# On the Precipice of Extinction: Genetic Data in the Conservation Management of In Situ and Ex Situ Collections of the Critically Endangered Muehlenbeckia tuggeranong (Tuggeranong Lignum)

## TL;DR

This study uses genetic data to guide the conservation of the critically endangered Muehlenbeckia tuggeranong, finding that ex situ collections have higher genetic diversity than in situ populations.

## Contribution

The study provides a genetically informed breeding strategy for the rarest plant in the Australian Capital Territory.

## Key findings

- Recent seedlings in the ex situ collection resulted from sexual reproduction, not hybridization.
- Ex situ populations show greater genetic diversity than the remaining in situ individuals.
- Simulations identified optimal breeding pairs to minimize genetic diversity loss.

## Abstract

Muehlenbeckia tuggeranong is an endangered subshrub with an estimated seven individuals remaining in its native habitat, and twelve held in an ex situ living collection in the Australian National Botanic Gardens, Canberra. We conducted a genetic analysis on all known individuals of the species both in situ and ex situ to inform the conservation management of one of the rarest plants in Australia, certainly the rarest in the Australian Capital Territory. We found recent seedlings did not result from hybridisation with M. axillaris but resulted from sexual reproduction within the ex situ collection, leading to greater genetic diversity ex situ than in situ. However, low genetic diversity across the species indicates a high risk of extinction. Through simulations we identified the optimal breeding pairs to minimise further genetic diversity loss and increase the number of available genotypes for future reintroduction. Our work highlights the need to incorporate genetically informed breeding programs into living collections management of endangered plant species, particular those with unique life history traits.