The fate of peripheral forest tree populations is of particular interest in the context of climate change. These populations may concurrently be those where the most significant evolutionary changes will occur; those most facing increasing extinction risk; the source of migrants for the colonization of new areas at leading edges; or the source of genetic novelty for reinforcing standing genetic variation in various parts of the range. Deciding which strategy to implement for conserving and sustainably using the genetic resources of peripheral forest tree populations is a challenge.

Fady et al. 2016. Evolution-based approach needed for the conservation and silviculture of peripheral forest tree populations. Forest Ecology and Management 375, 66-75. http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378112716302559