Lilium pseudonanum (Liliaceae), a rare and cryptic species from
southeast Xizang, China
Abstract
Lilium pseudonanum, a cryptic species endemic to restricted habitats
within the eastern Himalayas, has been delineated from the
morphologically similar Lilium nanum Klotzsch and described herein.
Genetic analyses utilizing both nuclear and plastid datasets
conclusively demonstrate that L. pseudonanum is an independent species
that is not directly related to L. nanum, despite the two having been
historically regarded as conspecific. Principal component analysis (PCA)
applied to morphological data revealed no significant differences
between the two species; however, it is noteworthy that L. pseudonanum
exhibits larger basal leaf blades. Furthermore, the ecological niches of
these two species differ significantly, with L. pseudonanum thriving in
environments characterized by substantially higher summer precipitation
and prolonged snow accumulation during the winter, resulting in
increased moisture availability compared to the habitats of L. nanum.
Utilizing environmental niche modeling (ENM), we assessed the potential
range changes of L. nanum under scenarios of ongoing global warming. The
projections indicate that L. nanum is likely to migrate to higher
elevations, which may result in overlapping distributions with L.
pseudonanum, consequently increasing the risk of habitat loss or the
incorporation of L. pseudonanum into L. nanum. According to the
International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List
classification and criteria, L. pseudonanum is classified as ”Critically
Endangered” (CR) due to its narrow distribution and small population
size. This classification indicates that the species is at an extremely
high risk of extinction and necessitates immediate and effective
conservation efforts.