1
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Minhós T, Borges F, Parreira B, Oliveira R, Aleixo-Pais I, Leendertz FH, Wittig R, Fernandes CR, Marques Silva GHL, Duarte M, Bruford MW, Ferreira da Silva MJ, Chikhi L. The importance of well protected forests for the conservation genetics of West African colobine monkeys. Am J Primatol 2023; 85:e23453. [PMID: 36468411 PMCID: PMC10078001 DOI: 10.1002/ajp.23453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
In tropical forests, anthropogenic activities are major drivers of the destruction and degradation of natural habitats, causing severe biodiversity loss. African colobine monkeys (Colobinae) are mainly folivore and strictly arboreal primates that require large forests to subsist, being among the most vulnerable of all nonhuman primates. The Western red colobus Piliocolobus badius and the King colobus Colobus polykomos inhabit highly fragmented West African forests, including the Cantanhez Forests National Park (CFNP) in Guinea-Bissau. Both species are also found in the largest and best-preserved West African forest-the Taï National Park (TNP) in Ivory Coast. Colobine monkeys are hunted for bushmeat in both protected areas, but these exhibit contrasting levels of forest fragmentation, thus offering an excellent opportunity to investigate the importance of well-preserved forests for the maintenance of evolutionary potential in these arboreal primates. We estimated genetic diversity, population structure, and demographic history by using microsatellite loci and mitochondrial DNA. We then compared the genetic patterns of the colobines from TNP with the ones previously obtained for CFNP and found contrasting genetic patterns. Contrary to the colobines from CFNP that showed very low genetic diversity and a strong population decline, the populations in TNP still maintain high levels of genetic diversity and we found no clear signal of population decrease in Western red colobus and a limited decrease in King colobus. These results suggest larger and historically more stable populations in TNP compared to CFNP. We cannot exclude the possibility that the demographic effects resulting from the recent increase of bushmeat hunting are not yet detectable in TNP using genetic data. Nevertheless, the fact that the TNP colobus populations are highly genetically diverse and maintain large effective population sizes suggests that well-preserved forests are crucial for the maintenance of populations, species, and probably for the evolutionary potential in colobines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tânia Minhós
- Centre for Research in Anthropology (CRIA-NOVA FCSH), Lisboa, Portugal.,Anthropology Department, School of Social Sciences and Humanities, Universidade Nova de Lisboa (NOVA FCSH), Lisboa, Portugal.,Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Filipa Borges
- Centre for Research in Anthropology (CRIA-NOVA FCSH), Lisboa, Portugal.,Anthropology Department, School of Social Sciences and Humanities, Universidade Nova de Lisboa (NOVA FCSH), Lisboa, Portugal.,Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência, Oeiras, Portugal.,Centre for Ecology and Conservation (CEC), University of Exeter, Penryn, UK.,CIBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO Laboratório Associado, Campus de Vairão, Universidade do Porto, Vairão, Portugal.,BIOPOLIS Program in Genomics, Biodiversity and Land Planning, Vairão, Portugal
| | | | - Rúben Oliveira
- Senciência, Lda., Palácio Baldaya-CoWork Baldaya, Lisboa, Portugal.,cE3c-Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Isa Aleixo-Pais
- Centre for Research in Anthropology (CRIA-NOVA FCSH), Lisboa, Portugal.,Anthropology Department, School of Social Sciences and Humanities, Universidade Nova de Lisboa (NOVA FCSH), Lisboa, Portugal.,Organisms and Environment Division, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales, UK
| | - Fabien H Leendertz
- Epidemiology of Highly Pathogenic Microorganisms, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany.,Helmholtz Institute for One Health, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Roman Wittig
- Department of Human Behavior, Ecology and Culture, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany.,The Ape Social Mind Lab, Institut des Sciences Cognitives, CNRS, Bron, Lyon, France.,Taï Chimpanzee Project, Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques, Abidjan, Ivory Coast
| | - Carlos Rodríguez Fernandes
- cE3c-Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal.,CHANGE-Global Change and Sustainability Institute, Departamento de Biologia Animal, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal.,Faculdade de Psicologia, Universidade de Lisboa, Alameda da Universidade, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Guilherme Henrique Lima Marques Silva
- Centre for Research in Anthropology (CRIA-NOVA FCSH), Lisboa, Portugal.,Anthropology Department, School of Social Sciences and Humanities, Universidade Nova de Lisboa (NOVA FCSH), Lisboa, Portugal.,Department of Behavioural and Cognitive Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Miguel Duarte
- Centre for Research in Anthropology (CRIA-NOVA FCSH), Lisboa, Portugal.,Anthropology Department, School of Social Sciences and Humanities, Universidade Nova de Lisboa (NOVA FCSH), Lisboa, Portugal.,Department of Anthropology, College of Liberal and Fine Arts, University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Michael W Bruford
- Organisms and Environment Division, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales, UK
| | - Maria Joana Ferreira da Silva
- CIBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO Laboratório Associado, Campus de Vairão, Universidade do Porto, Vairão, Portugal.,BIOPOLIS Program in Genomics, Biodiversity and Land Planning, Vairão, Portugal.,Organisms and Environment Division, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales, UK
| | - Lounès Chikhi
- Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência, Oeiras, Portugal.,Laboratoire Évolution & Diversité Biologique (EDB UMR 5174), Université de Toulouse Midi-Pyrénées, CNRS, IRD, UPS, Toulouse, Cedex 9, France
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2
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Morrison RE, Hirwa JP, Ndagijimana F, Vecellio V, Eckardt W, Stoinski TS. Cascading effects of social dynamics on the reproduction, survival, and population growth of mountain gorillas. Anim Conserv 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/acv.12830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- R. E. Morrison
- Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund Kinigi Rwanda
- Centre for Research in Animal Behaviour, Department of Psychology University of Exeter Exeter UK
| | - J. P. Hirwa
- Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund Kinigi Rwanda
| | - F. Ndagijimana
- Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund Kinigi Rwanda
| | - V. Vecellio
- Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund Kinigi Rwanda
| | - W. Eckardt
- Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund Kinigi Rwanda
| | - T. S. Stoinski
- Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund Kinigi Rwanda
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3
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Robbins AM, Manguette ML, Breuer T, Groenenberg M, Parnell RJ, Stephan C, Stokes EJ, Robbins MM. Population dynamics of western gorillas at Mbeli Bai. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0275635. [PMID: 36260834 PMCID: PMC9581538 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0275635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Long-term studies of population dynamics can provide insights into life history theory, population ecology, socioecology, conservation biology and wildlife management. Here we examine 25 years of population dynamics of western gorillas at Mbeli Bai, a swampy forest clearing in Nouabalé-Ndoki National Park, the Republic of Congo. The Mbeli population more than doubled from 101 to 226 gorillas during the study. After adjusting for a net influx of gorillas into the study population, the increase represents an inherent growth rate of 0.7% per year, with 95% confidence limits between -0.7% and 2.6%. The influx of gorillas mainly involved immigration of individuals into existing study groups (social dispersal), but it also included the appearance of a few previously unknown groups (locational dispersal). The average group size did not change significantly during the study, which is consistent with the possibility that western gorillas face socioecological constraints on group size, even when the population is increasing. We found no significant evidence of density dependence on female reproductive success or male mating competition. The distribution of gorillas among age/sex categories also did not change significantly, which suggests that the population had a stable age structure. Our results provide evidence of population stability or growth for some western gorillas (albeit within a small area). The results highlight the value of law enforcement, long-term monitoring, and protected areas; but they do not diminish the importance of improving conservation for this critically endangered species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew M. Robbins
- Wildlife Conservation Society–Congo Program, Brazzaville, Republic of Congo
- * E-mail:
| | - Marie L. Manguette
- Wildlife Conservation Society–Congo Program, Brazzaville, Republic of Congo
- Nouabalé-Ndoki Foundation, Brazzaville, Republic of Congo
| | - Thomas Breuer
- Nouabalé-Ndoki Foundation, Brazzaville, Republic of Congo
- Division of Developmental Biology, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | | | - Richard J. Parnell
- Wildlife Conservation Society, Global Conservation Program, Bronx, NY, United States of America
| | - Claudia Stephan
- Wildlife Conservation Society–Congo Program, Brazzaville, Republic of Congo
- Nouabalé-Ndoki Foundation, Brazzaville, Republic of Congo
- Division of Developmental Biology, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Emma J. Stokes
- Wildlife Conservation Society, Global Conservation Program, Bronx, NY, United States of America
| | - Martha M. Robbins
- Wildlife Conservation Society–Congo Program, Brazzaville, Republic of Congo
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4
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Salvado P, Aymerich Boixader P, Parera J, Vila Bonfill A, Martin M, Quélennec C, Lewin J, Delorme‐Hinoux V, Bertrand JAM. Little hope for the polyploid endemic Pyrenean Larkspur (
Delphinium montanum
): Evidences from population genomics and Ecological Niche Modeling. Ecol Evol 2022; 12:e8711. [PMID: 35342590 PMCID: PMC8932081 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.8711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Species endemic to restricted geographical ranges represent a particular conservation issue, be it for their heritage interest. In a context of global change, this is particularly the case for plants which belong to high‐mountain ecosystems and, because of their ecological requirements, are doomed to survive or disappear on their “sky islands”. The Pyrenean Larkspur (Delphinium montanum, Ranunculaceae) is endemic to the Eastern part of the Pyrenees (France and Spain). It is now only observable at a dozen of localities and some populations show signs of decline, such as a recurrent lack of flowering. Implementing population genomics approach (e.g., RAD‐seq like) is particularly useful to understand genomic patterns of diversity and differentiation in order to provide recommendations in term of conservation. However, it remains challenging for species such as D. montanum that are autotetraploid with a large genome size (1C‐value >10 pg) as most methods currently available were developed for diploid species. A Bayesian framework able to call genotypes with uncertainty allowed us to assess genetic diversity and population structure in this system. Our results show evidence for inbreeding (mean GIS = 0.361) within all the populations and substantial population structure (mean GST = 0.403) at the metapopulation level. In addition to a lack of connectivity between populations, spatial projections of Ecological Niche Modeling (ENM) analyses under different climatic scenarios predict a dramatic decrease of suitable habitat for D. montanum in the future. Based on these results, we discuss the relevance and feasibility of different conservation measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pascaline Salvado
- Laboratoire Génome et Développement des Plantes (LGDP, UMR 5096 UPVD/CNRS) Université de Perpignan Via Domitia Perpignan France
| | | | - Josep Parera
- Fédération des Réserves Naturelles Catalanes Prades France
| | | | - Maria Martin
- Fédération des Réserves Naturelles Catalanes Prades France
| | | | | | - Valérie Delorme‐Hinoux
- Laboratoire Génome et Développement des Plantes (LGDP, UMR 5096 UPVD/CNRS) Université de Perpignan Via Domitia Perpignan France
- Association Charles Flahault Toulouges France
| | - Joris A. M. Bertrand
- Laboratoire Génome et Développement des Plantes (LGDP, UMR 5096 UPVD/CNRS) Université de Perpignan Via Domitia Perpignan France
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5
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Städele V, Arandjelovic M, Nixon S, Bergl RA, Bradley BJ, Breuer T, Cameron KN, Guschanski K, Head J, Kyungu JC, Masi S, Morgan DB, Reed P, Robbins MM, Sanz C, Smith V, Stokes EJ, Thalmann O, Todd A, Vigilant L. The complex Y-chromosomal history of gorillas. Am J Primatol 2022; 84:e23363. [PMID: 35041228 DOI: 10.1002/ajp.23363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Revised: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Studies of the evolutionary relationships among gorilla populations using autosomal and mitochondrial sequences suggest that male-mediated gene flow may have been important in the past, but data on the Y-chromosomal relationships among the gorilla subspecies are limited. Here, we genotyped blood and noninvasively collected fecal samples from 12 captives and 257 wild male gorillas of known origin representing all four subspecies (Gorilla gorilla gorilla, G. g. diehli, G. beringei beringei, and G. b. graueri) at 10 Y-linked microsatellite loci resulting in 102 unique Y-haplotypes for 224 individuals. We found that western lowland gorilla (G. g. gorilla) haplotypes were consistently more diverse than any other subspecies for all measures of diversity and comprised several genetically distinct groups. However, these did not correspond to geographical proximity and some closely related haplotypes were found several hundred kilometers apart. Similarly, our broad sampling of eastern gorillas revealed that mountain (G. b. beringei) and Grauer's (G. b. graueri) gorilla Y-chromosomal haplotypes did not form distinct clusters. These observations suggest structure in the ancestral population with subsequent mixing of differentiated haplotypes by male dispersal for western lowland gorillas, and postisolation migration or incomplete lineage sorting due to short divergence times for eastern gorillas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronika Städele
- School of Human Evolution and Social Change, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA.,Institute of Human Origins, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA.,Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Mimi Arandjelovic
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany.,Evolutionary and Anthropocene Ecology, German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Stuart Nixon
- Field Programmes and Conservation Science, Chester Zoo, North of England Zoological Society, Chester, UK
| | | | - Brenda J Bradley
- Department of Anthropology, Center for the Advanced Study of Human Paleobiology, The George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Thomas Breuer
- WWF Germany, Berlin, Germany.,Mbeli Bai Study, Wildlife Conservation Society, Congo Program, Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo
| | | | - Katerina Guschanski
- Department of Ecology and Genetics/Animal Ecology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.,Institute of Evolutionary Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Josephine Head
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany
| | | | - Shelly Masi
- Eco-Anthropologie, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, CNRS, Musée de l'Homme, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - David B Morgan
- Fisher Center for the Study and Conservation of Apes, Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | | | - Martha M Robbins
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Crickette Sanz
- Department of Anthropology, Washington University in Saint Louis, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA.,Wildlife Conservation Society, Congo Program, Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo
| | | | - Emma J Stokes
- Wildlife Conservation Society, Global Conservation Program, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Olaf Thalmann
- Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Metabolic Diseases, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | | | - Linda Vigilant
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany
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6
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Population size and habitat preference of the Omo River guereza (Colobus guereza guereza) in a multi-habitat matrix in the central highlands of Ethiopia. Primates 2022; 63:151-160. [PMID: 35038067 DOI: 10.1007/s10329-022-00972-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Given the current rate of habitat degradation and loss in the tropics, data on primate population densities and habitat use are indispensable for assessing conservation status and designing feasible management plans for primates. The Omo River guereza (Colobus guereza guereza) is a subspecies of the eastern black-and-white colobus monkey endemic to the western Rift Valley forests of Ethiopia. Their restricted distribution along with habitat loss and hunting within their range render them vulnerable to local extirpation and extinction. Furthermore, there are no published data available on the population status and habitat use patterns of the Omo River guereza. We therefore aimed to assess the population size of Omo River guerezas in different habitats (Erica-Juniperus mixed forest, mixed plantation forest, undisturbed natural forest, disturbed natural forest) using transect surveys at Wof-Washa Natural State Forest (WWNSF) in central Ethiopia. Our surveys covered a cumulative distance of 88.5 km in four different habitats, during which we recorded a total of 140 Omo River guereza groups. The average group density was 14.3 groups/km2, average individual density was 94.4 individuals/km2, and we estimated the total population size within WWNSF to be 2549 individuals. The sex ratio of the population was split evenly between males and females, though the age classes skewed strongly towards adults. Of the habitats surveyed, the highest group encounter rate (1.83 groups/km) occurred in the disturbed natural forest. However, the highest individual density (110.1 individuals/km2) was recorded in undisturbed natural forest. Still, sizable densities (group and individual) were recorded in three of the disturbed habitats (disturbed natural forest, mixed plantation forest, and to a lesser extent Erica-Juniperus mixed forest). Our study offers the first baseline information with which to compare future population density estimates and habitat use in the range of Omo River guerezas.
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7
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Population and genetic structure of a male-dispersing strepsirrhine, Galago moholi (Primates, Galagidae), from northern South Africa, inferred from mitochondrial DNA. Primates 2021; 62:667-675. [PMID: 33909155 DOI: 10.1007/s10329-021-00912-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/17/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The habitats of Galago moholi are suspected to be largely fragmented, while the species is thought to be expanding further into the southernmost fringe of its range, as well as into human settlements. To date, no intraspecific molecular genetic studies have been published on G. moholi. Here we estimate the genetic diversity and connectivity of populations of G. moholi using two mitochondrial gene regions, the cytochrome C oxidase subunit I gene (COI) and the displacement loop of the control region (D-loop). Samples from five localities in northern South Africa were obtained from archived collections. The two mitochondrial DNA gene regions were amplified and sequenced to provide population summary statistics, differentiation [proportion of the total genetic variation in a population relative to the total genetic variance of all the populations (FST), differentiation within populations among regions (ΦST)], genetic distance and structure. There was discernible genetic structure among the individuals, with two COI and six D-loop haplotypes belonging to two genetically different groups. There was population differentiation among regions (FST = 0.670; ΦST = 0.783; P < 0.01). However, there were low levels of differentiation among populations, as haplotypes were shared between distant populations. Adjacent populations were as divergent from each other as from distant populations. The results suggest that genetic introgression, most likely due to past migrations or recent unintentional translocations that include the animal trade, may have led to connectivity among populations.
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8
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Wang H, Zhong X, Lin H, Li S, Yi J, Zhang G, Liu X, Gu L. Genetic Diversity and Population Structure of Gynaephora qinghaiensis in Yushu Prefecture, Qinghai Province Based on the Mitochondrial COI Gene. Biochem Genet 2021; 59:1396-1412. [PMID: 33891260 DOI: 10.1007/s10528-021-10065-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2020] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Gynaephora qinghaiensis (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae: Gynaephora), a serious economic pest in alpine meadows, is mainly distributed in Yushu prefecture, Qinghai province, China. In this study, we aimed to investigate the genetic diversity and population structure of G. qinghaiensis through analyzing the sequence of 194 mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit (COI) genes (658 bp in length) identified from 10 geographic populations located in three different countries, including Zhiduo, Zaduo, and Chengduo, of Yushu prefecture. Eleven haplotypes were identified from all populations of G. qinghaiensis with high levels of haplotype diversity (0.78500) and low levels of nucleotide diversity (0.00511). High levels of genetic differentiation and low levels of gene flow were also detected among the populations of G. qinghaiensis. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) showed that 90.13% of the variation was attributed to distribution among groups (Chengduo, Zhiduo, and Zaduo), and 5.22% and 4.65% were, respectively, attributed to distribution among populations, within group, and within populations. The result of mantel test showed a highly significant positive correlation (P < 0.01) between FST and geographical distance. A maximum likelihood tree showed that most haplotypes were grouped into three clusters corresponding to the three counties, suggesting a significant phylogeographic structure in the populations of G. qinghaiensis. The haplotype networks revealed that H2 may be the most primitive haplotype and the most adaptable in nature. Populations 7# and 8# had haplotype H2 and higher haplotype diversity; therefore, we speculated that the G. qinghaiensis in both populations were more adaptable to the environment and had greater outbreak potential and, therefore, should be focused on in terms of prevention and control. Our findings provide valuable information for further study of the population structure and phylogeny of G. qinghaiensis and provide a theoretical basis for the control of G. qinghaiensis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haizhen Wang
- Department of Life Sciences, Luliang University, Luliang, Shanxi, China
| | - Xin Zhong
- Food and Health Engineering Research Center of State Education Ministry, School of Life Science, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Huafeng Lin
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Technology, Institute of Food Safety and Nutrition, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Shaosong Li
- The Bureau of Health of Longhua, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Jiequn Yi
- Guangzhou Sugarcane Industry Research Institute, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Guren Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Biocontrol, School of Life Science, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xin Liu
- Food and Health Engineering Research Center of State Education Ministry, School of Life Science, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
| | - Li Gu
- Food and Health Engineering Research Center of State Education Ministry, School of Life Science, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
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9
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Solórzano‐García B, Zubillaga D, Piñero D, Vázquez‐Domínguez E. Conservation implications of living in forest remnants: Inbreeding and genetic structure of the northernmost mantled howler monkeys. Biotropica 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/btp.12958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Diego Zubillaga
- Departamento de Ecología de la Biodiversidad. Instituto de Ecología UNAM, Ciudad Universitaria CDMX Mexico City Mexico
| | - Daniel Piñero
- Departamento de Ecología Evolutiva Instituto de Ecología UNAM CDMX Mexico City Mexico
| | - Ella Vázquez‐Domínguez
- Departamento de Ecología de la Biodiversidad. Instituto de Ecología UNAM, Ciudad Universitaria CDMX Mexico City Mexico
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10
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Feeding Ecology of the Omo River Guereza (Colobus guereza guereza) in Habitats with Varying Levels of Fragmentation and Disturbance in the Southern Ethiopian Highlands. INT J PRIMATOL 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s10764-020-00189-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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11
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Transcribing molecular and climatic data into conservation management for the Himalayan endangered species, Taxus contorta (Griff.). CONSERV GENET 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s10592-020-01319-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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12
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No decline of genetic diversity in elongate loach (Leptobotia elongata) with a tendency to form population structure in the upper Yangtze River. Glob Ecol Conserv 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2020.e01072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
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13
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Activity Budget and Feeding Ecology of Geladas ( Theropithecus gelada obscurus) around Abogedam Church West of Debre Berhan Town, Ethiopia. ScientificWorldJournal 2020; 2020:9829834. [PMID: 32952457 PMCID: PMC7482005 DOI: 10.1155/2020/9829834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Geladas are the most distinctive of Ethiopian endemic mammals, representing the last extant species of primate genus that have a very restricted distribution in the northern Ethiopian plateau. The activity budget and feeding ecology of geladas (Theropithecus gelada obscurus) were studied around Abogedam Church, Ethiopia, from May to October 2014, encompassing dry and wet seasons. The scan sampling method was applied to collect behavioural data on the identified band. Activity scans were collected at 15-minute intervals for up to five minutes duration from 0700 to 1730 h. The activity recorded for each individual was the first activity that lasts for five seconds. During each scan, individuals were recorded as performing activities: feeding, moving, resting, playing, aggression, grooming, sexual activity, and others. On average, geladas devoted 57.19% feeding, 14.82% resting, 14.92% moving, 4.83% playing, 2.53% aggression, 4.14% grooming, 1.23% sexual activity, and 0.34% other activities such as vocalization, defecation, and urination. Forty-one plant species were consumed by geladas that belonged to 18 families of which 53.66% were grasses. This study provides basic information on further studies and motivates conservationists to plan the management of unprotected areas at the vicinity of agricultural lands where such endemic animals dwell.
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15
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Gould L, Cowen LLE. Lemur catta in small forest fragments: Which variables best predict population viability? Am J Primatol 2020; 82:e23095. [PMID: 32003047 DOI: 10.1002/ajp.23095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2019] [Revised: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 01/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Habitat fragmentation is an increasingly serious issue affecting primates in most regions where they are found today. Populations of Lemur catta (ring-tailed lemur) in Madagascar's south-central region are increasingly restricted to small, isolated forest fragments, surrounded by grasslands or small-scale agriculture. Our aim was to evaluate the potential for population viability of L. catta in nine forest fragments of varying sizes (2-46 ha, population range: 6-210 animals) in south-central Madagascar, using a set of comparative, quantitative ecological measures. We used Poisson regression models with a log link function to examine the effects of fragment size, within-fragment food availability, and abundance of matrix resources (food and water sources) on L. catta population sizes and juvenile recruitment. We found a strong association between overall population size and (a) fragment size and (b) abundance of key food resources Melia azedarach and Ficus spp. (per 100 m along transect lines). Juvenile recruitment was also associated with fragment size and abundance of the two above-mentioned food resources. When the largest population, an outlier, was removed from the analysis, again, the model containing fragment size and abundance of M. azedarach and Ficus spp. was the best fitting, but the model that best predicted juvenile recruitment contained only fragment size. While our results are useful for predicting population presence and possible persistence in these fragments, both the potential for male dispersal and the extent of human disturbance within most fragments play crucial roles regarding the likelihood of long-term L. catta survival. While seven of the nine fragments were reasonably protected from human disturbance, only three offered the strong potential for male dispersal, thus the long-term viability of many of these populations is highly uncertain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Gould
- Department of Anthropology, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Laura L E Cowen
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
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16
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Fatica LM, Almécija S, McFarlin SC, Hammond AS. Pelvic shape variation among gorilla subspecies: Phylogenetic and ecological signals. J Hum Evol 2019; 137:102684. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jhevol.2019.102684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2019] [Revised: 09/23/2019] [Accepted: 09/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
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Arandjelovic M, Vigilant L. Non-invasive genetic censusing and monitoring of primate populations. Am J Primatol 2018; 80:e22743. [PMID: 29457631 DOI: 10.1002/ajp.22743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2017] [Revised: 12/16/2017] [Accepted: 01/14/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Knowing the density or abundance of primate populations is essential for their conservation management and contextualizing socio-demographic and behavioral observations. When direct counts of animals are not possible, genetic analysis of non-invasive samples collected from wildlife populations allows estimates of population size with higher accuracy and precision than is possible using indirect signs. Furthermore, in contrast to traditional indirect survey methods, prolonged or periodic genetic sampling across months or years enables inference of group membership, movement, dynamics, and some kin relationships. Data may also be used to estimate sex ratios, sex differences in dispersal distances, and detect gene flow among locations. Recent advances in capture-recapture models have further improved the precision of population estimates derived from non-invasive samples. Simulations using these methods have shown that the confidence interval of point estimates includes the true population size when assumptions of the models are met, and therefore this range of population size minima and maxima should be emphasized in population monitoring studies. Innovations such as the use of sniffer dogs or anti-poaching patrols for sample collection are important to ensure adequate sampling, and the expected development of efficient and cost-effective genotyping by sequencing methods for DNAs derived from non-invasive samples will automate and speed analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mimi Arandjelovic
- Department of Primatology, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Linda Vigilant
- Department of Primatology, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany
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18
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Baas P, van der Valk T, Vigilant L, Ngobobo U, Binyinyi E, Nishuli R, Caillaud D, Guschanski K. Population-level assessment of genetic diversity and habitat fragmentation in critically endangered Grauer's gorillas. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGY 2018; 165:565-575. [PMID: 29313894 DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.23393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2017] [Revised: 11/27/2017] [Accepted: 12/13/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The critically endangered Grauer's gorilla (Gorilla beringei graueri) has experienced an estimated 77% population decline within a single generation. Although crucial for informed conservation decisions, there is no clear understanding about population structure and distribution of genetic diversity across the species' highly fragmented range. We fill this gap by studying several core and peripheral Grauer's gorilla populations throughout their distribution range. MATERIALS AND METHODS We generated genetic profiles for a sampling of an unstudied population of Grauer's gorillas from within the species' core range at 13 autosomal microsatellite loci and combined them with previously published and newly generated data from four other Grauer's gorilla populations, two mountain gorilla populations, and one western lowland gorilla population. RESULTS In agreement with previous studies, the genetic diversity of Grauer's gorillas is intermediate, falling between western lowland and mountain gorillas. Among Grauer's gorilla populations, we observe lower genetic diversity and high differentiation in peripheral compared with central populations, indicating a strong effect of genetic drift and limited gene flow among small, isolated forest fragments. DISCUSSION Although genetically less diverse, peripheral populations are frequently essential for the long-term persistence of a species and migration between peripheral and core populations may significantly enrich the overall species genetic diversity. Thus, in addition to central Grauer's gorilla populations from the core of the distribution range that clearly deserve conservation attention, we argue that conservation strategies aiming to ensure long-term species viability should include preserving peripheral populations and enhancing habitat connectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pauline Baas
- Department of Ecology and Genetics, Evolutionary Biology Centre, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Tom van der Valk
- Department of Ecology and Genetics, Evolutionary Biology Centre, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Linda Vigilant
- Primatology Department, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Deutscher Platz 6, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Urbain Ngobobo
- Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International, 800 Cherokee Avenue, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Escobar Binyinyi
- Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International, 800 Cherokee Avenue, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Radar Nishuli
- Institut Congolais pour la Conservation de la Nature, N4, Réserve de Faune à Okapis, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Damien Caillaud
- Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International, 800 Cherokee Avenue, Atlanta, Georgia.,Department of Anthropology, University of California, Davis, One Shields Ave, Davis, California
| | - Katerina Guschanski
- Department of Ecology and Genetics, Evolutionary Biology Centre, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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19
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Natesh M, Atla G, Nigam P, Jhala YV, Zachariah A, Borthakur U, Ramakrishnan U. Conservation priorities for endangered Indian tigers through a genomic lens. Sci Rep 2017; 7:9614. [PMID: 28851952 PMCID: PMC5575265 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-09748-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2016] [Accepted: 07/31/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Tigers have lost 93% of their historical range worldwide. India plays a vital role in the conservation of tigers since nearly 60% of all wild tigers are currently found here. However, as protected areas are small (<300 km2 on average), with only a few individuals in each, many of them may not be independently viable. It is thus important to identify and conserve genetically connected populations, as well as to maintain connectivity within them. We collected samples from wild tigers (Panthera tigris tigris) across India and used genome-wide SNPs to infer genetic connectivity. We genotyped 10,184 SNPs from 38 individuals across 17 protected areas and identified three genetically distinct clusters (corresponding to northwest, southern and central India). The northwest cluster was isolated with low variation and high relatedness. The geographically large central cluster included tigers from central, northeastern and northern India, and had the highest variation. Most genetic diversity (62%) was shared among clusters, while unique variation was highest in the central cluster (8.5%) and lowest in the northwestern one (2%). We did not detect signatures of differential selection or local adaptation. We highlight that the northwest population requires conservation attention to ensure persistence of these tigers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghana Natesh
- National Center for Biological Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Bangalore, 560065, India. .,Shanmugha Arts, Science, Technology and Research Academy (SASTRA) University, Tirumalaisamudram, Thanjavur, 613401, Tamil Nadu, India.
| | - Goutham Atla
- National Center for Biological Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Bangalore, 560065, India
| | - Parag Nigam
- Wildlife Institute of India, Chandrabani, Dehradun, 248001, India
| | | | - Arun Zachariah
- Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Lakkidi Post, Pookode, Kerala, 673576, India
| | - Udayan Borthakur
- Aaranyak, 12 Kanaklata Path in Lachit Path, Ajanta Path, Survey, Beltola, Guwahati, 781028, Assam, India
| | - Uma Ramakrishnan
- National Center for Biological Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Bangalore, 560065, India.
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20
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Estrada A, Garber PA, Rylands AB, Roos C, Fernandez-Duque E, Di Fiore A, Nekaris KAI, Nijman V, Heymann EW, Lambert JE, Rovero F, Barelli C, Setchell JM, Gillespie TR, Mittermeier RA, Arregoitia LV, de Guinea M, Gouveia S, Dobrovolski R, Shanee S, Shanee N, Boyle SA, Fuentes A, MacKinnon KC, Amato KR, Meyer ALS, Wich S, Sussman RW, Pan R, Kone I, Li B. Impending extinction crisis of the world's primates: Why primates matter. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2017; 3:e1600946. [PMID: 28116351 PMCID: PMC5242557 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.1600946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 580] [Impact Index Per Article: 82.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2016] [Accepted: 11/22/2016] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Nonhuman primates, our closest biological relatives, play important roles in the livelihoods, cultures, and religions of many societies and offer unique insights into human evolution, biology, behavior, and the threat of emerging diseases. They are an essential component of tropical biodiversity, contributing to forest regeneration and ecosystem health. Current information shows the existence of 504 species in 79 genera distributed in the Neotropics, mainland Africa, Madagascar, and Asia. Alarmingly, ~60% of primate species are now threatened with extinction and ~75% have declining populations. This situation is the result of escalating anthropogenic pressures on primates and their habitats-mainly global and local market demands, leading to extensive habitat loss through the expansion of industrial agriculture, large-scale cattle ranching, logging, oil and gas drilling, mining, dam building, and the construction of new road networks in primate range regions. Other important drivers are increased bushmeat hunting and the illegal trade of primates as pets and primate body parts, along with emerging threats, such as climate change and anthroponotic diseases. Often, these pressures act in synergy, exacerbating primate population declines. Given that primate range regions overlap extensively with a large, and rapidly growing, human population characterized by high levels of poverty, global attention is needed immediately to reverse the looming risk of primate extinctions and to attend to local human needs in sustainable ways. Raising global scientific and public awareness of the plight of the world's primates and the costs of their loss to ecosystem health and human society is imperative.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Estrada
- Institute of Biology, National Autonomous University of Mexico, CP 04510, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Paul A. Garber
- Department of Anthropology, Program in Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Anthony B. Rylands
- Conservation International, 2011 Crystal Drive, Suite 500, Arlington, VA 22202, USA
| | - Christian Roos
- Gene Bank of Primates and Primate Genetics Laboratory, German Primate Center, Leibniz Institute for Primate Research, Kellnerweg 4, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | | | - Anthony Di Fiore
- Department of Anthropology, University of Texas, Austin, TX 78705, USA
| | | | - Vincent Nijman
- Department of Social Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford OX3 0BP, U.K
| | - Eckhard W. Heymann
- Abteilung Verhaltensökologie und Soziobiologie, Deutsches Primatenzentrum, Leibniz-Institut für Primatenforschung, Kellnerweg 4, D-37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Joanna E. Lambert
- Department of Anthropology, University of Colorado at Boulder, 1350 Pleasant Street UCB 233, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
| | - Francesco Rovero
- Tropical Biodiversity Section, MUSE—Museo delle Scienze, Corso del Lavoro e della Scienza 3, 38122 Trento, Italy
| | - Claudia Barelli
- Tropical Biodiversity Section, MUSE—Museo delle Scienze, Corso del Lavoro e della Scienza 3, 38122 Trento, Italy
| | - Joanna M. Setchell
- Department of Anthropology, and Behaviour, Ecology and Evolution Research Centre, Durham University, South Road, Durham DH1 3LE, U.K
| | - Thomas R. Gillespie
- Departments of Environmental Sciences and Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 400 Dowman Drive, Math and Science Center, Suite E510, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | | | | | - Miguel de Guinea
- Department of Social Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford OX3 0BP, U.K
| | - Sidney Gouveia
- Department of Ecology, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão, SE 49100-000, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Dobrovolski
- Department of Zoology, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, BA 40170-290, Brazil
| | - Sam Shanee
- Neotropical Primate Conservation, 23 Portland Road, Manchester M32 0PH, U.K
- Asociación Neotropical Primate Conservation Perú, 1187 Avenida Belaunde, La Esperanza, Yambrasbamba, Bongará, Amazonas, Peru
| | - Noga Shanee
- Neotropical Primate Conservation, 23 Portland Road, Manchester M32 0PH, U.K
- Asociación Neotropical Primate Conservation Perú, 1187 Avenida Belaunde, La Esperanza, Yambrasbamba, Bongará, Amazonas, Peru
| | - Sarah A. Boyle
- Department of Biology, Rhodes College, 2000 North Parkway, Memphis, TN 38112, USA
| | - Agustin Fuentes
- Department of Anthropology, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - Katherine C. MacKinnon
- Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO 63108, USA
| | - Katherine R. Amato
- Department of Anthropology, Northwestern University, 1810 Hinman Avenue, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Andreas L. S. Meyer
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Zoologia, Departamento de Zoologia, Universidade Federal do Paraná, C.P. 19020, Curitiba, PR 81531-990, Brazil
| | - Serge Wich
- School of Natural Sciences and Psychology, Liverpool John Moores University, James Parsons Building, Byrom Street, Liverpool L3 3AF, U.K
- Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Robert W. Sussman
- Department of Anthropology, Washington University, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Ruliang Pan
- School of Anatomy, Physiology and Human Biology, University of Western Australia (M309), 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, Western Australia 6009, Australia
| | - Inza Kone
- Centre Suisse des Recherches Scientifiques, Université de Cocody, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
| | - Baoguo Li
- Xi’an Branch of Chinese Academy of Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, No. 229, Taibai North Road, Xi’an 710069, China
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Tocheri MW, Dommain R, McFarlin SC, Burnett SE, Troy Case D, Orr CM, Roach NT, Villmoare B, Eriksen AB, Kalthoff DC, Senck S, Assefa Z, Groves CP, Jungers WL. The evolutionary origin and population history of the grauer gorilla. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGY 2016; 159:S4-S18. [DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.22900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2015] [Revised: 11/10/2015] [Accepted: 11/10/2015] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew W. Tocheri
- Department of AnthropologyLakehead UniversityThunder Bay OntarioP7B 5E1 Canada
- Human Origins Program, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian InstitutionWashington, DC20013 USA
| | - René Dommain
- Human Origins Program, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian InstitutionWashington, DC20013 USA
| | - Shannon C. McFarlin
- Department of Anthropology and Center for the Advanced Study of Hominid PaleobiologyThe George Washington UniversityWashington, DC20052 USA
- Division of Mammals, National Museum of Natural HistorySmithsonian InstitutionWashington, DC20013 USA
| | - Scott E. Burnett
- Department of AnthropologyEckerd CollegeSt Petersburg FL33711 USA
| | - D. Troy Case
- Department of Sociology and AnthropologyNorth Carolina State UniversityRaleigh NC27695 USA
| | - Caley M. Orr
- Department of Cell and Developmental BiologyUniversity of Colorado School of MedicineAurora CO80045 USA
| | - Neil T. Roach
- Department of Human Evolutionary BiologyHarvard UniversityCambridge, MA02138
- Division of AnthropologyAmerican Museum of Natural HistoryNew York, NY10024 USA
| | - Brian Villmoare
- Department of AnthropologyUniversity of Nevada Las VegasLas Vegas NV89154 USA
- Department of AnthropologyUniversity College LondonLondonWC1H 0BW UK
| | - Amandine B. Eriksen
- Department of AnthropologyThe State University of New YorkBuffalo NY14260 USA
| | | | - Sascha Senck
- Fakultät für Technik und Umweltwissenschaften, University of Applied Sciences Upper AustriaWels4600 Austria
| | - Zelalem Assefa
- Human Origins Program, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian InstitutionWashington, DC20013 USA
| | - Colin P. Groves
- School of Archaeology and AnthropologyAustralian National UniversityCanberraACT 0200 Australia
| | - William L. Jungers
- Department of Anatomical SciencesStony Brook University Medical CenterStony Brook NY11794 USA
- Association VahatraBP3972 Madagascar
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22
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Ram MS, Marne M, Gaur A, Kumara HN, Singh M, Kumar A, Umapathy G. Pre-Historic and Recent Vicariance Events Shape Genetic Structure and Diversity in Endangered Lion-Tailed Macaque in the Western Ghats: Implications for Conservation. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0142597. [PMID: 26561307 PMCID: PMC4641736 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0142597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2015] [Accepted: 10/23/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic isolation of populations is a potent force that helps shape the course of evolution. However, small populations in isolation, especially in fragmented landscapes, are known to lose genetic variability, suffer from inbreeding depression and become genetically differentiated among themselves. In this study, we assessed the genetic diversity of lion-tailed macaques (Macaca silenus) inhabiting the fragmented landscape of Anamalai hills and examined the genetic structure of the species across its distributional range in the Western Ghats. We sequenced around 900 bases of DNA covering two mitochondrial regions-hypervariable region-I and partial mitochondrial cytochrome b-from individuals sampled both from wild and captivity, constructed and dated phylogenetic trees. We found that the lion-tailed macaque troops in the isolated forest patches in Anamalai hills have depleted mitochondrial DNA diversity compared to troops in larger and continuous forests. Our results also revealed an ancient divergence in the lion-tailed macaque into two distinct populations across the Palghat gap, dating to 2.11 million years ago. In light of our findings, we make a few suggestions on the management of wild and captive populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muthuvarmadam S. Ram
- Laboratory for the Conservation of Endangered Species, CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Uppal Road, Hyderabad, 500007, India
| | - Minal Marne
- Laboratory for the Conservation of Endangered Species, CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Uppal Road, Hyderabad, 500007, India
| | - Ajay Gaur
- Laboratory for the Conservation of Endangered Species, CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Uppal Road, Hyderabad, 500007, India
| | | | - Mewa Singh
- Biopsychology Laboratory, and Institution of Excellence, University of Mysore, Mysore, 570006, India
| | - Ajith Kumar
- Wildlife Conservation Society-India, Centre for Wildlife Studies, Bangalore, 560070, India
| | - Govindhaswamy Umapathy
- Laboratory for the Conservation of Endangered Species, CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Uppal Road, Hyderabad, 500007, India
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23
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Hans JB, Haubner A, Arandjelovic M, Bergl RA, Fünfstück T, Gray M, Morgan DB, Robbins MM, Sanz C, Vigilant L. Characterization of MHC class II B polymorphism in multiple populations of wild gorillas using non-invasive samples and next-generation sequencing. Am J Primatol 2015; 77:1193-206. [PMID: 26283172 DOI: 10.1002/ajp.22458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2015] [Revised: 07/08/2015] [Accepted: 08/03/2015] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Genes encoded by the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) are crucial for the recognition and presentation of antigens to the immune system. In contrast to their closest relatives, chimpanzees and humans, much less is known about variation in gorillas at these loci. This study explored the exon 2 variation of -DPB1, -DQB1, and -DRB genes in 46 gorillas from four populations while simultaneously evaluating the feasibility of using fecal samples for high-throughput MHC genotyping. By applying strict similarity- and frequency-based analysis, we found, despite our modest sample size, a total of 18 alleles that have not been described previously, thereby illustrating the potential for efficient and highly accurate MHC genotyping from non-invasive DNA samples. We emphasize the importance of controlling for multiple potential sources of error when applying this massively parallel short-read sequencing technology to PCR products generated from low concentration DNA extracts. We observed pronounced differences in MHC variation between species, subspecies and populations that are consistent with both the ancient and recent demographic histories experienced by gorillas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jörg B Hans
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Anne Haubner
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Mimi Arandjelovic
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Richard A Bergl
- North Carolina Zoological Park, Asheboro, North Carolina, USA
| | | | - Maryke Gray
- International Gorilla Conservation Program, Kigali, Rwanda
| | | | - Martha M Robbins
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany
| | | | - Linda Vigilant
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany
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24
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Fünfstück T, Vigilant L. The geographic distribution of genetic diversity within gorillas. Am J Primatol 2015; 77:974-985. [DOI: 10.1002/ajp.22427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2015] [Revised: 04/23/2015] [Accepted: 04/26/2015] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Linda Vigilant
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology; Leipzig Germany
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25
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Driscoll CC, Driscoll JG, Hazekamp C, Mitton JB, Wehausen JD. A tale of two markers: Population genetics of colorado rocky mountain bighorn sheep estimated from microsatellite and mitochondrial data. J Wildl Manage 2015. [DOI: 10.1002/jwmg.895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Catherine C. Driscoll
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology; University of Colorado; Campus Box 224, Boulder CO 80309-0334
| | | | - Corey Hazekamp
- University of Massachusetts; 100 Morrissey Boulevard, Boston MA 02125-3393
| | - Jeffry B. Mitton
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology; University of Colorado; Campus Box 224, Boulder CO 80309-0334
| | - John D. Wehausen
- University of California San Diego; White Mountain Research Station; 3000 East Line Street, Bishop CA 93514
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26
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Arandjelovic M, Bergl RA, Ikfuingei R, Jameson C, Parker M, Vigilant L. Detection dog efficacy for collecting faecal samples from the critically endangered Cross River gorilla (Gorilla gorilla diehli) for genetic censusing. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2015; 2:140423. [PMID: 26064602 PMCID: PMC4448817 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.140423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2014] [Accepted: 01/29/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Population estimates using genetic capture-recapture methods from non-invasively collected wildlife samples are more accurate and precise than those obtained from traditional methods when detection and resampling rates are high. Recently, detection dogs have been increasingly used to find elusive species and their by-products. Here we compared the effectiveness of dog- and human-directed searches for Cross River gorilla (Gorilla gorilla diehli) faeces at two sites. The critically endangered Cross River gorilla inhabits a region of high biodiversity and endemism on the border between Nigeria and Cameroon. The rugged highland terrain and their cryptic behaviour make them difficult to study and a precise population size for the subspecies is still lacking. Dog-directed surveys located more fresh faeces with less bias than human-directed survey teams. This produced a more reliable population estimate, although of modest precision given the small scale of this pilot study. Unfortunately, the considerable costs associated with use of the United States-based detection dog teams make the use of these teams financially unfeasible for a larger, more comprehensive survey. To realize the full potential of dog-directed surveys and increase cost-effectiveness, we recommend basing dog-detection teams in the countries where they will operate and expanding the targets the dogs are trained to detect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mimi Arandjelovic
- Department of Primatology, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Deutscher Platz 6, Leipzig 04103, Germany
| | | | - Romanus Ikfuingei
- Wildlife Conservation Society, 2300 Southern Boulevard, Bronx, NY 10460, USA
| | - Christopher Jameson
- Wildlife Conservation Society, 2300 Southern Boulevard, Bronx, NY 10460, USA
| | - Megan Parker
- Working Dogs for Conservation, 52 Eustis Road, Three Forks, MT 59752, USA
| | - Linda Vigilant
- Department of Primatology, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Deutscher Platz 6, Leipzig 04103, Germany
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27
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Onojeghuo AO, Blackburn AG, Okeke F, Onojeghuo AR. Habitat Suitability Modeling of Endangered Primates in Nigeria: Integrating Satellite Remote Sensing and Spatial Modeling Techniques. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015. [DOI: 10.4236/gep.2015.38003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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28
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Rivera-Ortíz FA, Aguilar R, Arizmendi MDC, Quesada M, Oyama K. Habitat fragmentation and genetic variability of tetrapod populations. Anim Conserv 2014. [DOI: 10.1111/acv.12165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- F. A. Rivera-Ortíz
- Centro de Investigaciones en Ecosistemas; Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM); Morelia Michoacán México
- Escuela Nacional de Estudios Superiores (ENES) Unidad Morelia; Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM); Morelia Michoacán México
| | - R. Aguilar
- Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Vegetal; Universidad Nacional de Córdoba CONICET; Córdoba Argentina
| | - M. D. C. Arizmendi
- Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala; Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM); Tlalnepantla Estado de México México
| | - M. Quesada
- Centro de Investigaciones en Ecosistemas; Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM); Morelia Michoacán México
- Escuela Nacional de Estudios Superiores (ENES) Unidad Morelia; Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM); Morelia Michoacán México
| | - K. Oyama
- Centro de Investigaciones en Ecosistemas; Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM); Morelia Michoacán México
- Escuela Nacional de Estudios Superiores (ENES) Unidad Morelia; Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM); Morelia Michoacán México
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Chakraborty D, Sinha A, Ramakrishnan U. Mixed fortunes: ancient expansion and recent decline in population size of a subtropical montane primate, the Arunachal macaque Macaca munzala. PLoS One 2014; 9:e97061. [PMID: 25054863 PMCID: PMC4108313 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0097061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2013] [Accepted: 04/14/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Quaternary glacial oscillations are known to have caused population size fluctuations in many temperate species. Species from subtropical and tropical regions are, however, considerably less studied, despite representing most of the biodiversity hotspots in the world including many highly threatened by anthropogenic activities such as hunting. These regions, consequently, pose a significant knowledge gap in terms of how their fauna have typically responded to past climatic changes. We studied an endangered primate, the Arunachal macaque Macaca munzala, from the subtropical southern edge of the Tibetan plateau, a part of the Eastern Himalaya biodiversity hotspot, also known to be highly threatened due to rampant hunting. We employed a 534 bp-long mitochondrial DNA sequence and 22 autosomal microsatellite loci to investigate the factors that have potentially shaped the demographic history of the species. Analysing the genetic data with traditional statistical methods and advance Bayesian inferential approaches, we demonstrate a limited effect of past glacial fluctuations on the demographic history of the species before the last glacial maximum, approximately 20,000 years ago. This was, however, immediately followed by a significant population expansion possibly due to warmer climatic conditions, approximately 15,000 years ago. These changes may thus represent an apparent balance between that displayed by the relatively climatically stable tropics and those of the more severe, temperate environments of the past. This study also draws attention to the possibility that a cold-tolerant species like the Arunachal macaque, which could withstand historical climate fluctuations and grow once the climate became conducive, may actually be extremely vulnerable to anthropogenic exploitation, as is perhaps indicated by its Holocene ca. 30-fold population decline, approximately 3,500 years ago. Our study thus provides a quantitative appraisal of these demographically important events, emphasising the ability to potentially infer the occurrence of two separate historical events from contemporary genetic data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debapriyo Chakraborty
- Nature Conservation Foundation, Gokulam Park, Mysore, India
- National Centre for Biological Sciences, GKVK Campus, Bangalore, India
- * E-mail:
| | - Anindya Sinha
- Nature Conservation Foundation, Gokulam Park, Mysore, India
- National Centre for Biological Sciences, GKVK Campus, Bangalore, India
- National Institute of Advanced Studies, Indian Institute of Science Campus, Bangalore, India
| | - Uma Ramakrishnan
- National Centre for Biological Sciences, GKVK Campus, Bangalore, India
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Imong I, Robbins MM, Mundry R, Bergl R, Kühl HS. Informing conservation management about structural versus functional connectivity: a case-study of Cross River gorillas. Am J Primatol 2014; 76:978-88. [PMID: 24737604 DOI: 10.1002/ajp.22287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2013] [Revised: 02/28/2014] [Accepted: 03/10/2014] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Connectivity among subpopulations is vital for the persistence of small and fragmented populations. For management interventions to be effective conservation planners have to make the critical distinction between structural connectivity (based on landscape structure) and functional connectivity (which considers both landscape structure and organism-specific behavioral attributes) which can differ considerably within a given context. We assessed spatial and temporal changes in structural and functional connectivity of the Cross River gorilla Gorilla gorilla diehli (CRG) population in a 12,000 km(2) landscape in the Nigeria-Cameroon border region over a 23-year period, comparing two periods: 1987-2000 and 2000-2010. Despite substantial forest connections between occupied areas, genetic evidence shows that only limited dispersal occurs among CRG subpopulations. We used remotely sensed land-cover data and simulated human pressure (using a spatially explicit agent-based model) to assess human impact on connectivity of the CRG population. We calculated cost-weighted distances between areas occupied by gorillas as measures of connectivity (structural based on land-cover only, functional based on both land-cover and simulated human pressure). Whereas structural connectivity decreased by 5% over the 23-year period, functional connectivity decreased by 11%, with both decreasing more during the latter compared to the earlier period. Our results highlight the increasing threat of isolation of CRG subpopulations due to human disturbance, and provide insight into how increasing human influence may lead to functional isolation of wildlife populations despite habitat continuity, a pressing and common issue in tropical Africa often not accounted for when deciding management interventions. In addition to quantifying threats to connectivity, our study provides crucial evidence for management authorities to identify actions that are more likely to be effective for conservation of species in human-dominated landscapes. Our approach can be easily applied to other species, regions, and scales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inaoyom Imong
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany; Wildlife Conservation Society, Nigeria Program, Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria
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31
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Barks SK, Bauernfeind AL, Bonar CJ, Cranfield MR, de Sousa AA, Erwin JM, Hopkins WD, Lewandowski AH, Mudakikwa A, Phillips KA, Raghanti MA, Stimpson CD, Hof PR, Zilles K, Sherwood CC. Variable temporoinsular cortex neuroanatomy in primates suggests a bottleneck effect in eastern gorillas. J Comp Neurol 2014; 522:844-60. [PMID: 23939630 PMCID: PMC4195240 DOI: 10.1002/cne.23448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2013] [Revised: 07/09/2013] [Accepted: 08/02/2013] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
We describe an atypical neuroanatomical feature present in several primate species that involves a fusion between the temporal lobe (often including Heschl's gyrus in great apes) and the posterior dorsal insula, such that a portion of insular cortex forms an isolated pocket medial to the Sylvian fissure. We assessed the frequency of this fusion in 56 primate species (including apes, Old World monkeys, New World monkeys, and strepsirrhines) by using either magnetic resonance images or histological sections. A fusion between temporal cortex and posterior insula was present in 22 species (seven apes, two Old World monkeys, four New World monkeys, and nine strepsirrhines). The temporoinsular fusion was observed in most eastern gorilla (Gorilla beringei beringei and G. b. graueri) specimens (62% and 100% of cases, respectively) but was seen less frequently in other great apes and was never found in humans. We further explored the histology of this fusion in eastern gorillas by examining the cyto- and myeloarchitecture within this region and observed that the degree to which deep cortical layers and white matter are incorporated into the fusion varies among individuals within a species. We suggest that fusion between temporal and insular cortex is an example of a relatively rare neuroanatomical feature that has become more common in eastern gorillas, possibly as the result of a population bottleneck effect. Characterizing the phylogenetic distribution of this morphology highlights a derived feature of these great apes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah K. Barks
- Center for the Advanced Study of Hominid Paleobiology and Department of Anthropology, The George Washington University, Washington DC 20052
| | - Amy L. Bauernfeind
- Center for the Advanced Study of Hominid Paleobiology and Department of Anthropology, The George Washington University, Washington DC 20052
| | | | - Michael R. Cranfield
- Mountain Gorilla Veterinary Project, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616
| | | | - Joseph M. Erwin
- Center for the Advanced Study of Hominid Paleobiology and Department of Anthropology, The George Washington University, Washington DC 20052
| | - William D. Hopkins
- Neuroscience Institute, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303
- Division of Developmental and Cognitive Neuroscience, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Atlanta, GA 30329
| | | | - Antoine Mudakikwa
- Rwanda Development Board, Department of Tourism and Conservation, Kigale, Rwanda
| | | | - Mary Ann Raghanti
- Department of Anthropology and School of Biomedical Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44240
| | - Cheryl D. Stimpson
- Center for the Advanced Study of Hominid Paleobiology and Department of Anthropology, The George Washington University, Washington DC 20052
| | - Patrick R. Hof
- Fishberg Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029
- New York Consortium in Evolutionary Primatology, New York, NY 10024
| | - Karl Zilles
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine, Research Center Jülich, 52425 Jülich, Germany
- C. & O. Vogt Institute of Brain Research, Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Chet C. Sherwood
- Center for the Advanced Study of Hominid Paleobiology and Department of Anthropology, The George Washington University, Washington DC 20052
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32
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de Silva S, Webber CE, Weerathunga US, Pushpakumara TV, Weerakoon DK, Wittemyer G. Demographic variables for wild Asian elephants using longitudinal observations. PLoS One 2013; 8:e82788. [PMID: 24376581 PMCID: PMC3869725 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0082788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2013] [Accepted: 10/28/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Detailed demographic data on wild Asian elephants have been difficult to collect due to habitat characteristics of much of the species’ remaining range. Such data, however, are critical for understanding and modeling population processes in this endangered species. We present data from six years of an ongoing study of Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) in Uda Walawe National Park, Sri Lanka. This relatively undisturbed population numbering over one thousand elephants is individually monitored, providing cohort-based information on mortality and reproduction. Reproduction was seasonal, such that most births occurred during the long inter-monsoon dry season and peaked in May. During the study, the average age at first reproduction was 13.4 years and the 50th percentile inter-birth interval was approximately 6 years. Birth sex ratios did not deviate significantly from parity. Fecundity was relatively stable throughout the observed reproductive life of an individual (ages 11–60), averaging between 0.13–0.17 female offspring per individual per year. Mortalities and injuries based on carcasses and disappearances showed that males were significantly more likely than females to be killed or injured through anthropogenic activity. Overall, however, most observed injuries did not appear to be fatal. This population exhibits higher fecundity and density relative to published estimates on other Asian elephant populations, possibly enhanced by present range constriction. Understanding the factors responsible for these demographic dynamics can shed insight on the future needs of this elephant population, with probable parallels to other populations in similar settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shermin de Silva
- Colorado State University, Department of Fish, Wildlife and Conservation Biology, Fort Collins, Colorado, United States of America
- Elephant, Forest and Environment Conservation Trust, Colombo, Sri Lanka
- Trunks & Leaves Inc., Somerville, Massachusetts, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | | | - U. S. Weerathunga
- Elephant, Forest and Environment Conservation Trust, Colombo, Sri Lanka
| | | | | | - George Wittemyer
- Colorado State University, Department of Fish, Wildlife and Conservation Biology, Fort Collins, Colorado, United States of America
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Imong I, Robbins MM, Mundry R, Bergl R, Kühl HS. Distinguishing ecological constraints from human activity in species range fragmentation: the case of Cross River gorillas. Anim Conserv 2013. [DOI: 10.1111/acv.12100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- I. Imong
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology; Leipzig Germany
- Wildlife Conservation Society, Nigeria Programme; Calabar Cross River State Nigeria
| | - M. M. Robbins
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology; Leipzig Germany
| | - R. Mundry
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology; Leipzig Germany
| | - R. Bergl
- North Carolina Zoological Park; Asheboro NC USA
| | - H. S. Kühl
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology; Leipzig Germany
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34
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Quach H, Wilson D, Laval G, Patin E, Manry J, Guibert J, Barreiro LB, Nerrienet E, Verschoor E, Gessain A, Przeworski M, Quintana-Murci L. Different selective pressures shape the evolution of Toll-like receptors in human and African great ape populations. Hum Mol Genet 2013; 22:4829-40. [PMID: 23851028 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddt335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The study of the genetic and selective landscape of immunity genes across primates can provide insight into the existing differences in susceptibility to infection observed between human and non-human primates. Here, we explored how selection has driven the evolution of a key family of innate immunity receptors, the Toll-like receptors (TLRs), in African great ape species. We sequenced the 10 TLRs in various populations of chimpanzees and gorillas, and analysed these data jointly with a human data set. We found that purifying selection has been more pervasive in great apes than in humans. Furthermore, in chimpanzees and gorillas, purifying selection has targeted TLRs irrespectively of whether they are endosomal or cell surface, in contrast to humans where strong selective constraints are restricted to endosomal TLRs. These observations suggest important differences in the relative importance of TLR-mediated pathogen sensing, such as that of recognition of flagellated bacteria by TLR5, between humans and great apes. Lastly, we used a population genetics-phylogenetics method that jointly analyses polymorphism and divergence data to detect fine-scale variation in selection pressures at specific codons within TLR genes. We identified different codons at different TLRs as being under positive selection in each species, highlighting that functional variation at these genes has conferred a selective advantage in immunity to infection to specific primate species. Overall, this study showed that the degree of selection driving the evolution of TLRs has largely differed between human and non-human primates, increasing our knowledge on their respective biological contribution to host defence in the natural setting.
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35
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Sawyer SC, Brashares JS. Applying resource selection functions at multiple scales to prioritize habitat use by the endangered Cross River gorilla. DIVERS DISTRIB 2013. [DOI: 10.1111/ddi.12046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah C. Sawyer
- USDA Forest Service; Pacific Southwest Region; Vallejo; CA; 94592; USA
| | - Justin S. Brashares
- Department of Environmental Science, Policy and Management; University of California; Berkeley; CA; 94720; USA
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36
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Simons ND, Wagner RS, Lorenz JG. Genetic diversity of North American captive-born gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla). Ecol Evol 2012; 3:80-8. [PMID: 23403930 PMCID: PMC3568845 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2012] [Revised: 10/03/2012] [Accepted: 10/06/2012] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Western lowland gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) are designated as critically endangered and wild populations are dramatically declining as a result of habitat destruction, fragmentation, diseases (e.g., Ebola) and the illegal bushmeat trade. As wild populations continue to decline, the genetic management of the North American captive western lowland gorilla population will be an important component of the long-term conservation of the species. We genotyped 26 individuals from the North American captive gorilla collection at 11 autosomal microsatellite loci in order to compare levels of genetic diversity to wild populations, investigate genetic signatures of a population bottleneck and identify the genetic structure of the captive-born population. Captive gorillas had significantly higher levels of allelic diversity (t7 = 4.49, P = 0.002) and heterozygosity (t7 = 4.15, P = 0.004) than comparative wild populations, yet the population has lost significant allelic diversity while in captivity when compared to founders (t7 = 2.44, P = 0.04). Analyses suggested no genetic evidence for a population bottleneck of the captive population. Genetic structure results supported the management of North American captive gorillas as a single population. Our results highlight the utility of genetic management approaches for endangered nonhuman primate species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noah D Simons
- Primate Behavior Program, Central Washington University Ellensburg, Washington
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37
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Genetic Sampling of Unhabituated Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii) in Gishwati Forest Reserve, an Isolated Forest Fragment in Western Rwanda. INT J PRIMATOL 2012. [DOI: 10.1007/s10764-012-9591-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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38
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Martins MM, Nascimento ATA, Nali C, Velastin GO, Mangini PB, Valladares-Padua CB, Galetti PM. Genetic analysis reveals population structuring and a bottleneck in the black-faced lion tamarin (Leontopithecus caissara). Folia Primatol (Basel) 2012; 82:197-211. [PMID: 22236831 DOI: 10.1159/000334817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2011] [Accepted: 10/25/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The ability of a population to evolve in a changing environment may be compromised by human-imposed barriers to gene flow. We investigated the population structure and the possible occurrence of a genetic bottleneck in two isolated populations of the black-faced lion tamarin (Leontopithecus caissara), a species with very reduced numbers (less than 400) in a very restricted range in the Atlantic Forest of southeast Brazil. We determined the genotypes of 52 individuals across 9 microsatellite loci. We found genetic divergence between the populations, each exhibiting low genetic diversity. Analysis revealed broad- and fine-scale population structuring. Both populations have evidently experienced population reduction and a genetic bottleneck without presenting any apparent detrimental effect. Anyway, measures should be taken to effectively protect the forests where L. caissara occurs in order to allow its populations to increase and counteract the eventual effects of genetic impoverishment.
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Affiliation(s)
- M M Martins
- Laboratório de Biodiversidade Molecular e Conservação, Departamento de Genética e Evolução, Universidade Federal de São Carlos, São Carlos, Brasil.
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Population genetics and abundance of the Endangered grey-headed lemurEulemur cinereicepsin south-east Madagascar: assessing risks for fragmented and continuous populations. ORYX 2011. [DOI: 10.1017/s0030605311000159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractKnowledge of both population size and genetic diversity is critical for assessing extinction risk but few studies include concurrent estimates of these two components of population biology. We conducted an investigation of population density and size, and genetic variation and past demographic events, of the Endangered grey-headed lemurEulemur cinereicepsin south-east Madagascar. We estimated lemur density using line-transect surveys and used satellite imagery to calculate forest fragment area in three localities. We collected tissue samples from 53 individuals and used 26 polymorphic microsatellite loci to obtain measures of population structure (divergence and diversity) across these localities. We tested the probability of past bottleneck events using three models. Contrary to expectation, there were no significant differences in population density across localities. Genetic diversity decreased, but not significantly, with decreasing habitat area and population size. We found a higher likelihood of past bottleneck events in the fragmented coastal populations. The low population size and prior decline in diversity in coastal patches are consistent with their isolation, anthropogenic disturbance, and exposure to cyclone activity. The similarities in the estimates of density between continuous and fragmented sites may indicate recent population growth in the fragments but these populations nevertheless remain at risk from reduced levels of genetic variation. These patterns should be confirmed with more extensive sampling across the limited range ofE. cinereiceps.
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Parga JA, Sauther ML, Cuozzo FP, Jacky IAY, Lawler RR. Evaluating ring-tailed lemurs (Lemur catta) from southwestern Madagascar for a genetic population bottleneck. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGY 2011; 147:21-9. [PMID: 22052208 DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.21603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2010] [Accepted: 07/19/2011] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
In light of historical and recent anthropogenic influences on Malagasy primate populations, in this study ring-tailed lemur (Lemur catta) samples from two sites in southwestern Madagascar, Beza Mahafaly Special Reserve (BMSR) and Tsimanampetsotsa National Park (TNP), were evaluated for the genetic signature of a population bottleneck. A total of 45 individuals (20 from BMSR and 25 from TNP) were genotyped at seven microsatellite loci. Three methods were used to evaluate these populations for evidence of a historical bottleneck: M-ratio, mode-shift, and heterozygosity excess tests. Three mutation models were used for heterozygosity excess tests: the stepwise mutation model (SMM), two-phase model (TPM), and infinite allele model (IAM). M-ratio estimations indicated a potential bottleneck in both populations under some conditions. Although mode-shift tests did not strongly indicate a population bottleneck in the recent historical past when samples from all individuals were included, a female-only analysis indicated a potential bottleneck in TNP. Heterozygosity excess was indicated under two of the three mutation models (IAM and TPM), with TNP showing stronger evidence of heterozygosity excess than BMSR. Taken together, these results suggest that a bottleneck may have occurred among L. catta in southwestern Madagascar in the recent past. Given knowledge of how current major stochastic climatic events and human-induced change can negatively impact extant lemur populations, it is reasonable that comparable events in the historical past could have caused a population bottleneck. This evaluation additionally functions to highlight the continuing environmental and anthropogenic challenges faced by lemurs in southwestern Madagascar.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joyce A Parga
- Department of Social Sciences, University of Toronto at Scarborough, ON, Canada.
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41
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Remote sensing analysis reveals habitat, dispersal corridors and expanded distribution for the Critically Endangered Cross River gorilla Gorilla gorilla diehli. ORYX 2011. [DOI: 10.1017/s0030605310001857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractHabitat loss and fragmentation are among the major threats to wildlife populations in tropical forests. Loss of habitat reduces the carrying capacity of the landscape and fragmentation disrupts biological processes and exposes wildlife populations to the effects of small population size, such as reduction of genetic diversity and increased impact of demographic stochasticity. The Critically Endangered Cross River gorilla Gorilla gorilla diehli is threatened in particular by habitat disturbance because its population is small and it lives in an area where high human population density results in intense exploitation of natural resources. We used remotely-sensed data to assess the extent and distribution of gorilla habitat in the Cross River region and delineated potential dispersal corridors. Our analysis revealed > 8,000 km2 of tropical forest in the study region, 2,500 km2 of which is in or adjacent to areas occupied by gorillas. We surveyed 12 areas of forest identified as potential gorilla habitat, 10 of which yielded new records of gorillas. The new records expand the known range of the Cross River gorilla by > 50%, and support genetic analyses that suggest greater connectivity of the population than previously assumed. These findings demonstrate that considerable connected forest habitat remains and that the area could potentially support a much larger gorilla population if anthropogenic pressures such as hunting could be reduced.
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Muya SM, Bruford MW, Muigai AWT, Osiemo ZB, Mwachiro E, Okita-Ouma B, Goossens B. Substantial molecular variation and low genetic structure in Kenya’s black rhinoceros: implications for conservation. CONSERV GENET 2011. [DOI: 10.1007/s10592-011-0256-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Naim DM, Telfer S, Tatman S, Bird S, Kemp SJ, Hughes R, Watts PC. Patterns of genetic divergence among populations of the common dormouse, Muscardinus avellanarius in the UK. Mol Biol Rep 2011; 39:1205-15. [PMID: 21603855 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-011-0850-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2011] [Accepted: 05/12/2011] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Quantitative descriptions of population genetic structure allows the delineation of population units and is therefore of primary importance in population management and wildlife conservation. Yet, predicting factors that influence the gene flow patterns in populations particularly at landscape scales remains a major challenge in evolutionary biology. Here we report a population genetic study of the common dormouse, Muscardinus avellanarius, a species that is seriously threatened due to anthropogenic factors, in two regions, Bontuchel (Denbighshire) and Afonwen (Gwynedd), both in Wales, UK. Ten microsatellite loci were used to characterize patterns of genetic diversity of M. avellanarius within both regions. While the population differentiation between both regions is apparent through geographical scale separating them, by using Bayesian clustering analyses, we identified the occurrence of genetic division among populations of M. avellanarius in Bontuchel region, but no significant evidence of differentiation in Afonwen. We found a strong significant isolation-by-distance (IBD) pattern at a fine-scale (less than 1 km) within continuous habitat and between habitat patches in both regions. Overall, analyses suggest that small-scale dispersal associated with the social structure and dispersal tendencies of this species is reflected in the genetic structure of populations. These findings then provide useful baseline data for supporting local management strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darlina Md Naim
- Division of Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 7ZB, UK.
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44
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Thalmann O, Wegmann D, Spitzner M, Arandjelovic M, Guschanski K, Leuenberger C, Bergl RA, Vigilant L. Historical sampling reveals dramatic demographic changes in western gorilla populations. BMC Evol Biol 2011; 11:85. [PMID: 21457536 PMCID: PMC3078889 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2148-11-85] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2010] [Accepted: 04/01/2011] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Today many large mammals live in small, fragmented populations, but it is often unclear whether this subdivision is the result of long-term or recent events. Demographic modeling using genetic data can estimate changes in long-term population sizes while temporal sampling provides a way to compare genetic variation present today with that sampled in the past. In order to better understand the dynamics associated with the divergences of great ape populations, these analytical approaches were applied to western gorillas (Gorilla gorilla) and in particular to the isolated and Critically Endangered Cross River gorilla subspecies (G. g. diehli). RESULTS We used microsatellite genotypes from museum specimens and contemporary samples of Cross River gorillas to infer both the long-term and recent population history. We find that Cross River gorillas diverged from the ancestral western gorilla population ~17,800 years ago (95% HDI: 760, 63,245 years). However, gene flow ceased only ~420 years ago (95% HDI: 200, 16,256 years), followed by a bottleneck beginning ~320 years ago (95% HDI: 200, 2,825 years) that caused a 60-fold decrease in the effective population size of Cross River gorillas. Direct comparison of heterozygosity estimates from museum and contemporary samples suggests a loss of genetic variation over the last 100 years. CONCLUSIONS The composite history of western gorillas could plausibly be explained by climatic oscillations inducing environmental changes in western equatorial Africa that would have allowed gorilla populations to expand over time but ultimately isolate the Cross River gorillas, which thereafter exhibited a dramatic population size reduction. The recent decrease in the Cross River population is accordingly most likely attributable to increasing anthropogenic pressure over the last several hundred years. Isolation of diverging populations with prolonged concomitant gene flow, but not secondary admixture, appears to be a typical characteristic of the population histories of African great apes, including gorillas, chimpanzees and bonobos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olaf Thalmann
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Deutscher Platz 6, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
- Division of Genetics and Physiology, Department of Biology, University of Turku, Vesilinnantie 5, 20014 Turku, Finland
| | - Daniel Wegmann
- Dept. of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California Los Angeles, 621 Charles E. Young Dr South, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Marie Spitzner
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Deutscher Platz 6, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Mimi Arandjelovic
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Deutscher Platz 6, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Katerina Guschanski
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Deutscher Platz 6, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | | | - Richard A Bergl
- North Carolina Zoological Park, 4401 Zoo Parkway, Asheboro, NC 27205, USA
| | - Linda Vigilant
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Deutscher Platz 6, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
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Faulks LK, Gilligan DM, Beheregaray LB. Islands of water in a sea of dry land: hydrological regime predicts genetic diversity and dispersal in a widespread fish from Australia's arid zone, the golden perch (Macquaria ambigua). Mol Ecol 2010; 19:4723-37. [PMID: 20887362 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-294x.2010.04848.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Rivers provide an excellent system to study interactions between patterns of biodiversity structure and ecological processes. In these environments, gene flow is restricted by the spatial hierarchy and temporal variation of connectivity within the drainage network. In the Australian arid zone, this variability is high and rivers often exist as isolated waterholes connected during unpredictable floods. These conditions cause boom/bust cycles in the population dynamics of taxa, but their influence on spatial genetic diversity is largely unknown. We used a landscape genetics approach to assess the effect of hydrological variability on gene flow, spatial population structure and genetic diversity in an Australian freshwater fish, Macquaria ambigua. Our analysis is based on microsatellite data of 590 samples from 26 locations across the species range. Despite temporal isolation of populations, the species showed surprisingly high rates of dispersal, with population genetic structure only evident among major drainage basins. Within drainages, hydrological variability was a strong predictor of genetic diversity, being positively correlated with spring-time flow volume. We propose that increases in flow volume during spring stimulate recruitment booms and dispersal, boosting population size and genetic diversity. Although it is uncertain how the hydrological regime in arid Australia may change under future climate scenarios, management strategies for arid-zone fishes should mitigate barriers to dispersal and alterations to the natural flow regime to maintain connectivity and the species' evolutionary potential. This study contributes to our understanding of the influence of spatial and temporal heterogeneity on population and landscape processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leanne K Faulks
- Molecular Ecology Laboratory, Macquarie University, Department of Biological Sciences Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia.
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MIROL PATRICIA, GIMÉNEZ MABELD, SEARLE JEREMYB, BIDAU CLAUDIOJ, FAULKES CHRISG. Population and species boundaries in the South American subterranean rodent Ctenomys in a dynamic environment. Biol J Linn Soc Lond 2010. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1095-8312.2010.01409.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Nsubuga AM, Holzman J, Chemnick LG, Ryder OA. The cryptic genetic structure of the North American captive gorilla population. CONSERV GENET 2009. [DOI: 10.1007/s10592-009-0015-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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