One of the topics currently under discussion in biological invasions is whether the species’ climatic niche has been conserved or, alternatively, has diverged during invasions. Here, we explore niche dynamic processes using the complex invasion history model ofLilium lancifolium, which is the first tested case of a native species (Korea) with two hypothesized spatial (regional and intercontinental) and temporal arrivals: (1) as an archaeophyte in East Asia (before AD 1500); and (2) as a neophyte in Europe, North America, Australia, and New Zealand (after AD 1500). Following a niche examination through both environmental and geographical spaces, the species in the archaeophyte range has apparently filled the ancestral native niche and, rather, would have increased it considerably. The species as a neophyte shows a closer climatic match with the archaeophyte range than with the native one. This pattern of niche similarity suggests that the neophyte range was probably colonized by a subset of archaeophyte propagules adapted to local climate that promoted the species’ establishment. Overall, niche conservatism is proposed at each colonization step, from native to archaeophyte, and from archaeophyte to neophyte ranges. We detected signals of an advanced invasion stage within the archaeophyte range and traces of an early introduction stage in neophyte ranges.

Hanabusaya asiatica (Nakai) Nakai (Campanulaceae), a bee‐ pollinated, perennial herb, is restricted to the mountainous regions of the eastern‐central Korean peninsula. Allozyme analyses for 348 individuals assessed the levels of genetic diversity for five populations. Spatial autocorrelation statistics were also used to examine the spatial distribution of allozyme polymorphisms. The species maintains high levels of allozyme diversity (H_eS = 0.217) and it exhibits low allozyme differentiation among populations (G_ST = 0.132) compared with other endemics (mean H_e = 0.096, G_ST = 0.248). There is an apparent pattern of isolation by distance among populations. These results suggest that H. asiatica is at a genetic equilibrium. A considerable deficit in numbers of heterozygotes suggests mating among relatives in populations. At least three populations of H. asiatica should be sampled or conserved to capture or maintain > 99 % of the genetic diversity in the species as a whole. Within local populations, individuals are distributed in a structured, isolation by distance, manner. Approximate genetic patch width in the populations of H. asiatica examined is 5 ‐ 8 m. For conservation purposes, it is suggested that, in general, the sampling of H. asiatica should be conducted at intervals in order to efficiently sample the genetic diversity across an entire population.

Background: Glandora oleifolia is one of the most narrowly restricted endemics of the Iberian Peninsula. It occurs in two locations, separated by 5 km in the south-eastern Pyrenees. The species is listed as ‘vulnerable’ in the Spanish Red List, and it is legally protected in Catalonia. Aims: To study the genetic diversity and population structure, and to review the conservation status and the threats to the survival of this species. Methods: The genetic variation of the two extant subpopulations was surveyed by means of allozymes and random amplification of polymorphic DNA (RAPD). Results: Both markers indicated depleted levels of genetic variability for G. oleifolia, in agreement with the expectation for endemic species, and low genetic divergence among the two subpopulations (below 10% with the two nuclear markers). Conclusions: The evolutionary history of this palaeoendemic species – repeated population bottlenecks and/or local extinction of populations during the glacial periods of the Quaternary – could have enhanced the loss of its genetic diversity.

Several papers deal with a conservation genetics gap in which plant conservation and restoration managers or practitioners do not soundly integrate population genetics information into conservation management. Authors concerned about this issue point out that practitioners perceive genetic research results to be impractical or unnecessary in the short term due to time and financial constraints. In addition, researchers often fail to translate research findings into comprehensive, jargon-free recommendations effectively. If possible, conservation-related or conservation-oriented articles should be easily written to bridge the research–implementation gap. Finally, based on a previously published prioritization framework for conservation genetics scenarios, we introduce four simple genetic categories by exemplifying each case. We hope that conservation practitioners could employ these suggested guidelines for the prioritization of population- and species-level management.