads to speciation. The main factors contributing to
genetic speciation includes the creation of a barrier within a previously widely distributed taxon and the limited dispersal of seeds, which favours genetic differentiation and, thus, fosters rapid speciation. Plant survival and population fitness vary
according to environmental factors and to human interference. This chapter depicts
the importance of oceanic islands as biodiversity hotspots, discusses the threats to
which endemic plants on islands are exposed, namely climate change, invasive alien
species, urbanisation, touristic activities, fire, changes in agriculture practices and
collecting pressure. The best practices worldwide to protect endemic plant species
in protected areas are also addressed, namely the implementation of prevention and
mitigation actions, the programs executed to protect endemic species, and management plans to avoid future threats.
Description
Keywords
Invasive alien species Climate change Small islands Conservation Endemism
Citation
Publisher
Intech Open