Conserving phylogenetic diversity, with reference to Victorian eucalypts

Abstract

Preserving the tree of life (i.e. phylogenetic diversity) is increasingly recognised as important in conservation. Australia is a key area for retaining the tree of life because it holds a disproportionately large amount of phylogenetic diversity. We examine the degree to which the phylogenetic diversity of Victorian eucalypts is reserved within conservation areas. Based on modelled distributions of 101 eucalypt species and a phylogeny constructed from four molecular markers, we show that Victoria’s conservation reserve system contains approximately a quarter of the eucalypt phylogenetic diversity. Some species do not exist at all within the reserve system. Large increases in reserved phylogenetic diversity could be achieved with small increases in the area set aside for conservation. Further, we show that any developments within Victoria’s national parks should consider impacts on the reservation of eucalypt phylogenetic diversity.