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Boscarino-Gaetano R, Vernes K, Nordberg EJ. Creating wildlife habitat using artificial structures: a review of their efficacy and potential use in solar farms. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2024; 99:1848-1867. [PMID: 38735646 DOI: 10.1111/brv.13095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
The biodiversity crisis is exacerbated by a growing human population modifying nearly three-quarters of the Earth's land surface area for anthropogenic uses. Habitat loss and modification represent the largest threat to biodiversity and finding ways to offset species decline has been a significant undertaking for conservation. Landscape planning and conservation strategies can enhance habitat suitability for biodiversity in human-modified landscapes. Artificial habitat structures such as artificial reefs, nest boxes, chainsaw hollows, artificial burrows, and artificial hibernacula have all been successfully implemented to improve species survival in human-modified and fragmented landscapes. As the global shift towards renewable energy sources continues to rise, the development of photovoltaic systems is growing exponentially. Large-scale renewable projects, such as photovoltaic solar farms have large space requirements and thus have the potential to displace local wildlife. We discuss the feasibility of 'conservoltaic systems' - photovoltaic systems that incorporate elements tailored specifically to enhance wildlife habitat suitability and species conservation. Artificial habitat structures can potentially lessen the impacts of industrial development (e.g., photovoltaic solar farms) through strategic landscape planning and an understanding of local biodiversity requirements to facilitate recolonization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Remo Boscarino-Gaetano
- Ecosystem Management, School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales, 2351, Australia
| | - Karl Vernes
- Ecosystem Management, School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales, 2351, Australia
| | - Eric J Nordberg
- Ecosystem Management, School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales, 2351, Australia
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2
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Cloutier Z, Festa-Bianchet M, Pelletier F. Direct and indirect effects of cougar predation on bighorn sheep fitness. Ecology 2024; 105:e4374. [PMID: 39031035 DOI: 10.1002/ecy.4374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/22/2024]
Abstract
Predation has direct effects on prey population dynamics through mortality, and it can induce indirect effects through fear. The indirect effects of predation have been documented experimentally, but few studies have quantified them in nature so that their role in prey population dynamics remains controversial. Given the expanding or reintroduced populations of large predators in many areas, the quantification of indirect effects of predation is crucial. We sought to evaluate the direct and indirect fitness effects of intense cougar (Puma concolor) predation using 48 years of data on marked bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) on Ram Mountain, Alberta, Canada. We compared years of intense cougar predation with years with no or occasional cougar predation. We first quantified the effects of predation on neonatal, weaning, and overwinter lamb survival, three metrics potentially affected by direct and indirect effects. We then investigated the possible indirect effects of intense cougar predation on lamb production, female summer mass gain, and lamb mass at weaning. We found strong effects of cougar predation on lamb survival, lamb production, and seasonal mass gain of lambs and adult females. In years with high predation, neonatal, weaning, and overwinter lamb survival declined by 18.4%, 19.7% and 20.8%, respectively. Indirect effects included a 14.2% decline in lamb production. Female summer mass gain decreased by 15.6% and lamb mass at weaning declined by 8.0% in years of intense cougar predation. Our findings bring key insights on the impacts of predation on prey fitness by reporting moderate to large effects on recruitment and illustrate the importance of indirect effects of predation on population dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary Cloutier
- Département de Biologie, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
| | - Marco Festa-Bianchet
- Département de Biologie, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
- Centre d'études nordiques, Québec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Fanie Pelletier
- Département de Biologie, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
- Centre d'études nordiques, Québec City, Quebec, Canada
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3
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Snead AA, Tatarenkov A, Taylor DS, Marson K, Earley RL. Centrality to the metapopulation is more important for population genetic diversity than habitat area or fragmentation. Biol Lett 2024; 20:20240158. [PMID: 39044630 PMCID: PMC11267237 DOI: 10.1098/rsbl.2024.0158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2024] [Revised: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Drift and gene flow affect genetic diversity. Given that the strength of genetic drift increases as population size decreases, management activities have focused on increasing population size through preserving habitats to preserve genetic diversity. Few studies have empirically evaluated the impacts of drift and gene flow on genetic diversity. Kryptolebias marmoratus, henceforth 'rivulus', is a small killifish restricted to fragmented New World mangrove forests with gene flow primarily associated with ocean currents. Rivulus form distinct populations across patches, making them a well-suited system to test the extent to which habitat area, fragmentation and connectivity are associated with genetic diversity. Using over 1000 individuals genotyped at 32 microsatellite loci, high-resolution landcover data and oceanographic simulations with graph theory, we demonstrate that centrality (connectivity) to the metapopulation is more strongly associated with genetic diversity than habitat area or fragmentation. By comparing models with and without centrality standardized by the source population's genetic diversity, our results suggest that metapopulation centrality is critical to genetic diversity regardless of the diversity of adjacent populations. While we find evidence that habitat area and fragmentation are related to genetic diversity, centrality is always a significant predictor with a larger effect than any measure of habitat configuration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony A. Snead
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alabama, 300 Hackberry Lane, Tuscaloosa, AL35487, USA
- Department of Biology, New York University, New York, NY10003, USA
| | - Andrey Tatarenkov
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Irvine, CA92697, USA
| | - D. Scott Taylor
- The Environmentally Endangered Lands (EEL) Program, Brevard County, Melbourne, FL32904, USA
| | - Kristine Marson
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alabama, 300 Hackberry Lane, Tuscaloosa, AL35487, USA
| | - Ryan L. Earley
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alabama, 300 Hackberry Lane, Tuscaloosa, AL35487, USA
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4
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Dayananda SK, Athukorala HF, Peabotuwage I, Kumara C, Ranasinghe T, Samarasinghe D, Gouveia A, Kotagama SW, Mammides C, Jiang A, Goodale E. Rubber plantations are impermeable to an avian understory specialist in Sri Lanka. MOVEMENT ECOLOGY 2024; 12:47. [PMID: 38880879 PMCID: PMC11181654 DOI: 10.1186/s40462-024-00484-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Understanding how landscape characteristics affect animal movement is essential for conservation in human-dominated habitats. A fundamental question is how monoculture agroforests, including rubber and tea plantations, affect wildlife and its movement. Experimental translocations represent an important technique to assess animals' habitat selection while moving through agricultural matrices, especially when complemented with observations of birds' natural movements, and with "control" translocations, in which birds are moved within their natural habitat such as forest. Yet, experimental translocations have been little used for birds outside the Western Hemisphere. METHODS We conducted experimental translocations and home-range measurements on an understory forest specialist, Brown-capped Babbler (BCBA, Pellorneum fuscocapillus), and a forest generalist, Tickell's Blue Flycatcher (TBFL, Cyornis tickelliae). These species were studied in three rubber plantations, which also included some open areas mostly planted with tea, and in three forest reserves of Sri Lanka. RESULTS Four of the five BCBAs translocated within disturbed habitats (rubber plantations) could not return to their capture locations. However, all four individuals within undisturbed habitats (forest reserves) successfully returned to their point of origin within 10.5 daytime hours. In contrast, all TBFLs returned to their capture locations in both disturbed (n = 7) and undisturbed habitats (n = 3) within 11.3 daytime hours. A Cox-proportional survival model demonstrated that the percentage of rubber cover decreased return time, similar to the effect of open-area cover. The home range surveys (n = 13 for BCBA, n = 10 for TBFL) revealed that very little of the birds' natural home-ranges was covered by rubber (0.2% for BCBA, 13.1% for TBFL at 50% Kernel Density Estimates KDE). Home range size for BCBA was approximately half the size in disturbed habitats compared to undisturbed ones, although there was no significant difference between habitats for TBFL. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that rubber plantations can be impermeable to understory habitat specialist birds, and even generalist species may avoid them long-term. Our findings highlight the potential utility of strips of native vegetation, particularly those featuring understory layers, as corridors to facilitate the movement of forest specialists in landscapes dominated by rubber plantations and other types of disturbed habitats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salindra K Dayananda
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Forest Ecology and Conservation, College of Forestry, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, Guangxi, China
- Institute of Environment and Ecology, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong, China
- Field Ornithology Group of Sri Lanka, Department of Zoology and Environment Science, Faculty of Science, University of Colombo, Colombo, 00700, Western Province, Sri Lanka
| | - Harsha F Athukorala
- Field Ornithology Group of Sri Lanka, Department of Zoology and Environment Science, Faculty of Science, University of Colombo, Colombo, 00700, Western Province, Sri Lanka
| | - Indika Peabotuwage
- Field Ornithology Group of Sri Lanka, Department of Zoology and Environment Science, Faculty of Science, University of Colombo, Colombo, 00700, Western Province, Sri Lanka
| | - Chandralal Kumara
- Field Ornithology Group of Sri Lanka, Department of Zoology and Environment Science, Faculty of Science, University of Colombo, Colombo, 00700, Western Province, Sri Lanka
| | - Tharindu Ranasinghe
- Wild Island Foundation, 6A, Mendis Lane, Moratuwa, 10400, Western Province, Sri Lanka
| | - Dhammithra Samarasinghe
- Field Ornithology Group of Sri Lanka, Department of Zoology and Environment Science, Faculty of Science, University of Colombo, Colombo, 00700, Western Province, Sri Lanka
| | - Ana Gouveia
- Institute of Environment and Ecology, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong, China
| | - Sarath W Kotagama
- Field Ornithology Group of Sri Lanka, Department of Zoology and Environment Science, Faculty of Science, University of Colombo, Colombo, 00700, Western Province, Sri Lanka
| | - Christos Mammides
- Nature Conservation Unit, Frederick University, 1036, Pallouriotisa, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Aiwu Jiang
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Forest Ecology and Conservation, College of Forestry, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, Guangxi, China.
| | - Eben Goodale
- Department of Health and Environmental Science, Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, Suzhou, 215123, Jiangsu, China.
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Hernandez M, Suni S. Effects of landscape, resource use, and body size on genetic structure in bee populations. Ecol Evol 2024; 14:e11358. [PMID: 38742185 PMCID: PMC11089087 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.11358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Quantifying genetic structure and levels of genetic variation are fundamentally important to predicting the ability of populations to persist in human-altered landscapes and adapt to future environmental changes. Genetic structure reflects the dispersal of individuals over generations, which can be mediated by species-level traits or environmental factors. Dispersal distances are commonly positively associated with body size and negatively associated with the amount of degraded habitat between sites, motivating the investigation of these potential drivers of dispersal concomitantly. We quantified genetic structure and genetic variability within populations of seven bee species from the genus Euglossa across fragmented landscapes. We genotyped bees at SNP loci and tested the following predictions: (1) deforested areas restrict gene flow; (2) larger species have lower genetic structure; (3) species with greater resource specialization have higher genetic structure; and (4) sites surrounded by more intact habitat have higher genetic diversity. Contrasting with previous work on bees, we found no associations between body size and genetic structure. Genetic structure was higher for species with greater resource specialization, and the amount of intact habitat between or surrounding sites was positively associated with parameters reflecting gene flow and genetic diversity. These results challenge the dominant paradigm that individuals of larger species disperse farther, and they suggest that landscape and resource requirements are important factors mediating dispersal.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sevan Suni
- The University of San FranciscoSan FranciscoCaliforniaUSA
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6
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Marciszak A, Mackiewicz P, Borówka RK, Capalbo C, Chibowski P, Gąsiorowski M, Hercman H, Cedro B, Kropczyk A, Gornig W, Moska P, Nowakowski D, Ratajczak-Skrzatek U, Sobczyk A, Sykut MT, Zarzecka-Szubińska K, Kovalchuk O, Barkaszi Z, Stefaniak K, Mazza PPA. Fate and preservation of the late pleistocene cave bears from Niedźwiedzia Cave in Poland, through taphonomy, pathology, and geochemistry. Sci Rep 2024; 14:9775. [PMID: 38684693 PMCID: PMC11059340 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-60222-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
This comprehensive study examines fossil remains from Niedźwiedzia Cave in the Eastern Sudetes, offering detailed insights into the palaeobiology and adversities encountered by the Pleistocene cave bear Ursus spelaeus ingressus. Emphasising habitual cave use for hibernation and a primarily herbivorous diet, the findings attribute mortality to resource scarcity during hibernation and habitat fragmentation amid climate shifts. Taphonomic analysis indicates that the cave was extensively used by successive generations of bears, virtually unexposed to the impact of predators. The study also reveals that alkaline conditions developed in the cave during the post-depositional taphonomic processes. Mortality patterns, notably among juveniles, imply dwindling resources, indicative of environmental instability. Skeletal examination reveals a high incidence of forelimb fractures, indicating risks during activities like digging or confrontations. Palaeopathological evidence unveils vulnerabilities to tuberculosis, abscesses, rickets, and injuries, elucidating mobility challenges. The cave's silts exhibit a high zinc concentration, potentially derived from successive bear generations consuming zinc-rich plants. This study illuminates the lives of late cave bears, elucidating unique environmental hurdles faced near their species' end.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Marciszak
- Department of Palaeozoology, University of Wrocław, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Paweł Mackiewicz
- Department of Bioinformatics and Genomics, University of Wrocław, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Ryszard K Borówka
- Institute of Marine and Environmental Sciences, Szczecin University, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Chiara Capalbo
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Piotr Chibowski
- Faculty of Biology, Biological and Chemical Research Centre, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Michał Gąsiorowski
- Institute of Geological Sciences, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Helena Hercman
- Institute of Geological Sciences, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Bernard Cedro
- Institute of Marine and Environmental Sciences, University of Szczecin, Szczecin, Poland
| | | | - Wiktoria Gornig
- Department of Evolutionary Biology and Conservation of Vertebrates, University of Wrocław, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Piotr Moska
- Institute of Physics - Centre for Science and Education, Silesian University of Technology, Gliwice, Poland
| | - Dariusz Nowakowski
- Division of Anthropology, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
| | | | - Artur Sobczyk
- Institute of Geological Sciences, University of Wrocław, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Maciej T Sykut
- Center for Ecological Dynamics in a Novel Biosphere (ECONOVO), Department of Biology, Aarhus University, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
- Department of Archaeology and Heritage Studies, Aarhus University, Moesgård Allé 20, 8270, Højbjerg, Denmark
- Mammal Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, Stoczek 1C, 17-230, Białowieża, Poland
| | | | - Oleksandr Kovalchuk
- Department of Palaeozoology, University of Wrocław, Wrocław, Poland
- National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, National Museum of Natural History, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Zoltán Barkaszi
- National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, National Museum of Natural History, Kyiv, Ukraine
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, John Von Neumann University, Kecskemét, Hungary
| | | | - Paul P A Mazza
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy.
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7
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Rodrigues NT, Saranholi BH, Inforzato AR, Silveira L, Desbiez ALJ, Galetti PM. Reduced gene flow and bottleneck in the threatened giant armadillo (Priodontes maximus): implications for its conservation. Genet Mol Biol 2024; 47:e20230252. [PMID: 38446984 PMCID: PMC10917080 DOI: 10.1590/1678-4685-gmb-2023-0252] [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: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
The progressive fragmentation and loss of habitats represent the main threats for endangered species, causing genetic consequences that may have potential implications for a population's long-term persistence. Large mammals are the most affected species among vertebrates. The giant armadillo Priodontes maximus is a large South American mammal threatened species, showing nocturnal, solitary and fossorial behavior, occurring at low population densities, and its population dynamics are still poorly known. In this study, we carried out the first assessment of genetic variability and population genetic structure of the species, using a panel of 15 polymorphic microsatellites developed by high-throughput genome sequencing. The spatial Bayesian clustering, Fst and Dest results indicated the presence of two genetic clusters (K = 2) in the study area. These results suggest a reduction in gene flow between individuals inhabiting the Brazilian savanna (Cerrado) and the Pantanal wetlands, with the increased human-driven habitat modifications possibly contributing for this scenario. A bottleneck signal was detected in both populations, and a subpopulation structuring in the Cerrado may also be reflecting consequences of the extensive habitat modifications. Findings from this study provide important and useful information for the future maintenance of genetic diversity and long-term conservation of this flagship species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nayra T. Rodrigues
- Universidade Federal de São Carlos, Departamento de Genética e Evolução, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Bruno H. Saranholi
- Universidade Federal de São Carlos, Departamento de Genética e Evolução, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
- Imperial College London, Department of Life Sciences, Ascot, United Kingdom
| | - Alexandre R. Inforzato
- Universidade Federal de São Carlos, Departamento de Genética e Evolução, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Arnaud Leonard Jean Desbiez
- Instituto de Conservação de Animais Silvestres (ICAS), Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
- Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS), Murrayfield, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Instituto de Pesquisas Ecológicas (IPE), Nazaré Paulista, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Pedro M. Galetti
- Universidade Federal de São Carlos, Departamento de Genética e Evolução, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
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8
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Tensen L, Fischer K. Heterozygosity is low where rare color variants in wild carnivores prevail. Ecol Evol 2024; 14:e10881. [PMID: 38327687 PMCID: PMC10847885 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.10881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Coat color and pattern are a distinguished feature in mammalian carnivores, shaped by climatic cycles and habitat type. It can be expressed in various ways, such as gradients, polymorphisms, and rare color variants. Although natural selection explains much of the phenotypic variation found in the wild, genetic drift and heterozygote deficiency, as prominent in small and fragmented populations, may also affect phenotypic variability through the fixation of recessive alleles. The aim of this study was to test whether rare color variants in the wild could relate to a deficiency of heterozygotes, resulting from habitat fragmentation and small population size. We present an overview of all rare color variants in the order Carnivora, and compiled demographic and genetic data of the populations where they did and did not occur, to test for significant correlations. We also tested how phylogeny and body weight influenced the presence of color variants with phylogenetic generalized linear mixed models (PGLMMs). We found 40 color-variable species and 59 rare color variants. In 17 variable phenotypic populations for which genetic diversity was available, the average A R was 4.18, H O = 0.59, and H E = 0.66, and F IS = 0.086. We found that variable populations displayed a significant reduction in heterozygosity and allelic richness compared to non-variable populations across species. We also found a significant negative correlation between population size and inbreeding coefficients. Therefore, it is possible that small effective size had phenotypic consequences on the extant populations. The high frequency of the rare color variants (averaging 20%) also implies that genetic drift is locally overruling natural selection in small effective populations. As such, rare color variants could be added to the list of phenotypic consequences of inbreeding in the wild.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Tensen
- Zoology, Institute for Integrated Natural SciencesKoblenz UniversityKoblenzGermany
- Department of Zoology, Centre for Ecological Genomics and Wildlife ConservationUniversity of JohannesburgJohannesburgSouth Africa
| | - Klaus Fischer
- Zoology, Institute for Integrated Natural SciencesKoblenz UniversityKoblenzGermany
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9
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Le Tallec T, Hozer C, Perret M, Théry M. Light pollution and habitat fragmentation in the grey mouse lemur. Sci Rep 2024; 14:1662. [PMID: 38238414 PMCID: PMC10796386 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-51853-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Light pollution, by changing organisms' behavior, affects locomotion, migration and can ultimately fragment the habitat. To investigate the effects of light pollution on habitat fragmentation, we conducted an experimental study on a nocturnal and photosensitive primate, the grey mouse lemur (Microcebus murinus). Twelve males were housed individually in an apparatus with two cages connected by two corridors, opaque and transparent. During 4 nights, the transparent corridor was illuminated by specific light intensities: 0 lx, 0.3 lx, 20 lx and 51.5 lx corresponding respectively to total darkness, full moon, minimal intensity recommended by the European standard EN-13201 on public lighting, and to light pollution recorded in an urban area. Each night, general activity, use of corridors and cage occupancy were recorded using an infrared camera. For the first time in a nocturnal primate, results demonstrate that light pollution changes the preference of use of corridors, modifies the locomotor pattern and limits the ability of animals to efficiently exploit their environment according to a light intensity-dependent relationship. However, results indicate that a dark corridor allows partial compensation partly preserving general activities. This study highlights the necessity to consider light pollution during the implementation of conservation plans and the relevance of nocturnal frames.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Le Tallec
- UMR 7179 MECADEV, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, 1 avenue du petit Château, 91800, Brunoy, France.
| | - Clara Hozer
- UMR 7179 MECADEV, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, 1 avenue du petit Château, 91800, Brunoy, France
| | - Martine Perret
- UMR 7179 MECADEV, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, 1 avenue du petit Château, 91800, Brunoy, France
| | - Marc Théry
- UMR 7179 MECADEV, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, 1 avenue du petit Château, 91800, Brunoy, France
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10
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Benham PM, Walsh J, Bowie RCK. Spatial variation in population genomic responses to over a century of anthropogenic change within a tidal marsh songbird. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2024; 30:e17126. [PMID: 38273486 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.17126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Combating the current biodiversity crisis requires the accurate documentation of population responses to human-induced ecological change. However, our ability to pinpoint population responses to human activities is often limited to the analysis of populations studied well after the fact. Museum collections preserve a record of population responses to anthropogenic change that can provide critical baseline data on patterns of genetic diversity, connectivity, and population structure prior to the onset of human perturbation. Here, we leverage a spatially replicated time series of specimens to document population genomic responses to the destruction of nearly 90% of coastal habitats occupied by the Savannah sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis) in California. We sequenced 219 sparrows collected from 1889 to 2017 across the state of California using an exome capture approach. Spatial-temporal analyses of genetic diversity found that the amount of habitat lost was not predictive of genetic diversity loss. Sparrow populations from southern California historically exhibited lower levels of genetic diversity and experienced the most significant temporal declines in genetic diversity. Despite experiencing the greatest levels of habitat loss, we found that genetic diversity in the San Francisco Bay area remained relatively high. This was potentially related to an observed increase in gene flow into the Bay Area from other populations. While gene flow may have minimized genetic diversity declines, we also found that immigration from inland freshwater-adapted populations into tidal marsh populations led to the erosion of divergence at loci associated with tidal marsh adaptation. Shifting patterns of gene flow through time in response to habitat loss may thus contribute to negative fitness consequences and outbreeding depression. Together, our results underscore the importance of tracing the genomic trajectories of multiple populations over time to address issues of fundamental conservation concern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phred M Benham
- Museum of Vertebrate Zoology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Jennifer Walsh
- Fuller Evolutionary Biology Program, Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
| | - Rauri C K Bowie
- Museum of Vertebrate Zoology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
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11
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Peng L, Hua W, Chen Y, Wang W, Xue Z. Comparative analysis of the population diversity of black rockfish (Sebastes schlegelii) in northern China. Mol Biol Rep 2023; 50:10015-10024. [PMID: 37902911 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-023-08821-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/01/2023]
Abstract
The nearshore marine fish known as black rockfish (Sebastes schlegelii) is found in the Yellow Sea, Bohai Sea, and East China Sea. The population structure and genetic diversity of S. schlegelii are vulnerable to the effects of artificial stocking, environmental pollution, overfishing, and climate change, so relevant studies are urgently needed. This study used comparative mtDNA loop (D-loop) analysis to examine the genetic diversity and natural population structure of 98 individuals from the northern Chinese cities of Qingdao, Jinzhou, and Dalian. A total of 22 haplotypes were identified in the three groups of samples, with the most common haplotypes being Hap-2, Hap-3, Hap-4, Hap-5, and Hap-6. The results of genetic diversity based on the D-LOOP sequence showed that the genetic diversity of S. schlegelii in the study area showed high Hd and low π type, indicating that the genetic diversity of S. schlegelii was low. Analyses of molecular variance (AMOVA) showed that the percentage of among population variation was - 0.29%, and the percentage of within population variation was 100.29%, indicating that the genetic variation was mainly from within the population. Between the three locations, the genetic differentiation index (Fst) was - 0.0113 ~ 0.0061, and there was no genetic differentiation among the populations. The results of gene flow (Nm) coefficients showed that the average Nm among the three populations was infinite (Nm = inf > > 4) and the three populations formed a stochastic unit. The results of the neutrality test (Tajima's D, Fu's Fs) and the frequency of nucleotide mismatch distribution demonstrated that the three geographic populations of S. schlegelii did not undergo a large population expansion in recent history. Based on the above conclusions, the S. schlegelii as a whole should be protected in situ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Peng
- Key Laboratory of Applied Biology and Aquaculture of Northern Fishes in Liaoning Province, Dalian Ocean University, No. 52 Heishijiao Street, Dalian, 116023, China
- College of Aquatic and Life Science, Dalian Ocean University, No. 52 Heishijiao Street, Dalian, 116023, China
| | - Wenyuan Hua
- Key Laboratory of Applied Biology and Aquaculture of Northern Fishes in Liaoning Province, Dalian Ocean University, No. 52 Heishijiao Street, Dalian, 116023, China
- College of Aquatic and Life Science, Dalian Ocean University, No. 52 Heishijiao Street, Dalian, 116023, China
| | - Yan Chen
- Key Laboratory of Applied Biology and Aquaculture of Northern Fishes in Liaoning Province, Dalian Ocean University, No. 52 Heishijiao Street, Dalian, 116023, China
- College of Aquatic and Life Science, Dalian Ocean University, No. 52 Heishijiao Street, Dalian, 116023, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Applied Biology and Aquaculture of Northern Fishes in Liaoning Province, Dalian Ocean University, No. 52 Heishijiao Street, Dalian, 116023, China.
- College of Aquatic and Life Science, Dalian Ocean University, No. 52 Heishijiao Street, Dalian, 116023, China.
| | - Zhuang Xue
- Key Laboratory of Applied Biology and Aquaculture of Northern Fishes in Liaoning Province, Dalian Ocean University, No. 52 Heishijiao Street, Dalian, 116023, China.
- College of Aquatic and Life Science, Dalian Ocean University, No. 52 Heishijiao Street, Dalian, 116023, China.
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12
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Hunter P. Genetics against extinction: New conservation strategies consider genetic diversity and habitat loss. EMBO Rep 2023; 24:e57521. [PMID: 37272230 PMCID: PMC10328060 DOI: 10.15252/embr.202357521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Improved methods to quantify genetic diversity could inform conservation and restauration measures to protect threatened species.
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13
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Delord C, Petit EJ, Blanchet S, Longin G, Rinaldo R, Vigouroux R, Roussel JM, Le Bail PY, Launey S. Contrasts in riverscape patterns of intraspecific genetic variation in a diverse Neotropical fish community of high conservation value. Heredity (Edinb) 2023; 131:1-14. [PMID: 37185615 PMCID: PMC10313816 DOI: 10.1038/s41437-023-00616-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Spatial patterns of genetic variation compared across species provide information about the predictability of genetic diversity in natural populations, and areas requiring conservation measures. Due to their remarkable fish diversity, rivers in Neotropical regions are ideal systems to confront theory with observations and would benefit greatly from such approaches given their increasing vulnerability to anthropogenic pressures. We used SNP data from 18 fish species with contrasting life-history traits, co-sampled across 12 sites in the Maroni- a major river system from the Guiana Shield -, to compare patterns of intraspecific genetic variation and identify their underlying drivers. Analyses of covariance revealed a decrease in genetic diversity as distance from the river outlet increased for 5 of the 18 species, illustrating a pattern commonly observed in riverscapes for species with low-to-medium dispersal abilities. However, the mean within-site genetic diversity was lowest in the two easternmost tributaries of the Upper Maroni and around an urbanized location downstream, indicating the need to address the potential influence of local pressures in these areas, such as gold mining or fishing. Finally, the relative influence of isolation by stream distance, isolation by discontinuous river flow, and isolation by spatial heterogeneity in effective size on pairwise genetic differentiation varied across species. Species with similar dispersal and reproductive guilds did not necessarily display shared patterns of population structure. Increasing the knowledge of specific life history traits and ecological requirements of fish species in these remote areas should help further understand factors that influence their current patterns of genetic variation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chrystelle Delord
- DECOD (Ecosystem Dynamics and Sustainability), INRAE, Institut Agro, IFREMER, 35042, Rennes, France.
- HYDRECO Guyane SARL, Laboratoire-Environnement de Petit Saut, 97310, Kourou, France.
- UMR MARBEC, Univ. Montpellier, IRD, Ifremer, CNRS, Sète, France.
| | - Eric J Petit
- DECOD (Ecosystem Dynamics and Sustainability), INRAE, Institut Agro, IFREMER, 35042, Rennes, France
| | - Simon Blanchet
- CNRS, Station d'Ecologie Théorique et Expérimentale, UAR, 2029, Moulis, France
| | | | | | - Régis Vigouroux
- HYDRECO Guyane SARL, Laboratoire-Environnement de Petit Saut, 97310, Kourou, France
| | - Jean-Marc Roussel
- DECOD (Ecosystem Dynamics and Sustainability), INRAE, Institut Agro, IFREMER, 35042, Rennes, France
| | | | - Sophie Launey
- DECOD (Ecosystem Dynamics and Sustainability), INRAE, Institut Agro, IFREMER, 35042, Rennes, France
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14
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Praill LC, Eppley TM, Shanee S, Cunneyworth PMK, Abra FD, Allgas N, Al-Razi H, Campera M, Cheyne SM, Collinson W, Donati G, Linden B, Manson S, Maria M, Morcatty TQ, Nekaris KAI, Oklander LI, Nijman V, Svensson MS. Road Infrastructure and Primate Conservation: Introducing the Global Primate Roadkill Database. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13101692. [PMID: 37238122 DOI: 10.3390/ani13101692] [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: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
As road infrastructure networks rapidly expand globally, especially in the tropics, previously continuous habitats are being fragmented, resulting in more frequent wildlife-vehicle collisions (WVC). Primates are widespread throughout many sub-/tropical countries, and as their habitats are fragmented, they are increasingly at risk of WVC. We created the Global Primate Roadkill Database (GPRD), the largest available standardized database of primate roadkill incidents. We obtained data from published papers, un-published and citizen science databases, anecdotal reports, news reports, and social media posts. Here, we describe the collection methods for the GPRD and present the most up-to-date version of the database in full. For each primate roadkill incident, we recorded the species killed, the exact location, and the year and month the roadkill was observed. At the time of publication, the GPRD includes 2862 individual primate roadkill records from 41 countries. As primates range in more than twice as many countries, the absence of data from these countries is not necessarily indicative of a lack of primate vehicular collisions. Given the value of these data for addressing both local and global research questions, we encourage conservationists and citizen scientists to contribute to the GPRD so that, together, we can better understand the impact road infrastructure has on primates and evaluate measures which may help mitigate risk-prone areas or species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura C Praill
- Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford OX3 0BP, UK
- Pandrillus Cameroon, Limbe Wildlife Centre, Limbe P.O. Box 878, Cameroon
| | - Timothy M Eppley
- Wildlife Madagascar, Antananarivo 101, Madagascar
- Department of Anthropology, Portland State University, Portland, OR 97201, USA
- Conservation Science and Wildlife Health, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, Escondido, CA 92027, USA
| | - Sam Shanee
- Asociación Neotropical Primate Conservation Perú, Moyobamba 22001, Peru
- Neotropical Primate Conservation, Cornwall PL11 3JQ, UK
| | | | - Fernanda D Abra
- Smithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute-Center for Conservation and Sustainability, Washington, DC 20560, USA
- ViaFAUNA Estudos Ambientais, São Paulo 04125-120, SP, Brazil
- Instituto Pró-Carnívoros, Atibaia 12945-010, SP, Brazil
| | - Néstor Allgas
- Asociación Neotropical Primate Conservation Perú, Moyobamba 22001, Peru
| | - Hassan Al-Razi
- Bangladesh Slow Loris Research and Conservation Project, 531/2, Shahidbagh, Dhaka 1217, Bangladesh
| | - Marco Campera
- Faculty of Life Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford OX3 0BP, UK
| | - Susan M Cheyne
- Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford OX3 0BP, UK
| | - Wendy Collinson
- Faculty of Science, Engineering and Agriculture, University of Venda, Thohoyandou 0950, South Africa
- The Endangered Wildlife Trust, Wierda Park 0149, South Africa
| | - Giuseppe Donati
- Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford OX3 0BP, UK
| | - Birthe Linden
- Faculty of Science, Engineering and Agriculture, University of Venda, Thohoyandou 0950, South Africa
- Lajuma Research Centre, Louis Trichardt 0920, South Africa
| | - Sophie Manson
- Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford OX3 0BP, UK
- Little Fireface Project, Chipaganti, Cisurupan, Garut 44163, Indonesia
| | - Marjan Maria
- Bangladesh Slow Loris Research and Conservation Project, 531/2, Shahidbagh, Dhaka 1217, Bangladesh
| | - Thais Q Morcatty
- Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford OX3 0BP, UK
| | - K A I Nekaris
- Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford OX3 0BP, UK
- Little Fireface Project, Chipaganti, Cisurupan, Garut 44163, Indonesia
| | - Luciana I Oklander
- Grupo de Investigación en Genética Aplicada, UNAM-CONICET, Posadas N3304, Argentina
- Neotropical Primate Conservation Argentina, Puerto Iguazú N3370, Argentina
| | - Vincent Nijman
- Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford OX3 0BP, UK
| | - Magdalena S Svensson
- Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford OX3 0BP, UK
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15
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Chen Y, Sun Y, Hua M, Shi K, Dudgeon D. Using genetic tools to inform conservation of fragmented populations of Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) across their range in China. Integr Zool 2023; 18:453-468. [PMID: 36052971 DOI: 10.1111/1749-4877.12680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
A herd of 15 Chinese elephants attracted international attention during their 2021 northward trek, motivating the government to propose establishment of an Asian elephant national park. However, planning is hampered by a lack of genetic information on the remaining populations in China. We collected DNA from 497 dung samples from all 5 populations encompassing the entire range of elephants in China and used mitochondrial and microsatellite markers to investigate their genetic and demographic structure. We identified 237 unique genotypes (153 females, 84 males), representing 81% of the known population. However, the effective population size was small (28, range 25-32). Historic demographic contraction appeared to account for low haplotype diversity (Hd = 0.235), but moderate nucleotide and nuclear diversity (π = 0.6%, He = 0.55) was attributable to post-bottleneck recovery involving recent population expansion plus historical gene exchange with elephants in Myanmar, Lao PDR, and Vietnam. The 5 populations fell into 3 clusters, with Nangunhe elephants differing consistently from the other 4 populations (FST = 0.23); elephants from Mengyang, Simao, and Jiangcheng belonged to a single population (henceforth, MSJ), and differed from the Shangyong population (FST = 0.11). Interpopulation genetic variation reflected isolation by distance and female-biased dispersal. Chinese elephants should be managed as 2 distinct units: Nangunhe and another combining Shangyong and MSJ; their long-term viability will require restoring gene flow between Shangyong and MSJ, and between elephants in China and neighboring countries. Our results have the potential to inform conservation planning for an iconic megafaunal species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Chen
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yakuan Sun
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Mei Hua
- Institute of Agro-food Technology, Jilin Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun, China
| | - Kun Shi
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
- Eco-Bridge Continental, Beijing, China
| | - David Dudgeon
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
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16
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Eriksson A, Filion A, Labruna MB, Muñoz-Leal S, Poulin R, Fischer E, Graciolli G. Effects of forest loss and fragmentation on bat-ectoparasite interactions. Parasitol Res 2023; 122:1391-1402. [PMID: 37039866 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-023-07839-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2023]
Abstract
Human land use causes habitat loss and fragmentation, influencing host-parasite associations through changes in infestation rates, host mortality and possibly local extinction. Bat-ectoparasite interactions are an important host-parasite model possibly affected by such changes, as this system acts as both reservoirs and vectors of several pathogens that can infect different wild and domestic species. This study aimed to assess how the prevalence and abundance of bat ectoparasites respond to forest loss, fragmentation, and edge length. Bats and ectoparasites were sampled at twenty sites, forming a gradient of forest cover, in southwestern Brazil during two wet (2015 and 2016) and two dry (2016 and 2017) seasons. Effects of landscape metrics on host abundance as well as parasite prevalence and abundance were assessed through structural equation models. Nine host-parasite associations provided sufficient data for analyses, including one tick and eight flies on four bat species. Forest cover positively influenced the prevalence or abundance of three fly species, but negatively influenced one fly and the tick species. Prevalence or abundance responded positively to edge length for three fly species, and negatively for the tick. In turn, number of fragments influenced the prevalence or abundance of four fly species, two positively and two negatively. Our results support species-specific responses of ectoparasites to landscape features, and a tendency of host-generalist ticks to benefit from deforestation while most host-specialist flies are disadvantaged. Differences in host traits and abundance, along with parasite life cycles and environmental conditions, are possible explanations to our findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan Eriksson
- Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Avenida Costa E Silva S/N, CEP 79070-900, Campo Grande, Brasil.
- Departamento de Biologia e Zoologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso, Av. Fernando Corrêa da Costa, nº 2367, CEP 78060-900, Cuiabá, Brasil.
| | - Antoine Filion
- Department of Zoology, University of Otago, P.O. Box 56, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Marcelo Bahia Labruna
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Sebástian Muñoz-Leal
- Departamento de Ciencia Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad de Concepción, Av. Vicente Méndez 595, Casilla 537, 3780000, Chillán, Chile
| | - Robert Poulin
- Department of Zoology, University of Otago, P.O. Box 56, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Erich Fischer
- Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Avenida Costa E Silva S/N, CEP 79070-900, Campo Grande, Brasil
| | - Gustavo Graciolli
- Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Avenida Costa E Silva S/N, CEP 79070-900, Campo Grande, Brasil
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17
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Bedoya‐Durán MJ, Jones HH, Malone KM, Branch LC. Continuous forest at higher elevation plays a key role in maintaining bird and mammal diversity across an Andean coffee‐growing landscape. Anim Conserv 2023. [DOI: 10.1111/acv.12857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- M. J. Bedoya‐Durán
- School of Natural Resources and Environment University of Florida Gainesville FL USA
- Grupo de Investigación en Ecología Animal, Departamento de Biología Universidad del Valle Cali Colombia
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation University of Florida Gainesville FL USA
| | - H. H. Jones
- The Institute for Bird Populations Petaluma CA USA
- Florida Museum of Natural History Gainesville FL USA
| | - K. M. Malone
- School of Natural Resources University of Missouri Columbia MO USA
- Department of Environmental Science & Ecology State University of New York‐Brockport Brockport NY USA
| | - L. C. Branch
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation University of Florida Gainesville FL USA
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18
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Genetic and demographic consequences of range contraction patterns during biological annihilation. Sci Rep 2023; 13:1691. [PMID: 36717685 PMCID: PMC9886963 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-28927-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Species range contractions both contribute to, and result from, biological annihilation, yet do not receive the same attention as extinctions. Range contractions can lead to marked impacts on populations but are usually characterized only by reduction in extent of range. For effective conservation, it is critical to recognize that not all range contractions are the same. We propose three distinct patterns of range contraction: shrinkage, amputation, and fragmentation. We tested the impact of these patterns on populations of a generalist species using forward-time simulations. All three patterns caused 86-88% reduction in population abundance and significantly increased average relatedness, with differing patterns in declines of nucleotide diversity relative to the contraction pattern. The fragmentation pattern resulted in the strongest effects on post-contraction genetic diversity and structure. Defining and quantifying range contraction patterns and their consequences for Earth's biodiversity would provide useful and necessary information to combat biological annihilation.
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19
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Joshi BD, Singh SK, Singh VK, Jabin G, Ghosh A, Dalui S, Singh A, Priyambada P, Dolker S, Mukherjee T, Sharief A, Kumar V, Singh H, Thapa A, Sharma CM, Dutta R, Bhattacharjee S, Singh I, Mehar BS, Chandra K, Sharma LK, Thakur M. From poops to planning: A broad non-invasive genetic survey of large mammals from the Indian Himalayan Region. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 853:158679. [PMID: 36099955 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.158679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Large forested landscapes often harbour significant amount of biodiversity and support mankind by rendering various livelihood opportunities and ecosystem services. Their periodic assessment for health and ecological integrity is essential for timely mitigation of any negative impact of human use due to over harvesting of natural resources or unsustainable developmental activities. In this context, monitoring of mega fauna may provide reasonable insights about the connectivity and quality of forested habitats. In the present study, we conducted a largest non-invasive genetic survey to explore mammalian diversity and genetically characterized 13 mammals from the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR). We analyzed 4806 faecal samples using 103 autosomal microsatellites and with three mitochondrial genes, we identified 37 species of mammal. We observed low to moderate level of genetic variability and most species exhibited stable demographic history. We estimated an unbiased population genetic account (PGAunbias) for 13 species that may be monitored after a fixed time interval to understand species performance in response to the landscape changes. The present study has been evident to show pragmatic permeability with the representative sampling in the IHR in order to facilitate the development of species-oriented conservation and management programmes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bheem Dutt Joshi
- Zoological Survey of India, New Alipore, Kolkata 700053, West Bengal, India
| | - Sujeet Kumar Singh
- Zoological Survey of India, New Alipore, Kolkata 700053, West Bengal, India; Present address: Amity Institute of Forestry and Wildlife, Amity University, Noida 201303, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Vinaya Kumar Singh
- Zoological Survey of India, New Alipore, Kolkata 700053, West Bengal, India
| | - Gul Jabin
- Zoological Survey of India, New Alipore, Kolkata 700053, West Bengal, India
| | - Avijit Ghosh
- Zoological Survey of India, New Alipore, Kolkata 700053, West Bengal, India
| | - Supriyo Dalui
- Zoological Survey of India, New Alipore, Kolkata 700053, West Bengal, India
| | - Abhishek Singh
- Zoological Survey of India, New Alipore, Kolkata 700053, West Bengal, India
| | | | - Stanzin Dolker
- Zoological Survey of India, New Alipore, Kolkata 700053, West Bengal, India
| | - Tanoy Mukherjee
- Zoological Survey of India, New Alipore, Kolkata 700053, West Bengal, India
| | - Amira Sharief
- Zoological Survey of India, New Alipore, Kolkata 700053, West Bengal, India
| | - Vineet Kumar
- Zoological Survey of India, New Alipore, Kolkata 700053, West Bengal, India
| | - Hemant Singh
- Zoological Survey of India, New Alipore, Kolkata 700053, West Bengal, India
| | - Avantika Thapa
- Zoological Survey of India, New Alipore, Kolkata 700053, West Bengal, India
| | | | - Ritam Dutta
- Zoological Survey of India, New Alipore, Kolkata 700053, West Bengal, India
| | | | - Inder Singh
- Zoological Survey of India, New Alipore, Kolkata 700053, West Bengal, India
| | - Balram Singh Mehar
- Zoological Survey of India, New Alipore, Kolkata 700053, West Bengal, India
| | - Kailash Chandra
- Zoological Survey of India, New Alipore, Kolkata 700053, West Bengal, India
| | - Lalit Kumar Sharma
- Zoological Survey of India, New Alipore, Kolkata 700053, West Bengal, India
| | - Mukesh Thakur
- Zoological Survey of India, New Alipore, Kolkata 700053, West Bengal, India.
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20
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Alexander N, Cosentino BJ, Schooley RL. Testing the niche reduction hypothesis for a fossorial rodent ( Geomys bursarius) experiencing agricultural intensification. Ecol Evol 2022; 12:e9559. [PMID: 36523530 PMCID: PMC9745012 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.9559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Habitat loss and fragmentation from conversion to agriculture are known threats to grassland species. However, continued agricultural intensification may further reduce a species distribution and realized niche. Here, we create species distribution models (SDMs) for the plains pocket gopher (Geomys bursarius), an ecosystem engineer in grasslands, for historic and contemporary eras in a dynamic agroecosystem and test the "niche reduction hypothesis." We compare SDMs created from gopher occurrences from the historic era (~1950s, pre-agricultural intensification) and the contemporary era (post-agricultural intensification) and assess model transferability. We evaluate shifts in environmental relationships, changes in limiting factors, and an overall decline in niche hypervolume. SDMs were nontransferable between the historic and contemporary eras. Environmental drivers of gopher distribution shifted from elevation, precipitation, and land cover in the 1950s to land cover, soil texture, and soil drainage presently. There also were shifts in environmental associations with gophers now occurring at lower elevations, in sandier soils, and less often in agriculture. Dominant limiting factors of gophers shifted from precipitation to land cover. Gophers were not detected at historic locations during recent resurveys. Contemporary niche hypervolume was reduced compared with the historic niche hypervolume. We found support for the niche reduction hypothesis for a fossorial, grassland species. Further application of the niche reduction hypothesis in landscapes experiencing agricultural intensification is warranted. Understanding niche reduction allows for conservation efforts that promote continued persistence in the contemporary niche while also identifying areas to restore within the historic niche.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan Alexander
- Department of Natural Resources and Environmental SciencesUniversity of Illinois at Urbana‐ChampaignUrbanaIllinoisUSA
| | | | - Robert L. Schooley
- Department of Natural Resources and Environmental SciencesUniversity of Illinois at Urbana‐ChampaignUrbanaIllinoisUSA
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21
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Testing artificial nestbox designs for in-situ conservation of tamarins. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2022.105768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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22
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Lim QL, Yong CSY, Ng WL, Ismail A, Rovie-Ryan JJ, Rosli N, Inoue-Murayama M, Annavi G. Population genetic structure of wild Malayan tapirs (Tapirus indicus) in Peninsular Malaysia revealed by nine cross-species microsatellite markers. Glob Ecol Conserv 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2022.e02321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
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23
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Current Genetic Structure Analysis of Leopard Cats Reveals a Weak Disparity Trend in Subpopulations in Beijing, China. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11101478. [PMID: 36290381 PMCID: PMC9598953 DOI: 10.3390/biology11101478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 10/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Habitat fragmentation is an important factor leading to the decline in the leopard cat population in Beijing. Habitat loss may further result in population shrinkage, which increases the risk of inbreeding and genetic decline. To reveal the segregation effects of highway construction and infrastructure expansion on population genetic variation, this study analyzed the genetic structure of leopard cats in five nature reserves in the mountain surroundings of Beijing. The results showed that a mild disparity trend exists in Baihuashan and Songshan subpopulations, due to habitat segregation and dispersal difficulties. We suggest that the genetic structures of the leopard cat population be monitored every 5 years to detect any changes. If needed, individuals can be artificially exchanged among different subpopulations to maintain the viability of this wild cat in Beijing. Abstract In the face of habitat shrinkage and segregation, the survival of wild cats looks bleak. Interpreting their population genetic structure during habitat fragmentation is critical in planning effective management strategies. To reveal the segregation effects of road construction and human settlements on the population genetic structure, we analyzed non-invasive fecal DNA samples from leopard cats (Prionailurus bengalensis) from five nature reserves in mountainous areas around Beijing. We focused on microsatellite markers. A total of 112 individual leopard cats were identified among 601 samples of scat, and moderate population genetic diversity was detected. Microsatellite-marker-based genetic differentiation (Fst) and gene flow (Nm) showed a weak trend toward discrepancies in the Baihuashan and Songshan subpopulations, which indicated habitat fragmentation effects on individual dispersal. Because the segregated subpopulations may suffer a high risk of genetic diversity loss, we suggest that their genetic structure be monitored with more molecular markers to detect any changes, and that female individuals be artificially introduced as needed to maintain the viability of the leopard cat subpopulations in Beijing.
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Martin ME, Delheimer MS, Moriarty KM, Early DA, Hamm KA, Pauli JN, Mcdonald TL, Manley PN. Conservation of rare and cryptic species: Challenges of uncertainty and opportunities for progress. CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/csp2.12809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Marie E. Martin
- Oregon State University, Institute for Natural Resources Portland Oregon USA
| | - Matthew S. Delheimer
- USDA Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station Placerville California USA
| | - Katie M. Moriarty
- National Council for Air and Stream Improvement, Inc. Corvallis Oregon USA
| | | | - Keith A. Hamm
- Green Diamond Resource Company Korbel California USA
| | - Jonathan N. Pauli
- Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology University of Wisconsin‐Madison Madison Wisconsin USA
| | | | - Patricia N. Manley
- USDA Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station Placerville California USA
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Ito F, Lilley T, Twort VG, Bernard E. High genetic connectivity among large populations of Pteronotus gymnonotus in bat caves in Brazil and its implications for conservation. Front Ecol Evol 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2022.934633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Bat caves in the Neotropical region harbor exceptional bat populations (> 100,000 individuals). These populations play a wider role in ecological interactions, are vulnerable due to their restriction to caves, and have a disproportionate conservation value. Current knowledge of bat caves in Brazil is still small. However, systematic monitoring of some bat caves in northeastern Brazil shows that they experience strong population fluctuations over short periods of time, suggesting large-scale movements between roosts and a much broader use of the landscape than previously considered. Spatio-temporal reproductive connectivity between distant populations would change our understanding of the use of roosts among bat species in Brazil, and important gaps in knowledge of long-distance bat movements in the country would be filled. Here, we used ddRADseq data to analyze the genetic structure of Pteronotus gymnonotus across nine bat caves over 700 km. Our results indicate the lack of a clear geographic structure with gene flow among all the caves analyzed, suggesting that P. gymnonotus uses a network of bat caves geographically segregated hundreds of kilometers apart. Facing strong anthropogenic impacts and an underrepresentation of caves in conservation action plans worldwide, the genetic connectivity demonstrated here confirms that bat caves are priority sites for bat and speleological conservation in Brazil and elsewhere. Moreover, our results demonstrate a warning call: the applied aspects of the environmental licensing process of the mining sector and its impact must be reviewed, not only in Brazil, but wherever this licensing process affects caves having exceptional bat populations.
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Brunton E, Brunton A, Hohwieler K, Ogbourne S, Conroy G. Spatial genetic structure and gene flow of the eastern grey kangaroo (Macropus giganteus), in a rapidly urbanising landscape. Glob Ecol Conserv 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2022.e02273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
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da Costa CF, Ramos Pereira MJ. Aerial insectivorous bats in the Brazilian-Uruguayan savanna: Modelling the occupancy through acoustic detection. Front Ecol Evol 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2022.937139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The Pampa is the least protected and one of the least sampled for bats among the Brazilian domains. This leads to significant Linnean and Wallacean shortfalls for bats in the Brazilian-Uruguayan savanna ecoregion. Here, we aimed to model the occupancy of aerial insectivorous bats in response to landscape structure at different scales, considering the influence of microclimate on bat detection. We acoustically monitored 68 locations during the spring and summer of 2019/2020, gathering data on temperature and humidity associated with each acoustic record using data loggers. We detected at least 11 species of the Molossidae and the Vespertilionidae families, of which 9 were used in the model. The response to landscape structure was species-specific: the occupancy probability of Eptesicus brasiliensis and Molossus cf. currentium increased with landscape connectivity at the 500 m scale while Eptesicus furinalis and Histiotus cf. velatus were negatively affected by landscape connectivity at the 5.0 km scale. Molossus occupancy probability responded negatively to landscape heterogeneity at the 3.0 km scale, while Promops centralis responded positively to landscape heterogeneity at the 5.0 km scale. Molossus rufus responded negatively to native vegetation cover and positively to landscape heterogeneity at the 5.0 km scale. Myotis albescens and Molossops temminckii did not respond significantly to any of the evaluated landscape metrics. Our results show that different bat species perceive the landscape differently, regardless of the guild of use of space – edge- or open-space forager. Our estimate of projected occupancy for the areas contiguous to those sampled ranged from 0.45 to 0.70 for the whole of the bat taxa, suggesting that the landscape, particularly where it still maintains its native elements, is reasonably favourable to aerial insectivores.
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Gutiérrez EG, Rodríguez-Herrera B, Baeza JA, Isabel Salazar M, Ortega J. Genetic Analyses Reveal High Connectivity among Populations of the Honduran White Bat Ectophylla alba in the Caribbean Lowlands of Central Eastern Costa Rica. ACTA CHIROPTEROLOGICA 2022. [DOI: 10.3161/15081109acc2022.24.1.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Edgar G. Gutiérrez
- Laboratorio de Bioconservación y Manejo, Posgrado en Ciencias Químicobiológicas, Departamento de Zoología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Prolongación Carpio y Plan de Ayala s/n, Col. Santo Tomás, C.P. 11340,
| | - Bernal Rodríguez-Herrera
- Escuela de Biología y Centro de Investigación en Biodiversidad y Ecología Tropical, Universidad de Costa Rica, 11501-2060, San Pedro de Montes de Oca, San José, Costa Rica
| | - J. Antonio Baeza
- Departament of Biological Sciences, 132 Long Hall, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA
| | - Ma. Isabel Salazar
- Laboratorio de Virología e Inmunovirología, Posgrado en Ciencias Químicobiológicas, Posgrado de Inmunología, Departamento de Microbiología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Prolongación Carpio y Plan de Ayala s
| | - Jorge Ortega
- Laboratorio de Bioconservación y Manejo, Posgrado en Ciencias Químicobiológicas, Departamento de Zoología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Prolongación Carpio y Plan de Ayala s/n, Col. Santo Tomás, C.P. 11340,
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McManus J, Faraut L, Couldridge V, van Deventer J, Samuels I, Cilliers D, Devens C, Vorster P, Smuts B. Assessment of leopard translocations in South Africa. FRONTIERS IN CONSERVATION SCIENCE 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fcosc.2022.943078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Translocations are commonly employed to mitigate human–carnivore conflict but rarely evaluated, resulting in conflicting reports of success, particularly for leopards (Panthera pardus). We evaluate the status of available leopard translocation data, the factors driving the intentional removal of leopards, and the potential causal factors associated with successful and failed translocation events. We obtained data on 60 leopard translocation events across five provinces in South Africa between 1994 and 2021. We considered a successful translocation outcome when (1) the animal was moved outside of its original home range, (2) the animal established a new home range away from the capture site, (3) no substantive livestock losses were linked to the translocated animal in the post-release monitoring period, and (4) the animal survived at least 6 months post-translocation. If mortality occurred due to factors that were equally likely to impact resident individuals and were unrelated to the translocation event (e.g., poaching), the event was not considered a failed effort. Most translocations were the result of human–carnivore conflict (HCC; 82%, n = 49), stressing the high prevalence of HCC and the importance of advocating preventative conflict mitigation efforts to conserve leopards. The leopards were moved distances from 2.5 to 196.3 km (63.3 ± 51.7km). Forty (67%) translocation events had unknown outcomes, indicating the limited data available on translocation outcomes. This also indicates the disparity in the objectives of translocations by various entities involved with translocations and suggests that monitoring be a prerequisite for future translocations. Twenty events offered reliable outcomes by means of post-event monitoring, with seven (12%) considered successful, with three (5%) as failures, and with four (7%) not moved beyond their original home ranges, while six (8%) ended in unrelated deaths. The failed events were attributed to inter/intra-specific competition, and one animal returned to its original home range after a translocation distance of 68 km. Translocation success was strongly explained by translocation distance. We found that damage-causing leopards were successfully translocated under specific conditions, and longer translocation distances increase success. Translocations are commonly employed but are still poorly monitored. We discuss basic standardized protocols to improve future leopard translocations (including pre- and post-monitoring) while advocating alternative non-lethal practices to reduce the prevalence of human–carnivore conflict.
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Hohwieler KR, Villiers DL, Cristescu RH, Frere CH. Genetic erosion detected in a specialist mammal living in a fast‐developing environment. CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/csp2.12738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Katrin R. Hohwieler
- Global Change Ecology Research Group University of the Sunshine Coast, School of Science, Technology and Engineering Sippy Down Queensland Australia
| | | | - Romane H. Cristescu
- Global Change Ecology Research Group University of the Sunshine Coast, School of Science, Technology and Engineering Sippy Down Queensland Australia
| | - Celine H. Frere
- School of Biological Sciences University of Queensland St Lucia QLD Australia
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Rodrigues DP, Konzen MQ, Decian VS, Hartmann M, Galiano D, Hartmann PA. Response of small mammal species to landscape metrics in a highly fragmented area in the Atlantic forest of southern Brazil. MAMMALIA 2022. [DOI: 10.1515/mammalia-2021-0008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
The high rate of destruction of natural habitats has diminished fragments size, which negatively impacts small mammal community species richness and composition. We investigated the abundance of small non-flying mammal species in association with three landscape metrics: the size of the fragment (AREA); the shape index of the fragment (SHAPE); and the size of the central area of the fragment (CORE) in six forest fragments in a highly fragmented landscape of southern Brazil. Three rodent species (Akodon montensis, Oligoryzomys nigripes, Sooretamys angouya) and one marsupial species (Gracilinanus microtarsus) were captured in total. We used generalized linear models to test the influence of the landscape metrics on the abundance of the three most abundant species of small mammals captured (A. montensis, O. nigripes and S. angouya). Among the three species analyzed, A. montensis presented a significant negative association with the metric CORE; O. nigripes and S. angouya presented a positive association with the metric AREA and negative with the metric CORE. The negative association of A. montensis, O. nigripes and S. angouya with the core area of the fragments, and the absence of association of all species with the shape of the fragments indicate that these species might benefit from the effects of habitat fragmentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Pereira Rodrigues
- Laboratório de Ecologia e Conservação, Universidade Federal da Fronteira Sul, Campus Erechim , ERS 135 - Km 72, n°200 , Erechim , RS , Brazil
| | - Maurício Quoos Konzen
- Laboratório de Ecologia e Conservação, Universidade Federal da Fronteira Sul, Campus Erechim , ERS 135 - Km 72, n°200 , Erechim , RS , Brazil
| | - Vanderlei Secretti Decian
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia, Universidade Regional Integrada do Alto Uruguai e das Missões, Campus Erechim , Av. Sete de Setembro, 1621 , Erechim , RS , Brazil
| | - Marilia Hartmann
- Laboratório de Ecologia e Conservação, Universidade Federal da Fronteira Sul, Campus Erechim , ERS 135 - Km 72, n°200 , Erechim , RS , Brazil
| | - Daniel Galiano
- Laboratório de Zoologia, Universidade Federal da Fronteira Sul, Campus Realeza , Rua Edmundo Gaievisk, 1000 , Realeza , PR , Brazil
| | - Paulo Afonso Hartmann
- Laboratório de Ecologia e Conservação, Universidade Federal da Fronteira Sul, Campus Erechim , ERS 135 - Km 72, n°200 , Erechim , RS , Brazil
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Saranholi BH, Sanches A, Moreira-Ramírez JF, Carvalho CDS, Galetti M, Galetti Jr PM. Long-term persistence of the large mammal lowland tapir is at risk in the largest Atlantic forest corridor. Perspect Ecol Conserv 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pecon.2022.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
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Shafer CL. A greater yellowstone ecosystem grizzly bear case study: genetic reassessment for managers. CONSERV GENET RESOUR 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s12686-022-01262-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
AbstractThere are five grizzly bear (Ursus arctos horribilis) populations in the lower 48 states of the United States. My goal in this Commentary was to ascertain whether genetic diversity is being lost from the isolated GYE grizzly bear population and to better understand any viability implications. I reviewed the scientific literature, including two key genetic studies that the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) relied upon for their 2007 and current 2017 GYE grizzly bear genetics policy. I discovered that some studies reveal a loss of heterozygosity in the GYE bear population, both historically and in recent decades. Some had a statistically significant depletion rate. My review took place periodically between 2010 and 2021 and indicates that the genome of the GYE grizzly bear population is too small for long-term adaptation. The paper includes a discussion about evolutionary adaptation which invokes time frames rarely considered by nature conservation planners. I also examined genetic statements in the USFWS’s 2017 GYE grizzly bear delisting regulations and highlighted those that seem incongruent with current scientific thought. If this paper is read by some scientists, land managers, administrators, environmentalists, and others with some genetics background, they will better understand some USFWS decisions and policy statements. This case study illustrates that land management agencies can provide a one-sided treatment of some science when writing regulations about genetics.
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Mammalian assemblages in Southern Mistbelt Forests of the northern Eastern Cape, and southern KwaZulu-Natal Provinces, South Africa, and their response to bordering land-use. Mamm Biol 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s42991-022-00243-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Delineating Functional Corridors Linking Leopard Habitat in the Eastern and Western Cape, South Africa. CONSERVATION 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/conservation2010009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural landscapes are increasingly fragmented due to human activity. This contributes to isolation and inadequate gene flow among wildlife populations. These threats intensify where populations are already low, and gene flow is compromised. Ensuring habitat connectivity despite transformed landscapes can mitigate these risks. Leopards are associated with high levels of biodiversity and are the last widely occurring, free-roaming apex predator in South Africa. Although highly adaptable, leopard survival is reduced by human-caused mortality and habitat destruction. We aimed to assess the connectivity of leopard habitat in the Eastern Cape and Western Cape, South Africa. We predicted leopard habitat by correlating GPS data from 31 leopards to environmental features that included human-associated and natural landscapes. We used circuit theory to delineate corridors linking known leopard populations. Finally, using camera traps, we tested whether five predicted corridors were used by leopards. Leopard habitat was strongly correlated to moderate slopes and areas of natural land-cover and plantations, highlighting mountainous areas as important habitat with high connectivity probability. While most habitat patches showed some level of connectivity, leopards avoided highly transformed landscapes, potentially isolating some populations. Where corridors are not functional, active conservation measures for species connectivity becomes important.
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da Silva FP, Montes MA, Lauer Garcia AC, Fischer EA, da Silva LG. Distribution Modelling and Habitat Requirements of Micronycteris sanborni (Phyllostomidae) across the South America Dry Diagonal. ACTA CHIROPTEROLOGICA 2022. [DOI: 10.3161/15081109acc2021.23.2.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Felipe P. da Silva
- Departamento de Biologia, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Rua Dom Manoel de Medeiros s/n, Dois Irmãos, 52171-900, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Martín A. Montes
- Departamento de Biologia, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Rua Dom Manoel de Medeiros s/n, Dois Irmãos, 52171-900, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Ana C. Lauer Garcia
- Centro Acadêmico de Vitória, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Rua do Alto do Reservatório s/n, 55608-680, Vitória de Santo Antão, PE, Brazil
| | - Erich A. Fischer
- Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, 79070-900, Campo Grande, MS, Brazil
| | - Lucas G. da Silva
- Centro UnB Cerrado, Universidade de Brasília, 70910-900, Brasília, DF, Brazil
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Banks-Leite C, Betts MG, Ewers RM, Orme CDL, Pigot AL. The macroecology of landscape ecology. Trends Ecol Evol 2022; 37:480-487. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2022.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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Chiew LY, Hackett TD, Brodie JF, Teoh SW, Burslem DFRP, Reynolds G, Deere NJ, Vairappan CS, Slade EM. Tropical forest dung beetle-mammal dung interaction networks remain similar across an environmental disturbance gradient. J Anim Ecol 2021; 91:604-617. [PMID: 34954816 DOI: 10.1111/1365-2656.13655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Conservation outcomes could be greatly enhanced if strategies addressing anthropogenic land-use change considered the impacts of these changes on entire communities as well as on individual species. Examining how species interactions change across gradients of habitat disturbance allows us to predict the cascading consequences of species extinctions and the response of ecological networks to environmental change. We conducted the first detailed study of changes in a commensalist network of mammals and dung beetles across an environmental disturbance gradient, from primary tropical forest to plantations, which varied in above-ground carbon density (ACD) and mammal communities. Mammal diversity changed only slightly across the gradient, remaining high even in oil palm plantations and fragmented forest. Dung beetle species richness, however, declined in response to lower ACD and was particularly low in plantations and the most disturbed forest sites. Three of the five network metrics (nestedness, network specialization, and functionality) were significantly affected by changes in dung beetle species richness and ACD, but mammal diversity was not an important predictor of network structure. Overall, the interaction networks remained structurally and functionally similar across the gradient, only becoming simplified (i.e., with fewer dung beetle species and fewer interactions) in the most disturbed sites. We suggest that the high diversity of mammals, even in disturbed forests, combined with the generalist feeding patterns of dung beetles, confer resilience to the commensalist dung beetle-mammal networks. This study highlights the importance of protecting logged and fragmented forests to maintain interaction networks and potentially prevent extinction cascades in human-modified systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Yuen Chiew
- Institute for Tropical Biology and Conservation, University Malaysia Sabah, Jalan UMS, 88400, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia.,South East Asia Rainforest Research Partnership (SEARRP), Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
| | - Talya D Hackett
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3PS, UK
| | - Jedediah F Brodie
- Division of Biological Sciences and Wildlife Biology Program, University of Montana Missoula, MT, 59802, USA
| | - Shu Woan Teoh
- Division of Biological Sciences and Wildlife Biology Program, University of Montana Missoula, MT, 59802, USA
| | - David F R P Burslem
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, AB24 3UU, UK
| | - Glen Reynolds
- South East Asia Rainforest Research Partnership (SEARRP), Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
| | - Nicolas J Deere
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology (DICE), School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent, Canterbury, UK
| | - Charles S Vairappan
- Institute for Tropical Biology and Conservation, University Malaysia Sabah, Jalan UMS, 88400, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
| | - Eleanor M Slade
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3PS, UK.,Asian School of the Environment, Nanyang Technological University, 62 Nanyang Dr, 637459, Singapore
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Brüniche-Olsen A, Kellner KF, Belant JL, DeWoody JA. Life-history traits and habitat availability shape genomic diversity in birds: implications for conservation. Proc Biol Sci 2021; 288:20211441. [PMID: 34702080 PMCID: PMC8548786 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2021.1441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
More than 25% of species assessed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) are threatened with extinction. Understanding how environmental and biological processes have shaped genomic diversity may inform management practices. Using 68 extant avian species, we parsed the effects of habitat availability and life-history traits on genomic diversity over time to provide a baseline for conservation efforts. We used published whole-genome sequence data to estimate overall genomic diversity as indicated by historical long-term effective population sizes (Ne) and current genomic variability (H), then used environmental niche modelling to estimate Pleistocene habitat dynamics for each species. We found that Ne and H were positively correlated with habitat availability and related to key life-history traits (body mass and diet), suggesting the latter contribute to the overall genomic variation. We found that H decreased with increasing species extinction risk, suggesting that H may serve as a leading indicator of demographic trends related to formal IUCN conservation status in birds. Our analyses illustrate that genome-wide summary statistics estimated from sequence data reflect meaningful ecological attributes relevant to species conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Brüniche-Olsen
- Section for Computational and RNA Biology, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, 2200 KBH N Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kenneth F. Kellner
- Global Wildlife Conservation Center, State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA
| | - Jerrold L. Belant
- Global Wildlife Conservation Center, State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA
| | - J. Andrew DeWoody
- Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47905, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47905, USA
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Lemmen KD, Verhoeven KJF, Declerck SAJ. Experimental evidence of rapid heritable adaptation in the absence of initial standing genetic variation. Funct Ecol 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2435.13943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kimberley D. Lemmen
- Department of Aquatic Ecology Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO‐KNAW) Wageningen The Netherlands
- Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies University of Zurich Zurich Switzerland
| | - Koen J. F. Verhoeven
- Department of Terrestrial Ecology Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO‐KNAW) Wageningen The Netherlands
| | - Steven A. J. Declerck
- Department of Aquatic Ecology Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO‐KNAW) Wageningen The Netherlands
- Department of Biology Laboratory of Aquatic Ecology, Evolution and Conservation KULeuven Leuven Belgium
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Nanni AS, Giordano AJ, Nielsen CK, Lucherini M. Local forest proportion and proximity to large forest patches are important for native mammal conservation in Dry Chaco agroecosystems. Anim Conserv 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/acv.12694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- A. S. Nanni
- Instituto de Ecología Regional (UNT‐CONICET) Residencia Universitaria Horco Molle Tucumán Argentina
- Facultad de Ciencias Naturales Universidad Nacional de Tucumán San Miguel de Tucumán Tucumán Argentina
| | - A. J. Giordano
- S.P.E.C.I.E.S. – The Society for the Preservation of Endangered Carnivores and their International Ecological Study Ventura CA USA
| | - C. K. Nielsen
- Department of Forestry Cooperative Wildlife Research Laboratory Southern Illinois University Carbondale IL USA
| | - M. Lucherini
- Instituto de Ciencias Biológicas y Biomédicas del Sur (INBIOSUR‐CONICET) Bahía Blanca Argentina
- GECM, Lab. De Fisiología Animal Departamento de Biología Bioquímica y Farmacia Universidad Nacional del Sur Bahía Blanca Argentina
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Barragán-Ruiz CE, Silva-Santos R, Saranholi BH, Desbiez ALJ, Galetti PM. Moderate Genetic Diversity and Demographic Reduction in the Threatened Giant Anteater, Myrmecophaga tridactyla. Front Genet 2021; 12:669350. [PMID: 34276776 PMCID: PMC8280777 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.669350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
In general, large mammal species with highly specialized feeding behavior and solitary habits are expected to suffer genetic consequences from habitat loss and fragmentation. To test this hypothesis, we analyzed the genetic diversity distribution of the threatened giant anteater inhabiting a human-modified landscape. We used 10 microsatellite loci to assess the genetic diversity and population structure of 107 giant anteaters sampled in the Brazilian Central-Western region. No genetic population structuring was observed in this region suggesting no gene flow restriction within the studied area. On the other hand, the moderate level of genetic diversity (Ho = 0.54), recent bottleneck detected and inbreeding (Fis, 0.13; p ≤ 0.001) signatures suggest potential impacts on the genetic variation of this Xenarthra. Additionally, a previous demographic reduction was suggested. Thus, considering the increased human-promoted impacts across the entire area of distribution of the giant anteater, our results can illustrate the potential effects of these disturbances on the genetic variation, allowing us to request the long-term conservation of this emblematic species.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rosane Silva-Santos
- Departamento de Genética e Evolução, Universidade Federal de São Carlos, São Carlos, Brazil
| | - Bruno H Saranholi
- Departamento de Genética e Evolução, Universidade Federal de São Carlos, São Carlos, Brazil.,Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, Ascot, United Kingdom
| | - Arnaud L J Desbiez
- Instituto de Conservação de Animais Silvestres, Campo Grande, Brazil.,Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, Edinburgh, United Kingdom.,Instituto de Pesquisas Ecológicas, Nazaré Paulista, Brazil
| | - Pedro Manoel Galetti
- Departamento de Genética e Evolução, Universidade Federal de São Carlos, São Carlos, Brazil
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Westekemper K, Tiesmeyer A, Steyer K, Nowak C, Signer J, Balkenhol N. Do all roads lead to resistance? State road density is the main impediment to gene flow in a flagship species inhabiting a severely fragmented anthropogenic landscape. Ecol Evol 2021; 11:8528-8541. [PMID: 34257914 PMCID: PMC8258205 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.7635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Revised: 04/10/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM Connectivity conservation is ideally based on empirical information on how landscape heterogeneity influences species-specific movement and gene flow. Here, we present the first large-scale evaluation of landscape impacts on genetic connectivity in the European wildcat (Felis silvestris), a flagship and umbrella species for connectivity conservation across Europe. LOCATION The study was carried out in the core area of the distributional range of wildcats in Germany, covering about 186,000 km2 of a densely populated and highly fragmented landscape. METHODS We used data of 975 wildcats genotyped at 14 microsatellites and an individual-based landscape genetic framework to assess the importance of twelve landscape variables for explaining observed genetic connectivity. For this, we optimized landscape resistance surfaces for all variables and compared their relative impacts using multiple regression on distance matrices and commonality analysis. RESULTS Genetic connectivity was best explained by a synergistic combination of six landscape variables and isolation by distance. Of these variables, road density had by far the strongest individual impact followed by synergistic effects of agricultural lands and settlements. Subsequent analyses involving different road types revealed that the strong effect of road density was largely due to state roads, while highways and federal roads had a much smaller, and county roads only a negligible impact. MAIN CONCLUSIONS Our results highlight that landscape-wide genetic connectivity in wildcats across Germany is strongly shaped by the density of roads and in particular state roads, with higher densities providing larger resistance to successful dispersal. These findings have important implications for conservation planning, as measures to mitigate fragmentation effects of roads (e.g., over- or underpasses) often focus on large, federally managed transportation infrastructures. While these major roads exert local barrier effects, other road types can be more influential on overall connectivity, as they are more abundant and more widespread across the landscape.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Annika Tiesmeyer
- Conservation Genetics SectionSenckenberg Research Institute and Natural History Museum FrankfurtGelnhausenGermany
- Department of Ecology and EvolutionJohann Wolfgang Goethe‐University, BiologicumFrankfurt am MainGermany
| | - Katharina Steyer
- Conservation Genetics SectionSenckenberg Research Institute and Natural History Museum FrankfurtGelnhausenGermany
- Department of Ecology and EvolutionJohann Wolfgang Goethe‐University, BiologicumFrankfurt am MainGermany
| | - Carsten Nowak
- Conservation Genetics SectionSenckenberg Research Institute and Natural History Museum FrankfurtGelnhausenGermany
| | | | - Niko Balkenhol
- Wildlife SciencesUniversity of GoettingenGoettingenGermany
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Kelemen KA, Urzi F, Buzan E, Horváth GF, Tulis F, Baláž I. Genetic variability and conservation of the endangered Pannonian root vole in fragmented habitats of an agricultural landscape. NATURE CONSERVATION 2021. [DOI: 10.3897/natureconservation.43.58798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
The distribution of the endangered glacial relict subspecies, the Pannonian root vole Alexandromys oeconomus mehelyi Éhik, 1928, is restricted to scattered localities in south-western Slovakia, which belong to the north-eastern zone of its range. Human-induced changes and fragmentation of the landscape have led to the gradual loss of suitable habitats and threaten its long-term survival. The study area in the Danubian Lowland is characterised by small habitat fragments and temporal fluctuations of the habitat area. Root voles were sampled at nine sites to study the level of genetic variability and structure of local subpopulations by scoring 13 microsatellite loci in 69 individuals. Genetic differentiation varied amongst local populations and we did not find a significant isolation-by-distance pattern. Bayesian clustering analysis suggested that dispersal effectively prevents marked genetic subdivision between studied habitat fragments. Significant pairwise differentiation between some subpopulations, however, may be the result of putatively suppressed gene flow. Low genetic diversity in the recent populations probably reflects the isolated location of the study area in the agricultural landscape, suggesting that long-term survival may not be assured. In order to maintain genetic diversity, it is essential to preserve (or even restore) habitats and ensure the possibility of gene flow; habitat protection is, therefore, recommended. Continuous assessment is necessary for effective conservation management and to predict the long-term survival chances of the Pannonian root vole in the study area.
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Esquivel DA, Aya-Cuero C, Penagos AP, Chacón-Pacheco J, Agámez-López CJ, Ochoa AV, Ramírez-Chaves HE, Bennett D. Updating the distribution of Vampyrum spectrum (Chiroptera, Phyllostomidae) in Colombia: new localities, potential distribution and notes on its conservation. NEOTROPICAL BIOLOGY AND CONSERVATION 2020. [DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.15.e58383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The Spectral Bat (Vampyrum spectrum) is classified as Near Threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. In Colombia, it has not been included in any risk assessments, because it is a poorly documented species in the country. Using new occurrence data and ecological niche modelling we evaluate the distribution and analyze the species’ ecological and conservation needs in Colombia. With the new records, V. spectrum shows a distribution over six biogeographic provinces in the country, along an elevational range between 96 and 1750 m. The Spectral Bat has been reported in a wide variety of ecosystems from dry forest and fragmented landscapes, to forested areas. Predictive models suggest a wider presence of this species in the west of the country, center, and southern Andes. The limited number of specimens limits our attempt to evaluate morphometric variation among Colombian populations; however, we detect a variation in the mean value of the forearm and ear length regarding northeast South American populations. Areas with the greatest potential distribution detected in this study could be prioritized in conservation strategies, and make plans accordingly for this and other species that coexist in its range. Finally, we highlight the low representativeness of Protected Areas for the Spectral Bat and add some ecological notes about this rare species.
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46
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Pourshoushtari RD, Ammerman LK. Genetic variability and connectivity of the Mexican long-nosed bat between two distant roosts. J Mammal 2020. [DOI: 10.1093/jmammal/gyaa138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Genetic variability generally is associated with adaptive potential of species and can be assessed using microsatellite markers. Mexican long-nosed bats (Leptonycteris nivalis) are endangered, migratory nectarivores thought to be experiencing population declines. Despite historical and current tracking efforts, migratory connections among roost sites remain elusive. Our objective was to assess the genetic variability and connectivity of two of the most geographically separated populations of L. nivalis currently known—a mating roost in central Mexico used from September to March, and a maternity roost in western Texas used by adult females and their young from June to August. Twelve loci developed for L. yerbabuenae and four for Glossophaga soricina amplified L. nivalis DNA; of those 16 loci, seven (all from L. yerbabuenae) were useful in genetic analyses of 113 individuals. High levels of genetic variation in L. nivalis from the two sites were not significantly different and no substructure was detected between these two roost sites separated by more than 1,200 km. Further, we recovered evidence of close relationship (parent–offspring) in nine pairs of juveniles captured at the northern roost and adults from the southern roost, confirming a connection between the two locations. For this endangered species, the level of variation detected, the lack of a recent bottleneck, and estimates of effective population size, are encouraging for future recovery. Management plans aimed at conserving Mexican long-nosed bats should recognize the need for managing these bats as a single population and conserving foraging and roosting habitat along migratory routes to reduce population fragmentation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Loren K Ammerman
- Department of Biology, Angelo State University, San Angelo, TX, USA
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47
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Effects of landscape heterogeneity on population genetic structure and demography of Amazonian phyllostomid bats. MAMMAL RES 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s13364-020-00546-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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48
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Almeida-Rocha JM, Soares LASS, Andrade ER, Gaiotto FA, Cazetta E. The impact of anthropogenic disturbances on the genetic diversity of terrestrial species: A global meta-analysis. Mol Ecol 2020; 29:4812-4822. [PMID: 33058295 DOI: 10.1111/mec.15688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2019] [Revised: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Human activities are primarily responsible for habitat loss and changes in natural environments around the world. It has been suggested that populations inhabiting human-modified landscapes experience reduced gene flow, inbreeding depression, and loss of alleles due to genetic drift. However, empirical evidence shows the contrasting effects of anthropogenic disturbances on the genetic diversity of species. We performed a meta-analysis of 61 studies that compared the genetic diversity of plant and/or animal populations in disturbed and more preserved areas (316 paired comparisons) to investigate the genetic responses to different disturbance types. There is a negative effect (effect size: -0.45; 95% confidence interval: -0.61, -0.29) of disturbances on genetic diversity, in which the most detrimental effects are caused by the loss of connectivity and forest cover. The methodological approach can explain part of the heterogeneity among the genetic responses detected by primary studies: (a) studies using the number of effective alleles did not detect genetic erosion, while all other indices revealed negative responses to disturbances; and (b) only studies performed with transferred or a combination of transferred and specific microsatellites detected negative responses. The effects on animal populations are more detrimental than in plant populations. Only plant species with a shrub life form, self-incompatible reproductive systems, and biotic pollination and seed dispersal showed negative responses to disturbances. Despite heterogeneity among studies, there is an overall negative effect of disturbances on genetic diversity, which indicates that remaining populations inhabiting human-modified landscapes have reduced evolutionary potential and are prone to local extinction.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Leiza A S S Soares
- Applied Ecology and Conservation Lab, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia e Conservação da Biodiversidade, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Ilhéus, BA, Brazil
| | - Edyla R Andrade
- Applied Ecology and Conservation Lab, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia e Conservação da Biodiversidade, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Ilhéus, BA, Brazil
| | - Fernanda A Gaiotto
- Applied Ecology and Conservation Lab, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia e Conservação da Biodiversidade, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Ilhéus, BA, Brazil.,Laboratório de Marcadores Moleculares, Centro de Biotecnologia e Genética, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Ilhéus, BA, Brazil
| | - Eliana Cazetta
- Applied Ecology and Conservation Lab, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia e Conservação da Biodiversidade, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Ilhéus, BA, Brazil
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49
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Chandrashekar A, Knierim JA, Khan S, Raboin DL, Venkatesh S, Clarke TA, Cuozzo FP, LaFleur M, Lawler RR, Parga JA, Rasamimanana HR, Reuter KE, Sauther ML, Baden AL. Genetic population structure of endangered ring-tailed lemurs ( Lemur catta) from nine sites in southern Madagascar. Ecol Evol 2020; 10:8030-8043. [PMID: 32788959 PMCID: PMC7417237 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.6337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2019] [Revised: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Madagascar's ring-tailed lemurs (Lemur catta) are experiencing rapid population declines due to ongoing habitat loss and fragmentation, as well as increasing exploitation for bushmeat and the illegal pet trade. Despite being the focus of extensive and ongoing behavioral studies, there is comparatively little known about the genetic population structuring of the species. Here, we present the most comprehensive population genetic analysis of ring-tailed lemurs to date from across their likely remaining geographic range. We assessed levels of genetic diversity and population genetic structure using multilocus genotypes for 106 adult individuals from nine geographically representative localities. Population structure and F ST analyses revealed moderate genetic differentiation with localities being geographically partitioned into northern, southern, western and also potentially central clusters. Overall genetic diversity, in terms of allelic richness and observed heterozygosity, was high in the species (AR = 4.74, H O = 0.811). In fact, it is the highest among all published lemur estimates to date. While these results are encouraging, ring-tailed lemurs are currently affected by ongoing habitat fragmentation and occur at lower densities in poorer quality habitats. The effects of continued isolation and fragmentation, coupled with climate-driven environmental instability, will therefore likely impede the long-term viability of the species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aparna Chandrashekar
- Department of AnthropologyHunter College of the City University of New YorkNew YorkNYUSA
- Present address:
San Diego Zoo Global Institute for Conservation ResearchSan DiegoCAUSA
| | - Jessica A. Knierim
- Animal Behavior and Conservation ProgramDepartment of PsychologyHunter College of the City University of New YorkNew YorkNYUSA
- Present address:
Wildlife AllianceNew YorkNYUSA
| | - Sohail Khan
- Department of AnthropologyHunter College of the City University of New YorkNew YorkNYUSA
| | - Dominique L. Raboin
- Animal Behavior and Conservation ProgramDepartment of PsychologyHunter College of the City University of New YorkNew YorkNYUSA
- Present address:
Rutgers UniversityNew BrunswickNJUSA
| | - Sateesh Venkatesh
- Animal Behavior and Conservation ProgramDepartment of PsychologyHunter College of the City University of New YorkNew YorkNYUSA
| | - Tara A. Clarke
- Department of Sociology and AnthropologyNorth Carolina State UniversityRaleighNCUSA
| | | | - Marni LaFleur
- Department of AnthropologyUniversity of San DiegoSan DiegoCAUSA
- Lemur Love, Inc.San DiegoCAUSA
| | - Richard R. Lawler
- Department of Sociology and AnthropologyJames Madison UniversityHarrisonburgVAUSA
| | - Joyce A. Parga
- Department of AnthropologyCalifornia State University‐Los AngelesLos AngelesCAUSA
| | | | - Kim E. Reuter
- Pet Lemur SurveyHoused by the University of UtahSalt Lake CityUTUSA
| | | | - Andrea L. Baden
- Department of AnthropologyHunter College of the City University of New YorkNew YorkNYUSA
- Department of AnthropologyThe Graduate Center of the City University of New YorkNew YorkNYUSA
- The New York Consortium in Evolutionary Primatology (NYCEP)New YorkNYUSA
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50
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Rahman DA, Condro AA, Rianti P, Masy’ud B, Aulagnier S, Semiadi G. Geographical analysis of the Javan deer distribution in Indonesia and priorities for landscape conservation. J Nat Conserv 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jnc.2020.125795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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