The California forest germplasm conservation project: a case for genetic conservation of temperate tree species

Abstract

Tremendous species diversity, together with accelerating deforestation and land development, has been a formula for rampant extinction and community collapse in tropical forests. Conservationists have brought the crisis of tropical forests to the attention of the international community, showing that continued efforts are needed to conserve the biotic riches of these regions. The forests of temperate latitudes, although less in worldwide focus, also have urgent conservation needs, but of a somewhat different nature. As in tropical forests, biodiversity in temperate forests is high, and the threats faced are many. This great diversity resides not so much in high species numbers, but in the genetic variation that exists within species.

Citation

Millar, Constance I. 1987. The California forest germplasm conservation project: a case for genetic conservation of temperate tree species. International Conservation News 1(3):191-193