Investigating genetic structure and predicted habitat expansion of endemic tree species in Southeast Asia

Lisa Lock
scientific editor

Robert Egan
associate editor

Researchers at University of Tsukuba have investigated the genetic diversity and future distribution of Shorea macrophylla (Dipterocarpaceae), an important tree species endemic to Borneo. They found that populations in northeastern Borneo represent the species' origin. Climate change projections suggest that suitable habitat for this tree will expand in the future.
High-quality oil can be extracted from the seeds of tengkwang, a dipterocarp species. Shorea macrophylla, a tengkwang tree endemic to Borneo, produces large seeds and grows into a tall tree. It is therefore an important resource for seed oil extraction as well as timber production and is cultivated through afforestation.
In their study in Ecological Research, the researchers analyzed natural forest populations of S. macrophylla in the Indonesian part of Borneo (Kalimantan) using two types of DNA markers: single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and simple sequence repeats (SSRs).
Both markers revealed distinct genetic structures among northeastern, central, and southwestern populations. The northeastern population showed the highest genetic diversity and is considered the ancestral population of S. macrophylla.
On the basis of these findings, the researchers recommend conserving the three populations of S. macrophylla as separate management units, since each carries unique genetic characteristics. Projections of suitable habitats for S. macrophylla in 2070 under climate change scenarios indicate an expanded range, reinforcing the need to produce seedlings within each management unit and to conduct afforestation in ways that avoid mixing populations.
More information: Singgih Utomo et al, Genetic diversity and population structure of Shorea macrophylla using genome鈥恮ide single鈥恘ucleotide polymorphisms and microsatellite markers in Indonesia for conservation, Ecological Research (2025).
Provided by University of Tsukuba