Endangered Jin-norang-sangsahwa Shows Low Genetic Diversity

Honam Biological Resources Center Establishes Systematic Conservation and Restoration Strategies

The National Honam Biological Resource Center, under the Ministry of Environment, announced on the 19th that an analysis of the genetic diversity of Lycoris chejuensis, a Level II endangered wild species and a species endemic to the Korean Peninsula, revealed overall low genetic diversity and unique genetic characteristics for each population.

Lycoris chejuensis is a perennial plant belonging to the Amaryllidaceae family, forming colonies and inhabiting low mountain areas and moist valleys in Jeonnam and Jeonbuk regions.

Endemic species of the Korean Peninsula, Jin Norang Sangsa flower. Provided by the National Honam Biological Resources Center

The research team evaluated the genetic health of a total of 96 individuals from five populations, including Bulgapsan and Bangjangsan (Jeonnam), Naejangsan and Seonunsan (Jeonbuk), using next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology, and identified the origins and interrelationships of each population.

As a result, Lycoris chejuensis showed less genetic differentiation between populations compared to other plants, and its genetic diversity was also found to be low. This suggests vulnerability to environmental changes or ecological disturbances. At the same time, the presence of unique genetic characteristics for each population can serve as important foundational data for establishing systematic conservation and restoration strategies in the future.

Kim Changgyun, head of the Island Biological Resources Research Division, stated, "Genetic diversity information is a key indicator for establishing conservation and restoration strategies for endangered species worldwide. We plan to continuously secure and systematically manage genetic information for the conservation of rare plants in the future."

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