Genetic assessment improves conservation efforts for the critically endangered oceanic island endemic Hibiscus liliiflorus.

This article focuses on the genetic assessment of ex situ conservation efforts for *Hibiscus liliiflorus*, a critically endangered plant endemic to Rodrigues Island in the Indian Ocean, with only two wild individuals remaining. Using genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) generated via 2b-RAD sequencing, researchers identified four original wild genotypes but found that only three are represented in the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation (MWF) nursery, with one wild genotype unrepresented ex situ. Parentage analysis revealed that outplanted populations are derived from both self-fertilization and outcrossing among nursery clones, though the genetic composition of these populations is imbalanced, dominated by certain genotypes. The study recommends propagating cuttings from the missing wild genotype, balancing genotypic representation in outplanted populations through controlled crosses or mixed plantings, and expanding ex situ collections internationally to safeguard the species' remaining genetic diversity.