XVI International Botanical Congess

Methodological approaches for applying conservation programs to threatened species are being published. Differences between content of integrated conservation strategies and applied techniques exist according to type of extinction risk. The objective of this study is to demonstrate the advantages of a methodological proposal, tested in the endangered Cuban cycad Microcycas calocoma for conservation of other dioic species with natural reproductive restrictions. Significant advantages of establishing population and specimen indicator characters for inventory content, for a scientific approach of conservation status, for selection of conservation areas and techniques, and for monitoring effects of conservation actions are demonstrated. Techniques to solve pollination restrictions and produce the necessary plants for reintroduction and in situ genebank establishment projects by sexual and asexual conventional techniques and biotechnology are given. Considerations for selecting microreserves are offered.