The distribution, diversity, and conservation status of in China.

As ancient gymnosperm and woody plants, cycads have survived through dramatic tectonic activities, climate fluctuation, and environmental variations making them of great significance in studying the origin and evolution of flora biodiversity. However, they are among the most threatened plant groups in the world. The principal aim of this review is to outline the distribution, diversity, and conservation status of in China and provide suggestions for conservation practices. In this review, we describe the taxonomy, distribution, and conservation status of in China. By comparing Chinese species with its relatives worldwide, we then discuss the current genetic diversity, genetic differentiation of and try to disentangle the potential effects of Quaternary climate changes and topographical events on . We review conservation practices from both researchers and practitioners for these rare and endangered species. High genetic diversity at the species level and strong genetic differentiation within have been observed. Most species in southwest China have experienced population retreats in contrast to the coastal 's expansion during the Quaternary glaciation. Additionally, human activities and habitat fragmentation have pushed these endangered taxa to the brink of extinction. Although numerous efforts have been made to mitigate threats to survival, implementation and compliance monitoring in protection zones are currently inadequate. We outline six proposals to strengthen conservation measures for in China and anticipate that these measures will provide guidelines for further research on population genetics as well as conservation biology of not only cycads but also other endangered species worldwide.