Conservation genetics of the annual hemiparasitic plant <Emphasis Type="Italic">Melampyrum sylvaticum</Emphasis> (Orobanchaceae) in the UK and Scandinavia

Melampyrum sylvaticum is an endangered annual hemiparasitic plant that is found in only 19 small and isolated populations in the United Kingdom (UK). To evaluate the genetic consequences of this patchy distribution we compared levels of diversity, inbreeding and differentiation from ten populations from the UK with eight relatively large populations from Sweden and Norway where the species is more continuously distributed. We demonstrate that in both the UK and Scandinavia, the species is highly inbreeding (global F _IS = 0.899). Levels of population differentiation were high (F’_ST = 0.892) and significantly higher amongst UK populations (F’_ST = 0.949) than Scandinavian populations (F’_ST = 0.762; P < 0.01). The isolated populations in the UK have, on average, lower genetic diversity (allelic richness, proportion of loci that are polymorphic, gene diversity) than Scandinavian populations, and this diversity difference is associated with the smaller census size and population area of UK populations. From a conservation perspective, the naturally inbreeding nature of the species may buffer the species against immediate effects of inbreeding depression, but the markedly lower levels of genetic diversity in UK populations may represent a genetic constraint to evolutionary change. In addition, the high levels of population differentiation suggest that gene flow among populations will not be effective at replenishing lost variation. We thus recommend supporting in situ conservation management with ex situ populations and human-mediated seed dispersal among selected populations in the UK.     

Physiological responses of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Abies faxoniana</Emphasis> populations from different elevations to increased CO<Subscript>2</Subscript> and N application

The altitude-related responses to the increased application of CO₂, N, and their combination were investigated in two Abies faxoniana populations, which originated from a subalpine coniferous forest at elevations of 2,580 and 3,200 m using closed-top chambers. The two contrasting populations were subjected to two CO₂ regimes (350 and 700 µmol mol^?1) and two N levels (0 and 5 g N m^?2 year^?1). Their net photosynthetic rate, non-structural carbohydrate concentration, and photosynthetic N use efficiency (PNUE) increased under elevated CO₂. However, the increases detected in the high-elevation (HE) population were significantly greater than those found in the low-elevation (LE) population. Under elevated CO₂ and N application, the maximal carboxylation rate (V _cmax) increased in HE population, whereas no effects were found on V _cmax in LE population. The C to N ratio decreased under N application in both populations. N application also induced the HE population to show greater increases in free amino acids, soluble proteins, N concentration, and PNUE than LE population. These results suggested that the population from HE was more sensitive to elevated CO₂ and (or) N application than LE population. Results of this study provided valuable knowledge for predicting forest development under increased atmospheric CO₂ concentration and (or) N deposition.     

Investigation of karyotypic composition and evolution in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Lilium</Emphasis> species belonging to the section martagon

Analyzing chromosomal traits is one of the pragmatic ways to establish evolutionary and genetic database of plants that has complicated phylogenetic system. There are some conflicts on the exact phylogeny and evolutionary pathway of Lilium, and section martagon is the most complicated part among them. In this study, chromosomal traits of martagon lily species are described. All martagon lilies were analyzed with FISH (Fluorescence in situ hybridization) technique, followed by detailed karyotyping. Each species showed 2n = 2x = 24 of chromosome complement. Size of chromosomes ranged from 451.04 to 680.06 µm. 5S and 45S ribosomal DNA, general molecular markers in modern evolutionary research were used as probe in this study. Variation in rDNA loci and chromosome translocation were observed in Lilium hansonii; the highest number of 45S rDNA loci was detected in Lilium hansonii, followed by other martagon lilies, in similar locations but with differences, and chromosome translocation was observed from one individual of Lilium hansonii. Additionally, Lilium tsingtauense from Jeju-do Island, Korea was detected with two extra chromosomes. These kind of genetic variations through karyotyping indicate ongoing genetic variations in martagon lilies. In this study, precise analysis of chromosome traits in Lilium species belonging to section martagonperformed to contribute to better comprehension of the evolutionary pathway and establishment of cytogenetic database for further plant breeding research.     

Distributional and ecophysiological study on the Antarctic lichens species pair <Emphasis Type="Italic">Usnea antarctica</Emphasis>/<Emphasis Type="Italic">Usnea aurantiaco</Emphasis>-<Emphasis Type="Italic">atra</Emphasis>

The factors that control lichen distribution in Antarctica are still not well understood, and in this investigation we focused on the distribution, local and continental, and gas exchange of a species pair, closely related lichens with differing reproductive strategies, Usnea aurantiaco-atra (fertile) and Usnea antarctica (sterile, sorediate). The local distributions of these species were recorded along an altitudinal gradient of nearly 300 m at South Bay, Livingston Island, and microclimate was also recorded over 1 year. The photosynthetic responses to temperature, light and thallus water content were determined under controlled conditions in the laboratory. The species were almost identical in their photosynthetic profiles. Locally, on Livingston Island, U. antarctica was confined to low altitude sites which were warmer and drier, whilst U. aurantiaco-atra was present at all altitudes. This contrasts with its distribution across Antarctica where U. antarctica grows 9° latitude further south than U. aurantiaco-atra. Temperature appears not to be the main controller of distribution in these species, but dryness of habitat, which will influence length of activity periods, may be important.     

Genetic diversity of the African poplar (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Populus ilicifolia</Emphasis>) populations in Kenya

We evaluated the genetic diversity of the African poplar (Populus ilicifolia) populations found in Kenya compared with reference samples of five poplar species from North America and one species introduced in Kenya from India (KEFRI-Kenya). Amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) was used with the objective of providing important information for breeding and in situ/ex situ conservation of this species. Samples collected from three locations along the species’ natural range (Athi, Ewaso Nyiro, and Tana rivers) were compared with four samples of locally planted Populus deltoides stand introduced from India and ten reference samples from North America. Six AFLP primer combinations produced 521 clear bands for analysis. The percentage polymorphic loci were lowest in Tana (20.4 %) and highest in Athi (40.6 %). The average heterozygosity across the studied populations was between 0.07 and 0.3. AMOVA revealed more genetic variation partitioning within population (87 %; P?<?0.01) than among populations (13 %; P?<?0.01) suggesting significant genetic variation between populations. Further, UPGMA delineation showed two clusters of the Tana, Athi, and Ewaso Nyiro populations clustered together compared to the North America and India/KEFRI reference samples. Moreover, the study showed that the Athi population is more diverse than those of Tana and Ewaso Nyiro and may be important for conservation, domestication, and improvement studies. The genetic differentiation (F _ST ?=?0.134) among Kenyan P. ilicifolia populations suggests limited possibility of gene flow between these populations.     

Distribution and habitats of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Phengaris</Emphasis> (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Maculinea</Emphasis>) butterflies and population ecology of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Phengaris</Emphasis><Emphasis Type="Italic">teleius</Emphasis> in China

Many species of the butterfly genus Phengaris are regarded as endangered in many parts of their distribution. Several species are also widely distributed across northern China. Due to land use change and overgrazing, their habitats are declining and many patches have been lost. This paper investigates the distribution and habitats of the Chinese Phengaris species (of the subgenus Maculinea). Shrub-grassland near forests seem the most frequent habitat for Phengaris, while flat open grasslands are mostly over-grazed and thus survival for Phengaris butterflies there seems difficult. Throughout Europe, P. teleius is an endangered species, while there is still no information on its status in China. To improve the knowledge on the population ecology of P. teleius, its population structure, adult behaviour and movement were studied through mark–release–recapture methods in the Qinling Mountains of Taibai County. Eight grassland patches which were potentially suitable were found in the area in 2013. In total, 480 individuals (274 females) were marked, resulting in an overall recapture rate of 16 %. The average daily population size was 44 butterflies (±23 SD) during the adult flight period. Sixty-seven percent of the females and 38 % of the males moved less than 50 m, and 17 % of recaptured females and 38 % of males moved more than 200 m. The mean movement distance was 107 ± 177 m for males and 182 ± 122 m for females. The majority of the recaptures (86 %) were made within the patches, only a few individuals (14 %) moved between patches. Due to human disturbance and destruction, all of the eight potentially suitable patches are becoming smaller and increasingly isolated, thus these populations of P. teleius may face an increasing risk of extinction, which may well be a tip of the iceberg of habitat loss and fragmentation of P. teleius in Taibai County and possibly beyond. Hence we hope our initial study of P. teleius could have positive impacts on the conservation of Phengaris butterflies in China.     

Acclimation of shade-tolerant and light-resistant <Emphasis Type="Italic">Tradescantia</Emphasis> species to growth light: chlorophyll <Emphasis Type="Italic">a</Emphasis> fluorescence,electron transport,and xanthophyll content

In this study, we have compared the photosynthetic characteristics of two contrasting species of Tradescantia plants, T. fluminensis (shade-tolerant species), and T. sillamontana (light-resistant species), grown under the low light (LL, 50–125 µmol photons m^?2 s^?1) or high light (HL, 875–1000 µmol photons m^?2 s^?1) conditions during their entire growth period. For monitoring the functional state of photosynthetic apparatus (PSA), we measured chlorophyll (Chl) a emission fluorescence spectra and kinetics of light-induced changes in the heights of fluorescence peaks at 685 and 740 nm (F ₆₈₅ and F ₇₄₀). We also compared the light-induced oxidation of P₇₀₀ and assayed the composition of carotenoids in Tradescantia leaves grown under the LL and HL conditions. The analyses of slow induction of Chl a fluorescence (SIF) uncovered different traits in the LL- and HL-grown plants of ecologically contrasting Tradescantia species, which may have potential ecophysiological significance with respect to their tolerance to HL stress. The fluorometry and EPR studies of induction events in chloroplasts in situ demonstrated that acclimation of both Tradescantia species to HL conditions promoted faster responses of their PSA as compared to LL-grown plants. Acclimation of both species to HL also caused marked changes in the leaf anatomy and carotenoid composition (an increase in Violaxanthin?+?Antheraxantin?+?Zeaxanthin and Lutein pools), suggesting enhanced photoprotective capacity of the carotenoids in the plants grown in nature under high irradiance. Collectively, the results of the present work suggest that the mechanisms of long-term PSA photoprotection in Tradescantia are based predominantly on the light-induced remodeling of pigment-protein complexes in chloroplasts.     

Density dynamics of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Notholca squamula salina</Emphasis> Focke (Rotifera) in Lake Wujka,a freshwater Antarctic lake

The Antarctic Lake Wujka (62°09′28.3″S, 58°27′56.3″W), a shallow water body (Z _m  = 1.38 m), situated at c.15 m from the seashore was sampled at two points (Sp 1 and Sp 2) at 3-day intervals from December 2003 to June 2004. The two sampling points differing in location and depth: Sp 1 (Z _m  = 0.50 m) was the shallowest site, located near the lake outlet, while Sp 2 (Z _m  = 1.38 m) was the deepest spot of the lake. The population density of Notholca squamula salina peaked in June (at 114 ind. l^?1) at Sp 1, while at Sp 2 peaked in January (80 ind. l^?1) and May (150 ind. l^?1). Spearman non-parametric correlations with temperature, salinity, total dissolved solids, conductivity and pH revealed effects that characterize N. squamula salina as a species capable of surviving in a range of aquatic environments, but with a preference for high salinity, food and low temperature. It occurred in highest numbers when the diatom Achnanthes lanceolata var. rostrata (Øestrup) Hust., normally a benthic species, was stirred up into the water during storms that also raised the lake’s salinity to above 20 psu.     

Population genetic analyses of the endangered alpine <Emphasis Type="Italic">Sinadoxa corydalifolia</Emphasis> (Adoxaceae) provide insights into future conservation

With increasing temperature and anthropogenic activity, endangered alpine species in the high altitudes of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau face high risk of extinction; however, they have received little attention in the past. In this study, we used 12 nuclear and nine chloroplast microsatellites (simple sequence repeats, SSR) to assess genetic diversity within and among the only two populations of the highly endangered alpine species Sinadoxa corydalifolia (Adoxaceae). We identified only one individual exhibiting clonal reproduction across all 160 extant plants. The levels of genetic variability were estimated to be very low, with the allele number N_a = 3.2 and the expected heterozygosity H_e = 0.368. The genetic differentiation is extremely high between the two regional populations (F_ST = 0.214), with a limited rate of gene flow in the recent past. In addition, numerous endemic alleles were found for each subpopulation within each population. Our analyses suggest that it is critical not only to conserve all surviving individuals of the two populations in situ but also to mediate gene flow artificially between subpopulations within each population in this endangered species.     

A systematic revision of the <Emphasis Type="Italic">Encyclia adenocarpos</Emphasis> complex (Orchidaceae: Laeliinae) from Megamexico,including two new species from Mexico

The Encyclia adenocarpos complex is restricted to the Pacific slopes of Megamexico, from Sonora, Mexico, to northern Nicaragua. It is characterized by pyriform to suborbicular pseudobulbs, (1-)2-3(4) thickly coriaceous, narrow leaves (> 15 times longer than wide), thin, verruculose inflorescences, and a verruculose ovary. The column is broad and wingless, fused to the labellum at its proximal 1/4. The flowers of the Encyclia adenocarpos complex feature what is here dubbed the Tupperware© labellum-column morphology, where the columnar ventral face is concave and fits tightly around the rim or upper margins of the callus, similar to the seal of this plasticware. All species grow on dry forests at low elevations from sea level to ca. 1500 m; most populations occurring below 500 m. The complex consists of six species, two of which are newly described herein: E. acapulcensis sp. nov., from southern Guerrero and E. enriquearcilae sp. nov., from western Oaxaca and neighboring Guerrero, Mexico. Encyclia rodolfoi is the correct name for populations of the Tehuantepec Isthmus whereas E. × nizandensis is here regarded as a natural hybrid between E. rodolfoi and E. parviflora; the evidence is presented and discussed. Encyclia schaeferi is treated as a morph of E. papillosa and included in its synonymy. A neotype is selected for Epidendrum adenocarpos and Epidendrum crispatum is rejected as a synonym thereof. All species are illustrated and discussed, and a key to the species is presented. Furthermore, the conservation status of each species is analyzed under the IUCN methodology. Other aspects of the biology of this complex are also discussed.     

Elucidating the multiple genetic lineages and population genetic structure of the brooding coral <Emphasis Type="Italic">Seriatopora</Emphasis> (Scleractinia: Pocilloporidae) in the Ryukyu Archipelago

The elucidation of species diversity and connectivity is essential for conserving coral reef communities and for understanding the characteristics of coral populations. To assess the species diversity, intraspecific genetic diversity, and genetic differentiation among populations of the brooding coral Seriatopora spp., we conducted phylogenetic and population genetic analyses using a mitochondrial DNA control region and microsatellites at ten sites in the Ryukyu Archipelago, Japan. At least three genetic lineages of Seriatopora (Seriatopora-A, -B, and -C) were detected in our specimens. We collected colonies morphologically similar to Seriatopora hystrix, but these may have included multiple, genetically distinct species. Although sexual reproduction maintains the populations of all the genetic lineages, Seriatopora-A and Seriatopora-C had lower genetic diversity than Seriatopora-B. We detected significant genetic differentiation in Seriatopora-B among the three populations as follows: pairwise F _ST = 0.064–0.116 (all P = 0.001), pairwise G′′_ST = 0.107–0.209 (all P = 0.001). Additionally, only one migrant from an unsampled population was genetically identified within Seriatopora-B. Because the peak of the settlement of Seriatopora larvae is within 1 d and almost all larvae are settled within 5 d of spawning, our observations may be related to low dispersal ability. Populations of Seriatopora in the Ryukyu Archipelago will probably not recover unless there is substantial new recruitment from distant populations.     

Genetic assessment of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Abies koreana</Emphasis> (Pinaceae), the endangered Korean fir,and conservation implications

To establish a management plan for endangered and rare species, genetic assessment must first be conducted. The genetic characteristics of plant species are affected by demographic history, reproductive strategy, and distributional range as well as anthropological effects. Abies koreana E. H. Wilson (Pinaceae), Korean fir, is endemic to Korea and found only in sub-alpine areas of the southern Korean Peninsula and Jejudo Island. This species has been designated as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature due to a continuous decline in its range and population fragmentation. We genotyped 176 individuals from seven natural populations and two afforested populations on the Korean Peninsula using 19 microsatellite loci. STRUCTURE analysis revealed two genetic clusters in natural populations (F _st  = 0.040 and R _st  = 0.040) despite low differentiation. We did not detect a significant reduction in genetic diversity or the signature of a genetic bottleneck despite population fragmentation and small population size. We deduced that this species exhibits a metapopulation structure, with the population on Jirisan Mountain acting as a source of genetic diversity for other local small populations on the Korean Peninsula, through contemporary asymmetric gene flow. However, the majority of afforested individuals on the Korean Peninsula originated from a different gene cluster. Thus, we recommend a conservation strategy that maintains two genetically unique clusters.     

Seed dormancy and germination of the rare,high elevation Balkan endemic <Emphasis Type="Italic">Cerastium dinaricum</Emphasis> (Caryophyllaceae)

Short or long-term ex situ conservation is becoming increasingly important in conservation of plants in today’s changing environments. One of the important steps in ex situ conservation is the collection and storage of seeds and the consequent establishment of seed germination protocols. Cerastium dinaricum (Caryophyllaceae) is an endemic, high elevation and rare species of European conservation concern. Because of its severely fragmented distribution along the Dinaric Alps, the populations are likely to undergo further shrinkage in the future, which addresses the need of a long-term effective conservation management. From the potential ex situ population management perspective, we focused our study on germination ecology of C. dinaricum. The study revealed that temperature considerably affected the germination of seeds, which germinate better at 20 °C rather than 10 °C. A period of cold-wet stratification also significantly improved the final germination percentage with more pronounced increase at 20 °C, while addition of GA3 increased the final germination percentage by breaking the dormancy of non-stratified seeds. Mechanical scarification did not improve germination; on the contrary, it resulted in the lowest germination success. Seeds grown in complete darkness germinated significantly better compared to control when they were exposed to cold-wet stratification. Contrary to previous studies on some alpine species, which germinate better when exposed to light, dark treatment resulted in the highest germination percentages with 70 and 90% germination success after 4 and 8 weeks of stratification, respectively.     

Small genome size variation across the range of European beech (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Fagus sylvatica</Emphasis>)

Interpopulation variation of relative and absolute genome size was studied in Fagus sylvatica subsp. sylvatica and subsp. orientalis. The study included 18 populations of beech planted in a common-garden experiment in central Slovakia and three additional populations from the Caucasus. Nuclear DNA content was determined by means of flow cytometry using the AT-specific fluorochrome 4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole and non-specific propidium iodide, and its associations with climate, growth, phenology and physiological traits were assessed. The approximate average nuclear DNA content (2C) across all samples was 1.178 ± 0.020 pg. The lowest mean relative genome sizes were observed in the Alpine range, whereas they increased toward the range margins; no clear trend was observed for 2C values. Temperature seasonality and temperature annual range were found to be negatively associated with genome size. Among phenotypic traits, the maximum chlorophyll a fluorescence yield (Fv/Fm) was found to be negatively correlated with relative genome size, whereas phenology and some photosynthetic parameters were correlated with the 2C values.     

Effects of heat stress on photosynthetic electron transport in a marine cyanobacterium <Emphasis Type="Italic">Arthrospira</Emphasis> sp.

Arthrospira (Spirulina) is widely used as human health food and animal feed. In cultures grown outdoors in open ponds, Arthrospira cells are subjected to various environmental stresses, such as high temperature. A better understanding of the effects of high temperature on photosynthesis may help optimize the productivity of Arthrospira cultures. In this study, the effects of heat stress on photosynthetic rate, chlorophyll a fluorescence transients, and photosystem (PS) II, PSI activities in a marine cyanobacterium Arthrospira sp. were examined. Arthrospira cells grown at 25 °C were treated for 30 min at 25 (control), 30, 34, 37, or 40 °C in the dark. Heat stress (30–37 °C) enhanced net photosynthetic O₂ evolution rate. Heat stress caused over-reduction PSII acceptor side, damage of donor side of PSII, decrease in the energetic connectivity of PSII units, and decrease in the performance of PSII. When the temperature changed from 25 to 37 °C, PSII activity decreased, while PSI activity increased, the enhancement of photosynthetic O₂ evolution was synchronized with the increase in PSI activity. When temperature was further increased to 40 °C, it induced a decrease in photosynthetic O₂ evolution rate and a more severe decrease in PSII activity, but an increase in PSI activity. These results suggest that PSI activity was the decisive factor determining the change of photosynthetic O₂ evolution when Arthrospira was exposed to a temperature from 25 to 37 °C, but then, PSII activity became the decisive factor adjusting the change of photosynthetic O₂ evolution when the temperature was increased to 40 °C.     

Genetic diversity and population structure of the roughskin sculpin (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Trachidermus fasciatus</Emphasis> Heckel) inferred from microsatellite analyses: implications for its conservation and management

Identification of population units is crucial for management and monitoring programs, especially for endangered wild species. The roughskin sculpin (Trachidermus fasciatus Heckel) is a small catadromous fish and has been listed as a second class state protected aquatic animal since 1988 in China. To achieve sustainable conservation of this species, it is necessary to clarify the existing genetic structure both between and within populations. Here, population genetic structure among eight populations of T. fasciatus were analyzed by using 16 highly polymorphic microsatellites. High levels of genetic variation were observed in all populations. All pairwise F _ST estimates were significant after false discovery rate correction (overall average F _ST = 0.054). Furthermore, both STRUCTURE and discriminant analysis of principal components (DAPC) analysis showed that the eight populations were grouped into six clusters. BAYESASS analysis showed generally low recent and asymmetric migration among populations. All these results suggested significant genetic structure across populations. However, there was no isolation by distance relationship among populations, likely resulting from barriers to gene flow created by habitat fragmentation. Our results highlight the need for in situ conservation efforts for T. fasciatus across its entire distribution range, through maximizing habitat size and quality to preserve overall genetic diversity and evolutionary potential.     

Morphological Reassessment of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Triops cancriformis</Emphasis> Bosc (Crustacea: Branchiopoda: Notostraca) Population from Kashmir,India with Comments on the Distribution of the Species in India

Triops cancriformis was reported first from India in 1871 and has been subsequently shown to occur in different regions of the country. In this paper, we have morphologically re-examined the Triops cancriformis population from Kashmir from where this species was first reported. We have compared some morphological traits of our T. cancriformis population with a few closely related species. The result shows that the Kashmir population is more similar to the typical non gonochoric Triops cancriformis in morphology. From literature records, we show that T. cancriformis has a peculiar distribution in India with no record of occurrences below 23°N. We also highlight the 125 years of history of T. cancriformis records from India.     

Beating cold by being tough: impact of elevation on leaf characteristics in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Phleum himalaicum</Emphasis> Mez. endemic to Himalaya

Effect of altitude on leaf responses in Phleum himalaicum populations was evaluated at three different elevation levels, viz. (Low 1200 m.a.s.l.), middle (1600 m a.s.l.) and high (1900 m a.s.l.) in western part of Himalaya. We hypothesized that physico-chemical properties of soil varied along elevation and Phleum populations located at high elevation would adapt more distinct morphological and physiological traits than those originating from middle and low elevation sites. Our study revealed that soil pH, Ec Mg, Ca, and P decreased at high elevation however, significant increase was recorded in soil K, organic matter, and total nitrogen along the elevation gradient. A significant correlation between leaf characteristics and elevation sites was recorded along the gradient. The outcomes of this study showed that highland population had better adjustments under low temperature and exhibited adaptive traits. These were, decreased number of leaves and leaf area, increased leaf blade thickness, intensive sclerification, and greater stomatal and trichome density. Apart from these, high elevation population had more physiological adjustment in terms of low stomatal conductance, low transpiration rate, high water use efficiency, and synthesis of more osmolytes in leaf. We argued that certain level of sugar and protein must be attained by high population to dodge the aggressive climatic forces in order to grow successfully at the highest elevation. Furthermore, altitude between 1600 and 1900 m was more likely an optimum zone for vigorous growth of P. himalaicum at the highest level of elevation.     

Population genetic diversity and geographical differentiation of MHC class II DAB genes in the vulnerable Chinese egret (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Egretta eulophotes</Emphasis>)

Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes are excellent markers for the study of adaptive genetic variation occurring over different geographical scales. The Chinese egret (Egretta eulophotes) is a vulnerable ardeid species with an estimated global population of 2600–3400 individuals. In this study, we sampled 172 individuals of this egret (approximately 6 % of the global population) from five natural populations that span the entire distribution range of this species in China. We examined their population genetic diversity and geographical differentiation at three MHC class II DAB genes by identifying eight exon 2 alleles at Egeu-DAB1, eight at Egeu-DAB2 and four at Egeu-DAB3. Allelic distributions at each of these three Egeu-DAB loci varied substantially within the five populations, while levels of genetic diversity varied slightly among the populations. Analysis of molecular variance showed low but significant genetic differentiation among five populations at all three Egeu-DAB loci (haplotype-based ?_ST: 0.029, 0.020 and 0.042; and distance-based ?_ST: 0.036, 0.027 and 0.043, respectively; all P < 0.01). The Mantel test suggested that this significant population genetic differentiation was likely due to an isolation-by-distance pattern of MHC evolution. However, the phylogenetic analyses and the Bayesian clustering analysis based on the three Egeu-DAB loci indicated that there was little geographical structuring of the genetic differentiation among five populations. These results provide fundamental population information for the conservation genetics of the vulnerable Chinese egret.