Conservation of Macedonian pine (Pinus peuce Griseb.) genetic resources in Pelister National Park

Abstract

The principal objective of national parks as protected areas is to preserve forest ecosystems, but at the same time they may serve genetic conservation. The Macedonian pine (Pinus peuce Griseb.) is a five-needle pine native to the Balkan peninsula, occupying an area of 2 500 hectares at Pelister National Park (NP). The native populations of Macedonian pine in Pelister NP represent an especially valuable genetic resource for conservation. In situ and ex situ methods were implemented for the conservation of Macedonian pine genetic resources in Pelister NP. In situ conservation has aimed at preserving an existing, native population of Macedonian pine within the community of which it forms a part and in the environment to which it is adapted. An ex situ conservation of Macedonian pine in Pelister NP was also considered and carried out, but only to the extent that it enhanced the goals of the previous in situ genetic conservation activities. The overall conservation approach applied involves preserving not only associated flora, fauna, and ecosystem processes, but maintaining the Macedonian pine populations in Pelister NP within a dynamic environment in which the genetic variation can continue to respond to natural influences.