Title : From rediscovery to recovery: Integrated ecological, biotechnological, and genetic strategies for conserving madhuca insignis
Abstract:
Madhuca insignis (Sapotaceae), a critically endangered riparian tree species, was rediscovered in the Udupi District of Karnataka, India, after a 120-year hiatus. Despite subsequent sightings in fragmented pockets across Karnataka and Kerala, the species remains at extreme risk due to its isolated populations and precarious habitat. This study establishes a multidisciplinary framework to identify the causes of population decline and implement an integrated conservation strategy using biotechnological and ecological approaches. To address immediate survival, field explorations were conducted to assess habitat characteristics and anthropogenic threats, followed by the initiation of ex situ conservation through plant tissue culture for mass propagation. Parallel investigations into associated endophytic fungi were performed to evaluate their contribution to host fitness, while regenerated plantlets were reintroduced into protected natural habitats to facilitate recovery. This was complemented by Ecological Niche Modelling (ENM) and spatial mapping, which not only identified high-probability conservation zones but also led to the discovery of two previously unreported populations. Finally, the study addressed genetic constraints using ITS markers to analyze gene flow and adaptive variation, alongside the development of RAPD-derived SCAR markers for precise molecular identification. Collectively, this research provides a comprehensive, science-based blueprint for the long-term recovery of M. insignis and similar threatened tropical taxa.
Keywords: Madhuca insignis, Riparian, ENM modelling, SCAR marker,Reintroduction
