GUAnches and aboriginal people from the CAnary islands MOLecular impact on biodiversity

The Macaronesian islands host unique ecosystems with high levels of endemism. Among these, laurel forests and sclerophyllous woodlands have suffered the most severe human impacts due to their abundance of valuable timber and favorable climate for agriculture. Widespread deforestation and habitat degradation following human colonization have likely left lasting genetic signatures in endemic plant species. This study investigates how these anthropogenic pressures have shaped genetic diversity and structure in key species across their distribution in the Canary Islands.
Using genome-wide SNP data obtained through RAD sequencing, we assess population genetic diversity, structure, and historical demography. Our analyses include clustering methods, phylogenetic reconstructions, and demographic history estimations to evaluate how human activities—particularly the arrival of the Guanche people (~2000 BP) and later European colonization (1457 CE)—have influenced genetic patterns. By comparing species with different ecological traits and distributions, we aim to distinguish natural evolutionary processes from anthropogenic impacts.
The results will provide valuable insights into how human activities have affected the evolutionary trajectory of Macaronesian flora. Understanding these genetic consequences is crucial for developing appropriate conservation strategies, particularly for highly impacted ecosystems like laurel forests and sclerophyllous woodlands. This study will contribute to a better assessment of conservation priorities by revealing patterns of genetic diversity and population connectivity that are essential for maintaining the evolutionary potential of these unique island species.