Trait-based inference of fragmentation-driven extinction risk.

Authors

Julian Schrader, Johannes J Le Roux, David L Field, Sarah-Sophie Weil, Katarina C Stuart, Hanlun Liu, Victor P Zwiener, Melinda Pickup, Marcos B Carlucci

Published in

Trends in ecology & evolution. Oct 09, 2026. Epub Oct 09, 2026.

Abstract

Habitat fragmentation is a leading cause of plant extinctions, yet predicting which species are most vulnerable remains a key challenge. We propose that population connectivity, and thus gene flow via pollination and seed dispersal, can be inferred from plant traits. We integrate these traits into a connectivity-trait dimension, which, together with breeding system, life-history traits, and landscape context, ranks species at risk of genetic erosion and local extinction, providing an early-warning triage tool. By linking traits to gene flow mechanisms, the framework helps prioritise investment in detailed population genetic analyses and provides a scalable tool to identify species most at risk of genetic inbreeding and extinction in fragmented landscapes.

PMID:
42855318
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 10 Oct 2026.

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