ID: 613 / 160

Category: Symposia

Track: Pending

Proposed Symposium Title: NATURAL HYBRIDIZATION AND SPECIES CONSERVATION. SESSION 1

Abstract: Hybridization is one of the most controversial issues in plant conservation. From genetic assimilation and outbreeding depression to new adaptive genes or the creation of new lineages, natural hybridization is a complex evolutionary processs where multiple, conflicting, outcomes might occur. Despite its potential role, a precaucionary principle is usually applied for endangered species if hybridization is thought to occur. Ultimately, newly formed hybrid lineages are not elegible for protection under current conservation rules. However, the recognition of the historical role of natural hybridization in the origin of many lineages and its increasing likelihood under the context of climate changes calls for a re-evaluation of guidelines. Climate-mediated changes will dramatically alter the distribution, isolation and adaptative ability of species. Our ability to keep pace with such changes will be key to future conservation decisions to tackle biodiversity loss. Thus, this symposium aims to aims to provide an international multidisciplinary platform for discussing the benefits and risks of conserving hybrid lineages, and the suitability of hybridization as a conservation tool. SYMPOSIUM OBJECTIVES • To debate and identify gaps and priority areas for evaluating research- and practice-based studies • To explore and discuss challenges and opportunities in the new genomic era for evidence-informed guidelines care and policy formulation concerning hybrids. • Assess the risk of hybridization against the risk of extinction and ecosystem system function loss • To facilitate opportunities for networking, collaboration and exchange of ideas with internationally renowned leaders and experts in evidence-based practice

Speaker 1: Name: André Carneiro Muniz Institutional affiliation: Departamento de Genética, Ecologia e Evolução, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais. Rua Padre Manoel da Nóbrega, Contagem/MG, Brasil. CEP: 32240-530 e-mail: andrecarneiromuniz@yahoo.com.br Tentative talk title: Studies of hybrid zones in the ecotonal areas of the Cerrado/Atlantic Forest: Implications for conservation of threatened groups of neotropical trees

Speaker 2: Name: David Draper Institutional affiliation: Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes (cE3c) & CHANGE - Global Change and Sustainability Institute, Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal e-mail: ddmuntgmail.com Tentative talk title: Protected species vs. evolutionary trends: how to manage the dilemma on conservation?

Speaker 3: Name: Fabio Pinheiro Institutional affiliation: University of Campinas, Institute of Biology, Department of Plant Biology, Campinas - SP, Brazil e-mail: biopin@unicamp.br Tentative talk title: The evolution of reproductive barriers in the biggest monocot genus of Neotropics, Epidendrum (Orchidaceae)

Topics (Up to three): Hybrids and Hybridization

Topic 2: Conservation Biology

Topic 3: Reproductive Biology

Justification: Hybridization has always been seen as residual or just a threat from a conservation point of view. It is a fundamental process in plant evolution with strong implications for the conservation of species (current and future). The topic of the symposium is transversal to Conservation Biology, Biogeography, Plant Interactions or Reproductive Biology. The issue of conservation of hybrids will be discussed based on various case studies and experiencies. The implications for the conservation of parental species or the need to adapt management tools and legislation to the evolutionary reality will be topics of discussion and debate.