Genomic insights into endangerment and conservation of the garlic-fruit tree (Malania oleifera), a plant species with extremely small populations

Advanced whole-genome sequencing techniques enable covering nearly all genome nucleotide variations and thus can provide deep insights into protecting endangered species. However, the use of genomic data to make conservation strategies is still rare, particularly for endangered plants. Here we performed comprehensive conservation genomic analysis for Malania oleifera, an endangered tree species with a high amount of nervonic acid. We used whole-genome resequencing data of 165 samples, covering 16 populations across the entire distribution range, to investigate the formation reasons of its extremely small population sizes and to evaluate the possible genomic offsets and changes of ecology niche suitability under future climate change.