Meadow thistle (Cirsium dissectum) is a rare plant and a key species of Rhos pasture. Rhos pasture is a wet, heathy, semi-natural grassland found predominantly in Wales and southern England; it has suffered massive losses due to agricultural improvement, afforestion and inappropriate management. The areas remaining are often small and isolated and this can have negative effects for the plants and animals that depend on the habitat.
This PhD research project investigated the effect of population size and habitat quality on levels of genetic diversity and survival in meadow thistle. It was partly funded by Paignton Zoo.
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