Conserving Biodiversity Ex Situ - Limestone Barrens of Newfoundland, Canada

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Conserving Biodiversity Ex Situ

With current populations of our three endemic species [ie. Fernald's Braya, Long's Braya, and Barrens Willow] under threat and/or declining, it is vital that both on-site (in situ) and off-site (ex situ) conservation efforts be in play.

The challenge is to develop precise ex situ protocols for growing these species. This is being done at the Memorial University Botanical Garden (ref. Driscoll (2006)).

Several methods are being used to establish viable, "fail safe" populations and maintain the genetic diversity of all three species in off site facilities. These methods include:

Developing protocols for the persistence of live plants at the Memorial Botanical Garden. In other words, being able to grow these plants with success at the Botanical Garden. Experimentation with soil characteristics, drainage and environmental conditions is ongoing in order to optimise growth of these plants.

Germination.

Braya, ex situ. Photo: Todd Boland. [CLICK image to enlarge.]

Salix jejuna, ex situ. Photo: Todd Boland. [CLICK image to enlarge.]

Seed banking. This method involves storing seed in a freezer for long periods of time. Both Braya longii and Braya fernaldii seeds remain viable for several years if stored properly. Originally Salix jejuna seed was assumed to have low longevity and viability. However, preliminary work on Salix jejuna indicates that seeds remain viable for much longer; this will play a critical role in our ability to develop a seed bank that preserves individuals from their entire distribution.

The third method includes developing tissue culture protocols for all three species. Not only does tissue culture allow these plants to grow in a sterile environment, (free of bacteria, fungus and insects) it allows the mass propagation of individuals from a very small amount of tissue.

Barrens willow in tissue culture

Braya in tissue culture

The development of these protocols and the building of an ex situ collection will be invaluable as a failsafe in the event that the natural populations are extirpated (the plants become extinct in the wild). They will also be used for experimentation to reduce impact on natural populations and for reintroduction trials at suitable sites. Ex situ populations will arrest the erosion of the genetic diversity that is occurring in nature.

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