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Onorato DP, Cunningham MW, Lotz M, Criffield M, Shindle D, Johnson A, Clemons BCF, Shea CP, Roelke-Parker ME, Johnson WE, McClintock BT, Pilgrim KL, Schwartz MK, Oli MK. Multi-generational benefits of genetic rescue. Sci Rep 2024; 14:17519. [PMID: 39080286 PMCID: PMC11289468 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-67033-6] [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: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Genetic rescue-an increase in population fitness following the introduction of new alleles-has been proven to ameliorate inbreeding depression in small, isolated populations, yet is rarely applied as a conservation tool. A lingering question regarding genetic rescue in wildlife conservation is how long beneficial effects persist in admixed populations. Using data collected over 40 years from 1192 endangered Florida panthers (Puma concolor coryi) across nine generations, we show that the experimental genetic rescue implemented in 1995-via the release of eight female pumas from Texas-alleviated morphological, genetic, and demographic correlates of inbreeding depression, subsequently preventing extirpation of the population. We present unequivocal evidence, for the first time in any terrestrial vertebrate, that genetic and phenotypic benefits of genetic rescue remain in this population after five generations of admixture, which helped increase panther abundance (> fivefold) and genetic effective population size (> 20-fold). Additionally, even with extensive admixture, microsatellite allele frequencies in the population continue to support the distinctness of Florida panthers from other North American puma populations, including Texas. Although threats including habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, and infectious diseases are challenges to many imperiled populations, our results suggest genetic rescue can serve as an effective, multi-generational tool for conservation of small, isolated populations facing extinction from inbreeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dave P Onorato
- Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, 298 Sabal Palm Rd, Naples, FL, 34114, USA.
| | - Mark W Cunningham
- Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Gainesville, FL, 32601, USA
| | - Mark Lotz
- Division of Habitat and Species Conservation, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Naples, FL, 34114, USA
| | - Marc Criffield
- Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, 298 Sabal Palm Rd, Naples, FL, 34114, USA
| | - David Shindle
- US Fish and Wildlife Service, Florida Ecological Services Field Office, Immokalee, FL, 34142, USA
| | - Annette Johnson
- Big Cypress National Preserve, National Park Service, Ochopee, FL, 34141, USA
| | - Bambi C F Clemons
- Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Gainesville, FL, 32601, USA
| | - Colin P Shea
- Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, St. Petersburg, FL, 33701, USA
| | | | - Warren E Johnson
- Department of Biology, Loyola University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, 21210, USA
| | - Brett T McClintock
- Marine Mammal Laboratory, Alaska Fisheries Science Center, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, Seattle, WA, 98115, USA
| | - Kristine L Pilgrim
- USDA Forest Service, National Genomics Center for Wildlife and Fish Conservation, Missoula, MT, 59801, USA
| | - Michael K Schwartz
- USDA Forest Service, National Genomics Center for Wildlife and Fish Conservation, Missoula, MT, 59801, USA
| | - Madan K Oli
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
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2
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Schweizer RM, Meidt CG, Benavides LR, Wilson JS, Griswold TL, Sim SB, Geib SM, Branstetter MG. Reference genome for the Mojave poppy bee (Perdita meconis), a specialist pollinator of conservation concern. J Hered 2024; 115:470-479. [PMID: 38088446 PMCID: PMC11235129 DOI: 10.1093/jhered/esad076] [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: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2024] Open
Abstract
The Mojave poppy bee, Perdita meconis Griswold (Hymenoptera: Anthophila: Andrenidae), is a species of conservation concern that is restricted to the eastern Mojave Desert of North America. It is a specialist pollinator of two poppy genera, Arctomecon and Argemone (Papaveraceae), and is being considered for listing under the US Endangered Species Act along with one of its pollinator hosts, the Las Vegas bearpoppy (Arctomecon californica). Here, we present a near chromosome-level genome of the Mojave poppy bee to provide a genomic resource that will aid conservation efforts and future research. We isolated DNA from a single, small (<7 mm), male specimen collected using non-ideal preservation methods and then performed whole-genome sequencing using PacBio HiFi technology. After quality and contaminant filtering, the final draft genome assembly is 327 Mb, with an N50 length of 17.5 Mb. Annotated repetitive elements compose 37.3% of the genome, although a large proportion (24.87%) of those are unclassified repeats. Additionally, we annotated 18,245 protein-coding genes and 19,433 transcripts. This genome represents one of only a few genomes from the large bee family Andrenidae and one of only a few genomes for pollinator specialists. We highlight both the potential of this genome as a resource for future research, and how high-quality genomes generated from small, non-ideal (in terms of preservation) specimens could facilitate biodiversity genomics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rena M Schweizer
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS), Pollinating Insects Research Unit, Utah State University, Logan, UT, United States
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT, United States
| | - Colleen G Meidt
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS), Pollinating Insects Research Unit, Utah State University, Logan, UT, United States
- Department of Biology, Utah State University, Logan, UT, United States
| | - Ligia R Benavides
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS), Pollinating Insects Research Unit, Utah State University, Logan, UT, United States
| | - Joseph S Wilson
- Department of Biology, Utah State University-Tooele, Tooele, UT, United States
| | - Terry L Griswold
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS), Pollinating Insects Research Unit, Utah State University, Logan, UT, United States
| | - Sheina B Sim
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Pacific Basin Agricultural Research Center, Tropical Pest Genetics and Molecular Biology Research Unit, Hilo, HI, United States
| | - Scott M Geib
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Pacific Basin Agricultural Research Center, Tropical Pest Genetics and Molecular Biology Research Unit, Hilo, HI, United States
| | - Michael G Branstetter
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS), Pollinating Insects Research Unit, Utah State University, Logan, UT, United States
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3
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Zhang Y, Stern AJ, Nielsen R. The evolutionary dynamics of local adaptations under genetic rescue is determined by mutational load and polygenicity. J Hered 2024; 115:373-384. [PMID: 38146994 PMCID: PMC11235128 DOI: 10.1093/jhered/esad079] [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: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Inbred populations often suffer from increased mutational load and reduced fitness due to lower efficacy of purifying selection in groups with small effective population sizes. Genetic rescue (GR) is a conservation tool that is studied and deployed with the aim of increasing the fitness of such inbred populations by assisted migration of individuals from closely related outbred populations. The success of GR depends on several factors-such as their demographic history and distribution of dominance effects of mutations-that may vary across populations. While we understand the impact of these factors on the dynamics of GR, their impact on local adaptations remains unclear. To this end, we conduct a population genetics simulation study to evaluate the impact of trait complexity (Mendelian vs. polygenic), dominance effects, and demographic history on the efficacy of GR. We find that the impact on local adaptations depends highly on the mutational load at the time of GR, which is in turn shaped dynamically by interactions between demographic history and dominance effects of deleterious variation. Over time local adaptations are generally restored post-GR, though in the short term they are often compromised in the process of purging deleterious variation. We also show that while local adaptations are almost always fully restored, the degree to which ancestral genetic variation affecting the trait is replaced by donor variation can vary drastically and is especially high for complex traits. Our results provide insights on the impact of GR on trait evolution and considerations for the practical implementation of GR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulin Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
- Center for Computational Biology, UC Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
| | - Aaron J Stern
- Center for Computational Biology, UC Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
| | - Rasmus Nielsen
- Department of Integrative Biology, UC Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
- Department of Statistics, UC Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
- Center for GeoGenetics, Globe Institute, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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4
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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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5
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Sexton JP, Clemens M, Bell N, Hall J, Fyfe V, Hoffmann AA. Patterns and effects of gene flow on adaptation across spatial scales: implications for management. J Evol Biol 2024; 37:732-745. [PMID: 38888218 DOI: 10.1093/jeb/voae064] [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: 09/16/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
Gene flow can have rapid effects on adaptation and is an important evolutionary tool available when undertaking biological conservation and restoration. This tool is underused partly because of the perceived risk of outbreeding depression and loss of mean fitness when different populations are crossed. In this article, we briefly review some theory and empirical findings on how genetic variation is distributed across species ranges, describe known patterns of gene flow in nature with respect to environmental gradients, and highlight the effects of gene flow on adaptation in small or stressed populations in challenging environments (e.g., at species range limits). We then present a case study involving crosses at varying spatial scales among mountain populations of a trigger plant (Stylidium armeria: Stylidiaceae) in the Australian Alps to highlight how some issues around gene flow effects can be evaluated. We found evidence of outbreeding depression in seed production at greater geographic distances. Nevertheless, we found no evidence of maladaptive gene flow effects in likelihood of germination, plant performance (size), and performance variance, suggesting that gene flow at all spatial scales produces offspring with high adaptive potential. This case study demonstrates a path to evaluating how increasing sources of gene flow in managed wild and restored populations could identify some offspring with high fitness that could bolster the ability of populations to adapt to future environmental changes. We suggest further ways in which managers and researchers can act to understand and consider adaptive gene flow in natural and conservation contexts under rapidly changing conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason P Sexton
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of California, Merced, CA, United States
| | - Molly Clemens
- Pest and Environmental Adaptation Research Group, Bio21 Institute, School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Nicholas Bell
- Pest and Environmental Adaptation Research Group, Bio21 Institute, School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Joseph Hall
- Pest and Environmental Adaptation Research Group, Bio21 Institute, School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Verity Fyfe
- Pest and Environmental Adaptation Research Group, Bio21 Institute, School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Ary A Hoffmann
- Pest and Environmental Adaptation Research Group, Bio21 Institute, School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
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6
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Huang JP, Wu SP, Chen WY, Pham GJ, Kuan YH. Genomic data revealed inbreeding despite a geographically connected stable effective population size since the Holocene in the protected Formosan Long-Arm Scarab beetle, Cheirotonus formosanus. J Hered 2024; 115:292-301. [PMID: 38364316 DOI: 10.1093/jhered/esae006] [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: 11/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Biodiversity conservation is a top priority in the face of global environmental change, and the practical restoration of biodiversity has emerged as a key objective. Nevertheless, the question of how to effectively contribute to biodiversity restoration and identify suitable systems for such efforts continues to present major challenges. By using genome-wide SNP data, our study revealed that populations from different mountain ranges of the Formosan Long-Arm Scarab beetle, a flagship species that receives strict protection, exhibited a single genetic cluster with no subdivision. Additionally, our result implied an association between the demographic history and historical fluctuations in climate and environmental conditions. Furthermore, we showed that, despite a stable and moderately sized effective population over recent history, all the individuals we studied exhibited signs of genetic inbreeding. We argued that the current practice of protecting the species as one evolutionarily significant unit remains the best conservation plan and that recent habitat change may have led to the pattern of significant inbreeding. We closed by emphasizing the importance of conservation genetic studies in guiding policy decisions and highlighting the potential of genomic data for identifying ideal empirical systems for genetic rescue, or assisted gene flow studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jen-Pan Huang
- Biodiversity Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Ping Wu
- Department of Earth and Life Science, University of Taipei, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Yun Chen
- Biodiversity Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Guan Jie Pham
- Biodiversity Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Biomedical Science and Environmental Biology, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Hsiu Kuan
- Biodiversity Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
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7
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Al Hikmani H, van Oosterhout C, Birley T, Labisko J, Jackson HA, Spalton A, Tollington S, Groombridge JJ. Can genetic rescue help save Arabia's last big cat? Evol Appl 2024; 17:e13701. [PMID: 38784837 PMCID: PMC11113348 DOI: 10.1111/eva.13701] [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: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Genetic diversity underpins evolutionary potential that is essential for the long-term viability of wildlife populations. Captive populations harbor genetic diversity potentially lost in the wild, which could be valuable for release programs and genetic rescue. The Critically Endangered Arabian leopard (Panthera pardus nimr) has disappeared from most of its former range across the Arabian Peninsula, with fewer than 120 individuals left in the wild, and an additional 64 leopards in captivity. We (i) examine genetic diversity in the wild and captive populations to identify global patterns of genetic diversity and structure; (ii) estimate the size of the remaining leopard population across the Dhofar mountains of Oman using spatially explicit capture-recapture models on DNA and camera trap data, and (iii) explore the impact of genetic rescue using three complementary computer modeling approaches. We estimated a population size of 51 (95% CI 32-79) in the Dhofar mountains and found that 8 out of 25 microsatellite alleles present in eight loci in captive leopards were undetected in the wild. This includes two alleles present only in captive founders known to have been wild-sourced from Yemen, which suggests that this captive population represents an important source for genetic rescue. We then assessed the benefits of reintroducing novel genetic diversity into the wild population as well as the risks of elevating the genetic load through the release of captive-bred individuals. Simulations indicate that genetic rescue can improve the long-term viability of the wild population by reducing its genetic load and realized load. The model also suggests that the genetic load has been partly purged in the captive population, potentially making it a valuable source population for genetic rescue. However, the greater loss of its genetic diversity could exacerbate genomic erosion of the wild population during a rescue program, and these risks and benefits should be carefully evaluated. An important next step in the recovery of the Arabian leopard is to empirically validate these conclusions, implement and monitor a genomics-informed management plan, and optimize a strategy for genetic rescue as a tool to recover Arabia's last big cat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hadi Al Hikmani
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, School of Anthropology and Conservation, Division of Human and Social SciencesUniversity of KentCanterburyKentUK
- Office for Conservation of the EnvironmentDiwan of Royal CourtMuscatOman
- The Royal Commission for AlUlaAlUlaSaudi Arabia
| | - Cock van Oosterhout
- School of Environmental SciencesUniversity of East Anglia, Norwich Research ParkNorwichUK
| | - Thomas Birley
- School of Environmental SciencesUniversity of East Anglia, Norwich Research ParkNorwichUK
| | - Jim Labisko
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, School of Anthropology and Conservation, Division of Human and Social SciencesUniversity of KentCanterburyKentUK
- Centre for Biodiversity and Environment Research, Research Department of Genetics, Evolution and EnvironmentUniversity College LondonLondonUK
- Island Biodiversity and Conservation CentreUniversity of SeychellesVictoriaSeychelles
- Department of Life SciencesThe Natural History MuseumLondonUK
| | - Hazel A. Jackson
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, School of Anthropology and Conservation, Division of Human and Social SciencesUniversity of KentCanterburyKentUK
| | | | - Simon Tollington
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, School of Anthropology and Conservation, Division of Human and Social SciencesUniversity of KentCanterburyKentUK
- School of Animal Rural and Environmental SciencesNottingham Trent UniversityNottinghamUK
| | - Jim J. Groombridge
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, School of Anthropology and Conservation, Division of Human and Social SciencesUniversity of KentCanterburyKentUK
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Kyriazis CC, Serieys LE, Bishop JM, Drouilly M, Viljoen S, Wayne RK, Lohmueller KE. The influence of gene flow on population viability in an isolated urban caracal population. Mol Ecol 2024; 33:e17346. [PMID: 38581173 PMCID: PMC11035096 DOI: 10.1111/mec.17346] [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: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
Wildlife populations are becoming increasingly fragmented by anthropogenic development. Small and isolated populations often face an elevated risk of extinction, in part due to inbreeding depression. Here, we examine the genomic consequences of urbanization in a caracal (Caracal caracal) population that has become isolated in the Cape Peninsula region of the City of Cape Town, South Africa, and is thought to number ~50 individuals. We document low levels of migration into the population over the past ~75 years, with an estimated rate of 1.3 effective migrants per generation. As a consequence of this isolation and small population size, levels of inbreeding are elevated in the contemporary Cape Peninsula population (mean FROH = 0.20). Inbreeding primarily manifests as long runs of homozygosity >10 Mb, consistent with the effects of isolation due to the rapid recent growth of Cape Town. To explore how reduced migration and elevated inbreeding may impact future population dynamics, we parameterized an eco-evolutionary simulation model. We find that if migration rates do not change in the future, the population is expected to decline, though with a low projected risk of extinction. However, if migration rates decline or anthropogenic mortality rates increase, the potential risk of extinction is greatly elevated. To avert a population decline, we suggest that translocating migrants into the Cape Peninsula to initiate a genetic rescue may be warranted in the near future. Our analysis highlights the utility of genomic datasets coupled with computational simulation models for investigating the influence of gene flow on population viability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher C. Kyriazis
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Laurel E.K. Serieys
- Panthera, 8 W 40th St, 18th Floor, New York, NY 10018, USA
- Institute for Communities and Wildlife in Africa, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, 7701, South Africa
| | - Jacqueline M. Bishop
- Institute for Communities and Wildlife in Africa, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, 7701, South Africa
| | - Marine Drouilly
- Panthera, 8 W 40th St, 18th Floor, New York, NY 10018, USA
- Institute for Communities and Wildlife in Africa, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, 7701, South Africa
- Centre for Social Science Research, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, 7701, South Africa
| | - Storme Viljoen
- Institute for Communities and Wildlife in Africa, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, 7701, South Africa
| | - Robert K. Wayne
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Kirk E. Lohmueller
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Interdepartmental Program in Bioinformatics, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
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9
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Pavlova A, Schneller NM, Lintermans M, Beitzel M, Robledo‐Ruiz DA, Sunnucks P. Planning and implementing genetic rescue of an endangered freshwater fish population in a regulated river, where low flow reduces breeding opportunities and may trigger inbreeding depression. Evol Appl 2024; 17:e13679. [PMID: 38617824 PMCID: PMC11009430 DOI: 10.1111/eva.13679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 02/11/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Augmenting depleted genetic diversity can improve the fitness and evolutionary potential of wildlife populations, but developing effective management approaches requires genetically monitored test cases. One such case is the small, isolated and inbred Cotter River population of an endangered Australian freshwater fish, the Macquarie perch Macquaria australasica, which over 3 years (2017-2019) received 71 translocated migrants from a closely related, genetically more diverse population. We used genetic monitoring to test whether immigrants bred, interbred with local fish and augmented population genetic diversity. We also investigated whether levels of river flow affected recruitment, inbreeding depression and juvenile dispersal. Fish length was used to estimate the age, birth year cohort and growth of 524 individuals born between 2016 and 2020 under variable flow conditions. DArT genome-wide genotypes were used to assess individual ancestry, heterozygosity, short-term effective population size and identify parent-offspring and full-sibling families. Of 442 individuals born after translocations commenced, only two (0.45%) were of mixed ancestry; these were half-sibs with one translocated parent in common. Numbers of breeders and genetic diversity for five birth year cohorts of the Cotter River fish were low, especially in low-flow years. Additionally, individuals born in the year of lowest flow evidently suffered from inbreeding depression for juvenile growth. The year of highest flow was associated with the largest number of breeders, lowest inbreeding in the offspring and greatest juvenile dispersal distances. Genetic diversity decreased in the upstream direction, flagging restricted access of breeders to the most upstream breeding sites, exacerbated by low river flow. Our results suggest that the effectiveness of translocations could be increased by focussing on upstream sites and moving more individuals per year; using riverine sources should be considered. Our results indicate that river flow sufficient to facilitate fish movement through the system would increase the number of breeders, promote individuals' growth, reduce inbreeding depression and promote genetic rescue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Pavlova
- School of Biological SciencesMonash UniversityMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - Nadja M. Schneller
- School of Biological SciencesMonash UniversityMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - Mark Lintermans
- Centre for Applied Water ScienceInstitute for Applied Ecology, University of CanberraCanberraAustralian Capital TerritoryAustralia
| | - Matt Beitzel
- Environment, Planning & Sustainable Development Directorate (ACT Government)CanberraAustralian Capital TerritoryAustralia
| | | | - Paul Sunnucks
- School of Biological SciencesMonash UniversityMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
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10
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Van Rossum F, Le Pajolec S. Maternal effects and inbreeding depression in post-translocation progeny of Campanula glomerata. PLANT BIOLOGY (STUTTGART, GERMANY) 2024; 26:427-436. [PMID: 38427439 DOI: 10.1111/plb.13631] [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: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
Evaluation of plant translocation success based on fitness-related quantitative traits combined with molecular markers may contribute to a finer assessment of inbreeding, selective and rescue processes, which might have long-term consequences for population dynamics and viability. We investigated fitness traits (seed germination, seedling viability, and juvenile growth and mortality) combined with 15 microsatellite loci of the first post-translocation seed progeny from two translocated populations of Campanula glomerata, an insect-pollinated, self-incompatible perennial herb. We examined whether inbreeding, heterosis through admixture, translocation site and maternal transplant seed source origin and lineage might affect seed quality and juvenile growth in controlled cultivation conditions. Flower production and seed germination of the transplants was higher in one of the two translocation sites, which might be related to differences in soil and vegetation composition and cover. Strong maternal effects related to seed source origin and lineage were found on progeny size, with the largest transplants producing the largest progeny. The differences in rosette diameter were maintained across the whole growth period measured. There was inbreeding depression (rather than heterosis) related to biparental inbreeding at the early progeny growth stage, also expressed through juvenile mortality. Our findings highlight that maternal transplant origin, especially when seed sources consisted of small, fragmented remnants, might have a selective value on fitness in the post-translocation generations. If maternal effects and inbreeding depression persist, they might affect global genetic diversity patterns in the long term. Further admixture in the next generations might buffer maternal and inbreeding effects or lead to outbreeding depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Van Rossum
- Meise Botanic Garden, Meise, Belgium
- Service général de l'Enseignement supérieur et de la Recherche scientifique, Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
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11
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Dickel L, Arcese P, Keller LF, Nietlisbach P, Goedert D, Jensen H, Reid JM. Multigenerational Fitness Effects of Natural Immigration Indicate Strong Heterosis and Epistatic Breakdown in a Wild Bird Population. Am Nat 2024; 203:411-431. [PMID: 38358807 DOI: 10.1086/728669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
AbstractThe fitness of immigrants and their descendants produced within recipient populations fundamentally underpins the genetic and population dynamic consequences of immigration. Immigrants can in principle induce contrasting genetic effects on fitness across generations, reflecting multifaceted additive, dominance, and epistatic effects. Yet full multigenerational and sex-specific fitness effects of regular immigration have not been quantified within naturally structured systems, precluding inference on underlying genetic architectures and population outcomes. We used four decades of song sparrow (Melospiza melodia) life history and pedigree data to quantify fitness of natural immigrants, natives, and their F1, F2, and backcross descendants and test for evidence of nonadditive genetic effects. Values of key fitness components (including adult lifetime reproductive success and zygote survival) of F1 offspring of immigrant-native matings substantially exceeded their parent mean, indicating strong heterosis. Meanwhile, F2 offspring of F1-F1 matings had notably low values, indicating surprisingly strong epistatic breakdown. Furthermore, magnitudes of effects varied among fitness components and differed between female and male descendants. These results demonstrate that strong nonadditive genetic effects on fitness can arise within weakly structured and fragmented populations experiencing frequent natural immigration. Such effects will substantially affect the net degree of effective gene flow and resulting local genetic introgression and adaptation.
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12
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Berger L, Skerratt LF, Kosch TA, Brannelly LA, Webb RJ, Waddle AW. Advances in Managing Chytridiomycosis for Australian Frogs: Gradarius Firmus Victoria. Annu Rev Anim Biosci 2024; 12:113-133. [PMID: 38358840 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-animal-021122-100823] [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] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Extensive knowledge gains from research worldwide over the 25 years since the discovery of chytridiomycosis can be used for improved management. Strategies that have saved populations in the short term and/or enabled recovery include captive breeding, translocation into disease refugia, translocation from resistant populations, disease-free exclosures, and preservation of disease refuges with connectivity to previous habitat, while antifungal treatments have reduced mortality rates in the wild. Increasing host resistance is the goal of many strategies under development, including vaccination and targeted genetic interventions. Pathogen-directed strategies may be more challenging but would have broad applicability. While the search for the silver bullet solution continues, we should value targeted local interventions that stop extinction and buy time for evolution of resistance or development of novel solutions. As for most invasive species and infectious diseases, we need to accept that ongoing management is necessary. For species continuing to decline, proactive deployment and assessment of promising interventions are more valid than a hands-off, do-no-harm approach that will likely allow further extinctions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lee Berger
- One Health Research Group, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, University of Melbourne, Werribee, Victoria, Australia; , , , ,
| | - Lee F Skerratt
- One Health Research Group, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, University of Melbourne, Werribee, Victoria, Australia; , , , ,
| | - Tiffany A Kosch
- One Health Research Group, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, University of Melbourne, Werribee, Victoria, Australia; , , , ,
| | - Laura A Brannelly
- One Health Research Group, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, University of Melbourne, Werribee, Victoria, Australia; , , , ,
| | - Rebecca J Webb
- One Health Research Group, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, University of Melbourne, Werribee, Victoria, Australia; , , , ,
| | - Anthony W Waddle
- One Health Research Group, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, University of Melbourne, Werribee, Victoria, Australia; , , , ,
- Applied Biosciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia;
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13
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Lucena-Perez M, Paijmans JLA, Nocete F, Nadal J, Detry C, Dalén L, Hofreiter M, Barlow A, Godoy JA. Recent increase in species-wide diversity after interspecies introgression in the highly endangered Iberian lynx. Nat Ecol Evol 2024; 8:282-292. [PMID: 38225424 DOI: 10.1038/s41559-023-02267-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
Genetic diversity is lost in small and isolated populations, affecting many globally declining species. Interspecific admixture events can increase genetic variation in the recipient species' gene pool, but empirical examples of species-wide restoration of genetic diversity by admixture are lacking. Here we present multi-fold coverage genomic data from three ancient Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus) approximately 2,000-4,000 years old and show a continuous or recurrent process of interspecies admixture with the Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) that increased modern Iberian lynx genetic diversity above that occurring millennia ago despite its recent demographic decline. Our results add to the accumulating evidence for natural admixture and introgression among closely related species and show that this can result in an increase of species-wide genetic diversity in highly genetically eroded species. The strict avoidance of interspecific sources in current genetic restoration measures needs to be carefully reconsidered, particularly in cases where no conspecific source population exists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Lucena-Perez
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, Estación Biológica de Doñana, CSIC, Seville, Spain
| | - Johanna L A Paijmans
- Evolutionary Adaptive Genomics, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Francisco Nocete
- Grupo de Investigación MIDAS, Departamento Historia I (Prehistoria), Universidad de Huelva, Huelva, Spain
| | - Jordi Nadal
- SERP, Departament de Prehistoria, Historia Antiga i Arqueologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Cleia Detry
- UNIARQ - Centro de Arqueologia da Faculdade de Letras da Universidade de Lisboa, Alameda da Universidade, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Love Dalén
- Centre for Palaeogenetics, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Bioinformatics and Genetics, Swedish Museum of Natural History, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Michael Hofreiter
- Evolutionary Adaptive Genomics, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Axel Barlow
- School of Environmental and Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, Gwynedd, UK
| | - José A Godoy
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, Estación Biológica de Doñana, CSIC, Seville, Spain.
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14
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Reid JM, Dickel L, Keller LF, Nietlisbach P, Arcese P. Multi-generation genetic contributions of immigrants reveal cryptic elevated and sex-biased effective gene flow within a natural meta-population. Ecol Lett 2024; 27:e14377. [PMID: 38361472 DOI: 10.1111/ele.14377] [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: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Impacts of immigration on micro-evolution and population dynamics fundamentally depend on net rates and forms of resulting gene flow into recipient populations. Yet, the degrees to which observed rates and sex ratios of physical immigration translate into multi-generational genetic legacies have not been explicitly quantified in natural meta-populations, precluding inference on how movements translate into effective gene flow and eco-evolutionary outcomes. Our analyses of three decades of complete song sparrow (Melospiza melodia) pedigree data show that multi-generational genetic contributions from regular natural immigrants substantially exceeded those from contemporary natives, consistent with heterosis-enhanced introgression. However, while contributions from female immigrants exceeded those from female natives by up to three-fold, male immigrants' lineages typically went locally extinct soon after arriving. Both the overall magnitude, and the degree of female bias, of effective gene flow therefore greatly exceeded those which would be inferred from observed physical arrivals, altering multiple eco-evolutionary implications of immigration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane M Reid
- Centre for Biodiversity Dynamics, Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Lisa Dickel
- Centre for Biodiversity Dynamics, Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
| | - Lukas F Keller
- Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Natural History Museum, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Pirmin Nietlisbach
- School of Biological Sciences, Illinois State University, Normal, Illinois, USA
| | - Peter Arcese
- Department of Forest & Conservation Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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15
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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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16
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Li S, Yeh C, Jang‐Liaw N, Chang S, Lin Y, Tsai C, Chiu C, Chen C, Ke H, Wang Q, Lu Y, Zheng K, Fan P, Zhang L, Liu Y. Low but highly geographically structured genomic diversity of East Asian Eurasian otters and its conservation implications. Evol Appl 2024; 17:e13630. [PMID: 38288030 PMCID: PMC10824276 DOI: 10.1111/eva.13630] [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: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Populations of Eurasian otters Lutra lutra, one of the most widely distributed apex predators in Eurasia, have been depleted mainly since the 1950s. However, a lack of information about their genomic diversity and how they are organized geographically in East Asia severely impedes our ability to monitor and conserve them in particular management units. Here, we re-sequenced and analyzed 20 otter genomes spanning continental East Asia, including a population at Kinmen, a small island off the Fujian coast, China. The otters form three genetic clusters (one of L. l. lutra in the north and two of L. l. chinensis in the south), which have diverged in the Holocene. These three clusters should be recognized as three conservation management units to monitor and manage independently. The heterozygosity of the East Asian otters is as low as that of the threatened carnivores sequenced. Historical effective population size trajectories inferred from genomic variations suggest that their low genomic diversity could be partially attributed to changes in the climate since the mid-Pleistocene and anthropogenic intervention since the Holocene. However, no evidence of genetic erosion, mutation load, or high level of inbreeding was detected in the presumably isolated Kinmen Island population. Any future in situ conservation efforts should consider this information for the conservation management units.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shou‐Hsien Li
- School of Life ScienceNational Taiwan Normal UniversityTaipeiTaiwan
| | - Chia‐fen Yeh
- School of Life ScienceNational Taiwan Normal UniversityTaipeiTaiwan
| | | | - Shih‐Wei Chang
- Division of ZoologyEndemic Species Research InstituteNantouTaiwan
| | - Yu‐Hsiu Lin
- Division of ZoologyEndemic Species Research InstituteNantouTaiwan
| | - Cheng‐En Tsai
- School of Life ScienceNational Taiwan Normal UniversityTaipeiTaiwan
| | - Chi‐Cheng Chiu
- School of Life ScienceNational Taiwan Normal UniversityTaipeiTaiwan
| | | | - Hui‐Ru Ke
- Genomics BioSci & Tech Co., Ltd.New Taipei CityTaiwan
| | - Qiaoyun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Ecology/School of Life SciencesSun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Yiwei Lu
- Zhejiang Museum of Natural HistoryZhejiang Biodiversity Research CenterHangzhouChina
| | - Kaidan Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Ecology/School of Life SciencesSun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Pengfei Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Ecology/School of Life SciencesSun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Lu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Ecology/School of Life SciencesSun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Yang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Ecology/School of Life SciencesSun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
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17
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Cook CN, Redford KH, Schwartz MW. Species conservation in the era of genomic science. Bioscience 2023; 73:885-890. [PMID: 38162573 PMCID: PMC10755706 DOI: 10.1093/biosci/biad098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
The exponential increase in the availability of genomic data, derived from sequencing thousands of loci or whole genomes, provides exciting new insights into the diversity of life. However, it can also challenge established species concepts and existing management regimes derived from these concepts. Genomic data can help inform decisions about how to manage genetic diversity, but policies that protect identified taxonomic entities can generate conflicting recommendations that create challenges for practitioners. We outline three dimensions of management concern that arise when facing new and potentially conflicting interpretations of genomic data: defining conservation entities, deciding how to manage diversity, and evaluating the risks and benefits of management actions. We highlight the often-underappreciated role of values in influencing management choices made by individuals, scientists, practitioners, the public, and other stakeholders. Such values influence choices through mechanisms such as the Rashomon effect, whereby management decisions are complicated by conflicting perceptions of the causes and consequences of the conservation problem. To illustrate how this might operate, we offer a hypothetical example of this effect for the interpretation of genomic data and its implications for conservation management. Such value-based decisions can be challenged by the rigidity of existing management regimes, making it difficult to achieve the necessary flexibility to match the changing biological understanding. We finish by recommending that both conservation geneticists and practitioners reflect on their respective values, responsibilities, and roles in building a more robust system of species management. This includes embracing the inclusion of stakeholders in decision-making because, as in many cases, there are not objectively defensible right or wrong decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carly N Cook
- Monash University's School of Biological Sciences, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Kent H Redford
- University of New England's Department of Environmental Studies, Biddeford, Maine, United States
| | - Mark W Schwartz
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, United States
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18
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Maroso F, Padovani G, Muñoz Mora VH, Giannelli F, Trucchi E, Bertorelle G. Fitness consequences and ancestry loss in the Apennine brown bear after a simulated genetic rescue intervention. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2023; 37:e14133. [PMID: 37259604 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.14133] [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: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Reduction in population size, with its predicted effects on population fitness, is the most alarming anthropogenic impact on endangered species. By introducing compatible individuals, genetic rescue (GR) is a promising but debated approach for reducing the genetic load unmasked by inbreeding and for restoring the fitness of declining populations. Although GR can improve genetic diversity and fitness, it can also produce loss of ancestry, hampering local adaptation, or replace with introduced variants the unique genetic pools evolved in endemic groups. We used forward genetic simulations based on empirical genomic data to assess fitness benefits and loss of ancestry risks of GR in the Apennine brown bear (Ursus arctos marsicanus). There are approximately 50 individuals of this isolated subspecies, and they have lower genetic diversity and higher inbreeding than other European brown bears, and GR has been suggested to reduce extinction risks. We compared 10 GR scenarios in which the number and genetic characteristics of migrants varied with a non-GR scenario of simple demographic increase due to nongenetic factors. The introduction of 5 individuals of higher fitness or lower levels of deleterious mutations than the target Apennine brown bear from a larger European brown bear population produced a rapid 10-20% increase in fitness in the subspecies and up to 22.4% loss of ancestry over 30 generations. Without a contemporary demographic increase, fitness started to decline again after a few generations. Doubling the population size without GR gradually increased fitness to a comparable level, but without losing ancestry, thus resulting in the best strategy for the Apennine brown bear conservation. Our results highlight the importance for management of endangered species of realistic forward simulations grounded in empirical whole-genome data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Maroso
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Giada Padovani
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | | | - Francesco Giannelli
- Department of Life and Environmental Science, Marche Polytechnic University, Ancona, Italy
| | - Emiliano Trucchi
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- Department of Life and Environmental Science, Marche Polytechnic University, Ancona, Italy
| | - Giorgio Bertorelle
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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19
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Nordstrom SW, Hufbauer RA, Olazcuaga L, Durkee LF, Melbourne BA. How density dependence, genetic erosion and the extinction vortex impact evolutionary rescue. Proc Biol Sci 2023; 290:20231228. [PMID: 37989246 PMCID: PMC10688442 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2023.1228] [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: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Following severe environmental change that reduces mean population fitness below replacement, populations must adapt to avoid eventual extinction, a process called evolutionary rescue. Models of evolutionary rescue demonstrate that initial size, genetic variation and degree of maladaptation influence population fates. However, many models feature populations that grow without negative density dependence or with constant genetic diversity despite precipitous population decline, assumptions likely to be violated in conservation settings. We examined the simultaneous influences of density-dependent growth and erosion of genetic diversity on populations adapting to novel environmental change using stochastic, individual-based simulations. Density dependence decreased the probability of rescue and increased the probability of extinction, especially in large and initially well-adapted populations that previously have been predicted to be at low risk. Increased extinction occurred shortly following environmental change, as populations under density dependence experienced more rapid decline and reached smaller sizes. Populations that experienced evolutionary rescue lost genetic diversity through drift and adaptation, particularly under density dependence. Populations that declined to extinction entered an extinction vortex, where small size increased drift, loss of genetic diversity and the fixation of maladaptive alleles, hindered adaptation and kept populations at small densities where they were vulnerable to extinction via demographic stochasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott W. Nordstrom
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Colorado, Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
- BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80303, USA
| | - Ruth A. Hufbauer
- Department of Agricultural Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
- Graduate Degree Program in Ecology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Laure Olazcuaga
- Department of Agricultural Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Lily F. Durkee
- Department of Agricultural Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
- Graduate Degree Program in Ecology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Brett A. Melbourne
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Colorado, Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
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20
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Black JG, van Rooyen ARJ, Heinze D, Gaffney R, Hoffmann AA, Schmidt TL, Weeks AR. Heterogeneous patterns of heterozygosity loss in isolated populations of the threatened eastern barred bandicoot (Perameles gunnii). Mol Ecol 2023. [PMID: 38013623 DOI: 10.1111/mec.17224] [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: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Identifying and analysing isolated populations is critical for conservation. Isolation can make populations vulnerable to local extinction due to increased genetic drift and inbreeding, both of which should leave imprints of decreased genome-wide heterozygosity. While decreases in heterozygosity among populations are frequently investigated, fewer studies have analysed how heterozygosity varies among individuals, including whether heterozygosity varies geographically along lines of discrete population structure or with continuous patterns analogous to isolation by distance. Here we explore geographical patterns of differentiation and individual heterozygosity in the threatened eastern barred bandicoot (Perameles gunnii) in Tasmania, Australia, using genomic data from 85 samples collected between 2008 and 2011. Our analyses identified two isolated demes undergoing significant genetic drift, and several areas of fine-scale differentiation across Tasmania. We observed discrete genetic structures across geographical barriers and continuous patterns of isolation by distance, with little evidence of recent or historical migration. Using a recently developed analytical pipeline for estimating autosomal heterozygosity, we found individual heterozygosities varied within demes by up to a factor of two, and demes with low-heterozygosity individuals also still contained those with high heterozygosity. Spatial interpolation of heterozygosity scores clarified these patterns and identified the isolated Tasman Peninsula as a location where low-heterozygosity individuals were more common than elsewhere. Our results provide novel insights into the relationship between isolation-driven genetic structure and local heterozygosity patterns. These may help improve translocation efforts, by identifying populations in need of assistance, and by providing an individualised metric for identifying source animals for translocation.
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Affiliation(s)
- John G Black
- School of Biosciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Dean Heinze
- Research Centre of Applied Alpine Ecology, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Robbie Gaffney
- Department of Natural Resources and Environment, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Ary A Hoffmann
- School of Biosciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Thomas L Schmidt
- School of Biosciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Andrew R Weeks
- School of Biosciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Cesar Australia, Brunswick, Victoria, Australia
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21
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Zhu BR, Zhang XY, Yang XX, Liao WJ. Development of polymorphic microsatellite markers for Fagus pashanica (Fagaceae) using next-generation sequencing. Genes Genet Syst 2023; 98:277-281. [PMID: 37880102 DOI: 10.1266/ggs.23-00160] [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] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Fagus pashanica is an endangered and endemic tree species in China. To understand its genetic diversity and structure for effective conservation, we used next-generation sequencing data to develop a set of microsatellite markers. Twenty-three of the 68 designed loci were successfully amplified. Fifteen polymorphic loci with clear peaks were selected for further analyses in three F. pashanica populations sampled from Nanjiang, Wangcang and Pingwu counties in Sichuan Province, China. The number of alleles per locus ranged from two to 11. The levels of observed and expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.033-0.852 and 0.033-0.787, respectively. All 23 loci were also successfully amplified in F. longipetiolata and F. lucida, and 19 were successfully amplified in F. engleriana. These microsatellite markers will be useful for population genetic studies of F. pashanica and other Fagus species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bi-Ru Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Resource Ecology, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Biodiversity Science and Ecological Engineering, Beijing Normal University
| | - Xiao-Ya Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Resource Ecology, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Biodiversity Science and Ecological Engineering, Beijing Normal University
| | - Xiao-Xi Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Resource Ecology, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Biodiversity Science and Ecological Engineering, Beijing Normal University
- Xinyuan School
| | - Wan-Jin Liao
- State Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Resource Ecology, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Biodiversity Science and Ecological Engineering, Beijing Normal University
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22
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Caycho E, La Torre R, Orjeda G. Assembly, annotation and analysis of the chloroplast genome of the Algarrobo tree Neltuma pallida (subfamily: Caesalpinioideae). BMC PLANT BIOLOGY 2023; 23:570. [PMID: 37974117 PMCID: PMC10652460 DOI: 10.1186/s12870-023-04581-5] [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: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neltuma pallida is a tree that grows in arid soils in northwestern Peru. As a predominant species of the Equatorial Dry Forest ecoregion, it holds significant economic and ecological value for both people and environment. Despite this, the species is severely threatened and there is a lack of genetic and genomic research, hindering the proposal of evidence-based conservation strategies. RESULTS In this work, we conducted the assembly, annotation, analysis and comparison of the chloroplast genome of a N. pallida specimen with those of related species. The assembled chloroplast genome has a length of 162,381 bp with a typical quadripartite structure (LSC-IRA-SSC-IRB). The calculated GC content was 35.97%. However, this is variable between regions, with a higher GC content observed in the IRs. A total of 132 genes were annotated, of which 19 were duplicates and 22 contained at least one intron in their sequence. A substantial number of repetitive sequences of different types were identified in the assembled genome, predominantly tandem repeats (> 300). In particular, 142 microsatellites (SSR) markers were identified. The phylogenetic reconstruction showed that N. pallida grouped with the other Neltuma species and with Prosopis cineraria. The analysis of sequence divergence between the chloroplast genome sequences of N. pallida, N. juliflora, P. farcta and Strombocarpa tamarugo revealed a high degree of similarity. CONCLUSIONS The N. pallida chloroplast genome was found to be similar to those of closely related species. With a size of 162,831 bp, it had the classical chloroplast quadripartite structure and GC content of 35.97%. Most of the 132 identified genes were protein-coding genes. Additionally, over 800 repetitive sequences were identified, including 142 SSR markers. In the phylogenetic analysis, N. pallida grouped with other Neltuma spp. and P. cineraria. Furthermore, N. pallida chloroplast was highly conserved when compared with genomes of closely related species. These findings can be of great potential for further diversity studies and genetic improvement of N. pallida.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esteban Caycho
- Laboratory of Genomics and Bioinformatics for Biodiversity, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, 15081, Lima, Peru
| | - Renato La Torre
- Laboratory of Genomics and Bioinformatics for Biodiversity, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, 15081, Lima, Peru
| | - Gisella Orjeda
- Laboratory of Genomics and Bioinformatics for Biodiversity, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, 15081, Lima, Peru.
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Dussex N, Kurland S, Olsen RA, Spong G, Ericsson G, Ekblom R, Ryman N, Dalén L, Laikre L. Range-wide and temporal genomic analyses reveal the consequences of near-extinction in Swedish moose. Commun Biol 2023; 6:1035. [PMID: 37848497 PMCID: PMC10582009 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-05385-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Ungulate species have experienced severe declines over the past centuries through overharvesting and habitat loss. Even if many game species have recovered thanks to strict hunting regulation, the genome-wide impacts of overharvesting are still unclear. Here, we examine the temporal and geographical differences in genome-wide diversity in moose (Alces alces) over its whole range in Sweden by sequencing 87 modern and historical genomes. We found limited impact of the 1900s near-extinction event but local variation in inbreeding and load in modern populations, as well as suggestion of a risk of future reduction in genetic diversity and gene flow. Furthermore, we found candidate genes for local adaptation, and rapid temporal allele frequency shifts involving coding genes since the 1980s, possibly due to selective harvesting. Our results highlight that genomic changes potentially impacting fitness can occur over short time scales and underline the need to track both deleterious and selectively advantageous genomic variation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Dussex
- Centre for Palaeogenetics, Svante Arrhenius väg 20C, SE-106 91, Stockholm, Sweden.
- Department of Zoology, Division of Population Genetics, Stockholm University, SE-106 91, Stockholm, Sweden.
- Department of Bioinformatics and Genetics, Swedish Museum of Natural History, SE-104 05, Stockholm, Sweden.
- Norwegian University of Science and Technology, University Museum, Trondheim, NO-7491, Norway.
| | - Sara Kurland
- Department of Zoology, Division of Population Genetics, Stockholm University, SE-106 91, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Remi-André Olsen
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Stockholm University, SE-171 21, Solna, Sweden
| | - Göran Spong
- Department of Wildlife, Fish, and Environmental Studies, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SE-901 83, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Göran Ericsson
- Department of Wildlife, Fish, and Environmental Studies, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SE-901 83, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Robert Ekblom
- Wildlife Analysis Unit, Swedish Environmental Protection Agency, SE-106 48, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Nils Ryman
- Department of Zoology, Division of Population Genetics, Stockholm University, SE-106 91, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Love Dalén
- Centre for Palaeogenetics, Svante Arrhenius väg 20C, SE-106 91, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Zoology, Division of Population Genetics, Stockholm University, SE-106 91, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Bioinformatics and Genetics, Swedish Museum of Natural History, SE-104 05, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Linda Laikre
- Department of Zoology, Division of Population Genetics, Stockholm University, SE-106 91, Stockholm, Sweden.
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24
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Zhao YJ, Yin GS, Gong X. RAD-sequencing improves the genetic characterization of a threatened tree peony ( Paeonia ludlowii) endemic to China: Implications for conservation. PLANT DIVERSITY 2023; 45:513-522. [PMID: 37936813 PMCID: PMC10625974 DOI: 10.1016/j.pld.2022.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
Compared with traditional genetic markers, genomic approaches have proved valuable to the conservation of endangered species. Paeonia ludlowii having rarely and pure yellow flowers, is one of the world's most famous tree peonies. However, only several wild populations remain in the Yarlung Zangbo Valley (Nyingchi and Shannan regions, Xizang) in China due to increasing anthropogenic impact on the natural habitats. We used genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphisms to elucidate the spatial pattern of genetic variation, population structure and demographic history of P. ludlowii from the fragmented region comprising the entire range of this species, aiming to provide a basis for conserving the genetic resources of this species. Unlike genetic uniformity among populations revealed in previous studies, we found low but varied levels of intra-population genetic diversity, in which lower genetic diversity was detected in the population in Shannan region compared to those in Nyingzhi region. These spatial patterns may be likely associated with different population sizes caused by micro-environment differences in these two regions. Additionally, low genetic differentiation among populations (Fst = 0.0037) were detected at the species level. This line of evidence, combined with the result of significant genetic differentiation between the two closest populations and lack of isolation by distance, suggested that shared ancestry among now remnant populations rather than contemporary genetic connectivity resulted in subtle population structure. Demographic inference suggested that P. ludlowii probably experienced a temporal history of sharp population decline during the period of Last Glacial Maximum, and a subsequent bottleneck event resulting from prehistoric human activities on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. All these events, together with current habitat fragment and excavation might contribute to the endangered status of P. ludlowii. Our study improved the genetic characterization of the endangered tree peony (P. ludlowii) in China, and these genetic inferences should be considered when making different in situ and ex situ conservation actions for P. ludlowii in this evolutionary hotspot region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Juan Zhao
- CAS Key Laboratory for Plant Diversity and Biogeography of East Asia, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650201, Yunnan, China
- Key Laboratory of Economic Plants and Biotechnology, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650201, Yunnan, China
- Yunnan Key Laboratory for Wild Plant Resources, Kunming 650201, Yunnan, China
| | - Gen-Shen Yin
- Kunming University, Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Kunming 650214, Yunnan, China
| | - Xun Gong
- CAS Key Laboratory for Plant Diversity and Biogeography of East Asia, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650201, Yunnan, China
- Key Laboratory of Economic Plants and Biotechnology, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650201, Yunnan, China
- Yunnan Key Laboratory for Wild Plant Resources, Kunming 650201, Yunnan, China
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25
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Powell DM. Losing the forest for the tree? On the wisdom of subpopulation management. Zoo Biol 2023; 42:591-604. [PMID: 37218348 DOI: 10.1002/zoo.21776] [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: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Animal habitats are changing around the world in many ways, presenting challenges to the survival of species. Zoo animal populations are also challenged by small population sizes and limited genetic diversity. Some ex situ populations are managed as subpopulations based on presumed subspecies or geographic locality and related concerns over genetic purity or taxonomic integrity. However, these decisions can accelerate the loss of genetic diversity and increase the likelihood of population extinction. Here I challenge the wisdom of subpopulation management, pointing out significant concerns in the literature with delineation of species, subspecies, and evolutionarily significant units. I also review literature demonstrating the value of gene flow for preserving adaptive potential, the often-misunderstood role of hybridization in evolution, and the likely overstated concerns about outbreeding depression, and preservation of local adaptations. I argue that the most effective way to manage animal populations for the long term be they in human care, in the wild, or if a captive population is being managed for reintroduction, is to manage for maximum genetic diversity rather than managing subpopulations focusing on taxonomic integrity, genetic purity, or geographic locale because selection in the future, rather than the past, will determine what genotypes and phenotypes are the most fit. Several case studies are presented to challenge the wisdom of subpopulation management and stimulate thinking about the preservation of genomes rather than species, subspecies, or lineages because those units evolved in habitats that are likely very different from those habitats today and in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- David M Powell
- Department of Reproductive & Behavioral Sciences, Saint Louis Zoo, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
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26
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Miller SE, Sheehan MJ. Sex differences in deleterious genetic variants in a haplodiploid social insect. Mol Ecol 2023; 32:4546-4556. [PMID: 37350360 PMCID: PMC10528523 DOI: 10.1111/mec.17057] [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: 08/26/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
Deleterious variants are selected against but can linger in populations at low frequencies for long periods of time, decreasing fitness and contributing to disease burden in humans and other species. Deleterious variants occur at low frequency but distinguishing deleterious variants from low-frequency neutral variation is challenging based on population genomics data alone. As a result, we have little sense of the number and identity of deleterious variants in wild populations. For haplodiploid species, it has been hypothesised that deleterious alleles will be directly exposed to selection in haploid males, but selection can be masked in diploid females when deleterious variants are recessive, resulting in more efficient purging of deleterious mutations in males. Therefore, comparisons of the differences between haploid and diploid genomes from the same population may be a useful method for inferring rare deleterious variants. This study provides the first formal test of this hypothesis. Using wild populations of Northern paper wasps (Polistes fuscatus), we find that males have fewer missense and nonsense variants per generation than females from the same population. Allele frequency differences are especially pronounced for rare missense and nonsense variants and these differences lead to a lower mutational load in males than females. Based on these data we infer that many highly deleterious mutations are segregating in the paper wasp population. Stronger selection against deleterious alleles in haploid males may have implications for adaptation in other haplodiploid insects and provides evidence that wild populations harbour abundant deleterious variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara E. Miller
- Laboratory for Animal Social Evolution and Recognition, Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
- Department of Biology, University of Missouri St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Michael J. Sheehan
- Laboratory for Animal Social Evolution and Recognition, Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
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27
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Antunes B, Figueiredo-Vázquez C, Dudek K, Liana M, Pabijan M, Zieliński P, Babik W. Landscape genetics reveals contrasting patterns of connectivity in two newt species (Lissotriton montandoni and L. vulgaris). Mol Ecol 2023; 32:4515-4530. [PMID: 35593303 DOI: 10.1111/mec.16543] [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: 08/05/2021] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Ecologically distinct species may respond to landscape changes in different ways. In addition to basic ecological data, the extent of the geographic range has been successfully used as an indicator of species sensitivity to anthropogenic landscapes, with widespread species usually found to be less sensitive compared to range-restricted species. In this study, we investigate connectivity patterns of two closely related but ecologically distinct newt species - the range-restricted, Lissotriton montandoni and the widespread, L. vulgaris - using genomic data, a highly replicated setting (six geographic regions per species), and tools from landscape genetics. Our results show the importance of forest for connectivity in both species, but at the same time suggest differential use of forested habitat, with L. montandoni and L. vulgaris showing the highest connectivity at forest-core and forest-edges, respectively. Anthropogenic landscapes (i.e., higher crop- or urban-cover) increased resistance in both species, but the effect was one to three orders of magnitude stronger in L. montandoni than in L. vulgaris. This result is consistent with a view of L. vulgaris as an ecological generalist. Even so, currently, the negative impact of anthropogenic landscapes is mainly seen in connectivity among L. vulgaris populations, which show significantly stronger isolation and lower effective sizes relative to L. montandoni. Overall, this study emphasizes how habitat destruction is compromising genetic connectivity not only in endemic, range-restricted species of conservation concern but also in widespread generalist species, despite their comparatively lower sensitivity to anthropogenic landscape changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernardo Antunes
- Institute of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| | - Clara Figueiredo-Vázquez
- Institute of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
- Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Katarzyna Dudek
- Institute of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| | | | - Maciej Pabijan
- Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Faculty of Biology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| | - Piotr Zieliński
- Institute of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| | - Wiesław Babik
- Institute of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
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28
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Winker K, Withrow JJ, Gibson DD, Pruett CL. Beringia as a high-latitude engine of avian speciation. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2023; 98:1081-1099. [PMID: 36879465 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12945] [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: 04/23/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023]
Abstract
Beringia is a biogeographically dynamic region that extends from northeastern Asia into northwestern North America. This region has affected avian divergence and speciation in three important ways: (i) by serving as a route for intercontinental colonisation between Asia and the Americas; (ii) by cyclically splitting (and often reuniting) populations, subspecies, and species between these continents; and (iii) by providing isolated refugia through glacial cycles. The effects of these processes can be seen in taxonomic splits of shallow to increasing depths and in the presence of regional endemics. We review the taxa involved in the latter two processes (splitting-reuniting and isolation), with a focus on three research topics: avian diversity, time estimates of the generation of that diversity, and the regions within Beringia that might have been especially important. We find that these processes have generated substantial amounts of avian diversity, including 49 pairs of avian subspecies or species whose breeding distributions largely replace one another across the divide between the Old World and the New World in Beringia, and 103 avian species and subspecies endemic to this region. Among endemics, about one in three is recognised as a full biological species. Endemic taxa in the orders Charadriiformes (shorebirds, alcids, gulls, and terns) and Passeriformes (perching birds) are particularly well represented, although they show very different levels of diversity through evolutionary time. Endemic Beringian Charadriiformes have a 1.31:1 ratio of species to subspecies. In Passeriformes, endemic taxa have a 0.09:1 species-to-subspecies ratio, suggesting that passerine (and thus terrestrial) endemism might be more prone to long-term extinction in this region, although such 'losses' could occur through their being reconnected with wider continental populations during favourable climatic cycles (e.g. subspecies reintegration with other populations). Genetic evidence suggests that most Beringian avian taxa originated over the past 3 million years, confirming the importance of Quaternary processes. There seems to be no obvious clustering in their formation through time, although there might be temporal gaps with lower rates of diversity generation. For at least 62 species, taxonomically undifferentiated populations occupy this region, providing ample potential for future evolutionary diversification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Winker
- University of Alaska Museum, 907 Yukon Drive, Fairbanks, AK, 99775-6960, USA
| | - Jack J Withrow
- University of Alaska Museum, 907 Yukon Drive, Fairbanks, AK, 99775-6960, USA
| | - Daniel D Gibson
- University of Alaska Museum, 907 Yukon Drive, Fairbanks, AK, 99775-6960, USA
| | - Christin L Pruett
- Department of Biology, Ouachita Baptist University, 410 Ouachita St, Arkadelphia, AR, 71998, USA
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29
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Fitzpatrick SW, Mittan-Moreau C, Miller M, Judson JM. Genetic rescue remains underused for aiding recovery of federally listed vertebrates in the United States. J Hered 2023; 114:354-366. [PMID: 36975379 PMCID: PMC10287150 DOI: 10.1093/jhered/esad002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Restoring gene flow among fragmented populations is discussed as a potentially powerful management strategy that could reduce inbreeding depression and cause genetic rescue. Yet, examples of assisted migration for genetic rescue remain sparse in conservation, prompting several outspoken calls for its increased use in genetic management of fragmented populations. We set out to evaluate the extent to which this strategy is underused and to determine how many imperiled species would realistically stand to benefit from genetic rescue, focusing on federally threatened or endangered vertebrate species in the United States. We developed a "genetic rescue suitability index (GR index)" based on concerns about small population problems relative to risks associated with outbreeding depression and surveyed the literature for 222 species. We found that two-thirds of these species were good candidates for consideration of assisted migration for the purpose of genetic rescue according to our suitability index. Good candidate species spanned all taxonomic groups and geographic regions, though species with more missing data tended to score lower on the suitability index. While we do not recommend a prescriptive interpretation of our GR index, we used it here to establish that assisted migration for genetic rescue is an underused strategy. For example, we found in total, "genetic rescue" was only mentioned in 11 recovery plans and has only been implemented in 3 of the species we surveyed. A potential way forward for implementation of this strategy is incorporating genetic rescue as a priority in USFWS recovery documentation. In general, our results suggest that although not appropriate for all imperiled species, many more species stand to benefit from a conservation strategy of assisted migration for genetic rescue than those for which it has previously been considered or implemented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah W Fitzpatrick
- W.K. Kellogg Biological Station, Michigan State University, Hickory Corners, MI, United States
- Department of Integrative Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
- Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Cinnamon Mittan-Moreau
- W.K. Kellogg Biological Station, Michigan State University, Hickory Corners, MI, United States
- Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Madison Miller
- Savannah River Ecology Lab, University of Georgia, Aiken, SC, United States
- Division of Forestry and Natural Resources, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, United States
| | - Jessica M Judson
- W.K. Kellogg Biological Station, Michigan State University, Hickory Corners, MI, United States
- Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
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30
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Lehtinen RM. Empirical Evidence for the Rescue Effect from a Natural Microcosm. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:1907. [PMID: 37370418 DOI: 10.3390/ani13121907] [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: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 05/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Ecological theory predicts that populations which receive immigrants are less vulnerable to extinction than those that do not receive immigrants (the "rescue effect"). A parallel but opposite process may also exist, where emigration increases the risk of local extinction (the "abandon-ship effect"). Using a natural microcosm of plant-specialist frogs from Madagascar, empirical evidence for both processes is provided. Populations receiving immigrants were less extinction-prone than those without immigration, and those populations losing individuals through emigration were more extinction-prone than those in which no emigration occurred. The number of immigrants and emigrants was also elevated and depressed (respectively) in patches that did not go extinct. These data provide some of the first definitive empirical evidence for the rescue effect and provide suggestive initial data on the abandon-ship effect. Both of these processes may be important to understanding the dynamics of populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard M Lehtinen
- Division of Reptiles and Amphibians, University of Michigan Museum of Zoology, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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31
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White SL, Rash JM, Kazyak DC. Is now the time? Review of genetic rescue as a conservation tool for brook trout. Ecol Evol 2023; 13:e10142. [PMID: 37250443 PMCID: PMC10213484 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.10142] [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: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Brook trout populations have been declining throughout their native range in the east coast of the United States. Many populations are now distributed in small, isolated habitat patches where low genetic diversity and high rates of inbreeding reduce contemporary viability and long-term adaptive potential. Although human-assisted gene flow could theoretically improve conservation outcomes through genetic rescue, there is widespread hesitancy to use this tool to support brook trout conservation. Here, we review the major uncertainties that have limited genetic rescue from being considered as a viable conservation tool for isolated brook trout populations and compare the risks of genetic rescue with other management alternatives. Drawing on theoretical and empirical studies, we discuss methods for implementing genetic rescue in brook trout that could yield long-term evolutionary benefits while avoiding negative fitness effects associated with outbreeding depression and the spread of maladapted alleles. We also highlight the potential for future collaborative efforts to accelerate our understanding of genetic rescue as a viable tool for conservation. Ultimately, while we acknowledge that genetic rescue is not without risk, we emphasize the merits that this tool offers for protecting and propagating adaptive potential and improving species' resilience to rapid environmental change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon L. White
- U.S. Geological Survey Eastern Ecological Science CenterKearneysvilleWest VirginiaUSA
| | - Jacob M. Rash
- North Carolina Wildlife Resources CommissionMarionNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - David C. Kazyak
- U.S. Geological Survey Eastern Ecological Science CenterKearneysvilleWest VirginiaUSA
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32
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Schauf AJ, Jones MF, Oh P. Simulating the dynamics of dispersal and dispersal ability in fragmented populations with mate-finding Allee effects. Ecol Evol 2023; 13:e10021. [PMID: 37091574 PMCID: PMC10121235 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.10021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023] Open
Abstract
We consider the spatial propagation and genetic evolution of model populations comprising multiple subpopulations, each distinguished by its own characteristic dispersal rate. Mate finding is modeled in accord with the assumption that reproduction is based on random encounters between pairs of individuals, so that the frequency of interbreeding between two subpopulations is proportional to the product of local population densities of each. The resulting nonlinear growth term produces an Allee effect, whereby reproduction rates are lower in sparsely populated areas; the distribution of dispersal rates that evolves is then highly dependent upon the population's initial spatial distribution. In a series of numerical test cases, we consider how these dynamics affect lattice-like arrangements of population fragments, and investigate how a population's initial fragmentation determines the dispersal rates that evolve as a habitat is colonized. First, we consider a case where initial population fragments coincide with habitat islands, within which death rates differ from those that apply outside; the presence of inhospitable exterior regions exaggerates Allee effect-driven reductions in dispersal ability. We then examine how greater distances separating adjacent population fragments lead to more severe reductions in dispersal ability. For populations of a fixed initial magnitude, fragmentation into smaller, denser patches leads not only to greater losses of dispersal ability, but also helps ensure the population's long-term persistence, emphasizing the trade-offs between the benefits and risks of rapid dispersal under Allee effects. Next, simulations of well-established populations disrupted by localized depopulation events illustrate how mate-finding Allee effects and spatial heterogeneity can drive a population's dispersal ability to evolve either downward or upward depending on conditions, highlighting a qualitative distinction between population fragmentation and habitat heterogeneity. A final test case compares populations that are fragmented across multiple scales, demonstrating how differences in the relative scales of micro- and macro-level fragmentation can lead to qualitatively different evolutionary outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J. Schauf
- Department of PhysicsNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
- NUS CitiesNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
| | - Matthew F. Jones
- Biodiversity InstituteUniversity of KansasLawrenceKansasUSA
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary BiologyUniversity of KansasLawrenceKansasUSA
- Biodiversity Knowledge Integration Center, School of Life SciencesArizona State UniversityTempeArizonaUSA
| | - Poong Oh
- Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and InformationNanyang Technological UniversitySingaporeSingapore
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33
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Theissinger K, Fernandes C, Formenti G, Bista I, Berg PR, Bleidorn C, Bombarely A, Crottini A, Gallo GR, Godoy JA, Jentoft S, Malukiewicz J, Mouton A, Oomen RA, Paez S, Palsbøll PJ, Pampoulie C, Ruiz-López MJ, Secomandi S, Svardal H, Theofanopoulou C, de Vries J, Waldvogel AM, Zhang G, Jarvis ED, Bálint M, Ciofi C, Waterhouse RM, Mazzoni CJ, Höglund J. How genomics can help biodiversity conservation. Trends Genet 2023:S0168-9525(23)00020-3. [PMID: 36801111 DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2023.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 50.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
The availability of public genomic resources can greatly assist biodiversity assessment, conservation, and restoration efforts by providing evidence for scientifically informed management decisions. Here we survey the main approaches and applications in biodiversity and conservation genomics, considering practical factors, such as cost, time, prerequisite skills, and current shortcomings of applications. Most approaches perform best in combination with reference genomes from the target species or closely related species. We review case studies to illustrate how reference genomes can facilitate biodiversity research and conservation across the tree of life. We conclude that the time is ripe to view reference genomes as fundamental resources and to integrate their use as a best practice in conservation genomics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathrin Theissinger
- LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics, Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre, Georg-Voigt-Str. 14-16, 60325 Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | - Carlos Fernandes
- CE3C - Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes & CHANGE - Global Change and Sustainability Institute, Departamento de Biologia Animal, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal; Faculdade de Psicologia, Universidade de Lisboa, Alameda da Universidade, 1649-013 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Giulio Formenti
- The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Ave, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Iliana Bista
- Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Darwinweg 2, 2333, CR, Leiden, The Netherlands; Wellcome Sanger Institute, Tree of Life, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Paul R Berg
- NIVA - Norwegian Institute for Water Research, Økernveien, 94, 0579 Oslo, Norway; Centre for Coastal Research, University of Agder, Gimlemoen 25j, 4630 Kristiansand, Norway; Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis, Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, PO BOX 1066 Blinderm, 0316 Oslo, Norway
| | - Christoph Bleidorn
- University of Göttingen, Department of Animal Evolution and Biodiversity, Untere Karspüle, 2, 37073, Göttingen, Germany
| | | | - Angelica Crottini
- CIBIO/InBio, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, Rua Padre Armando Quintas, 7, 4485-661, Portugal; Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, 4099-002 Porto, Portugal; BIOPOLIS Program in Genomics, Biodiversity and Land Planning, CIBIO, Campus de Vairão, 4485-661 Vairão, Portugal
| | - Guido R Gallo
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - José A Godoy
- Estación Biológica de Doñana, CSIC, Calle Americo Vespucio 26, 41092, Sevillle, Spain
| | - Sissel Jentoft
- Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis, Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, PO BOX 1066 Blinderm, 0316 Oslo, Norway
| | - Joanna Malukiewicz
- Primate Genetics Laborator, German Primate Center, Kellnerweg 4, 37077, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Alice Mouton
- InBios - Conservation Genetics Lab, University of Liege, Chemin de la Vallée 4, 4000, Liege, Belgium
| | - Rebekah A Oomen
- Centre for Coastal Research, University of Agder, Gimlemoen 25j, 4630 Kristiansand, Norway; Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis, Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, PO BOX 1066 Blinderm, 0316 Oslo, Norway
| | - Sadye Paez
- The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Ave, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Per J Palsbøll
- Groningen Institute of Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh, 9747, AG, Groningen, The Netherlands; Center for Coastal Studies, 5 Holway Avenue, Provincetown, MA 02657, USA
| | - Christophe Pampoulie
- Marine and Freshwater Research Institute, Fornubúðir, 5,220, Hanafjörður, Iceland
| | - María J Ruiz-López
- Estación Biológica de Doñana, CSIC, Calle Americo Vespucio 26, 41092, Sevillle, Spain; CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Spain
| | | | - Hannes Svardal
- Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Constantina Theofanopoulou
- The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Ave, New York, NY 10065, USA; Hunter College, City University of New York, NY, USA
| | - Jan de Vries
- University of Goettingen, Institute for Microbiology and Genetics, Department of Applied Bioinformatics, Goettingen Center for Molecular Biosciences (GZMB), Campus Institute Data Science (CIDAS), Goldschmidtstr. 1, 37077, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Ann-Marie Waldvogel
- Institute of Zoology, University of Cologne, Zülpicherstrasse 47b, D-50674, Cologne, Germany
| | - Guojie Zhang
- Evolutionary & Organismal Biology Research Center, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China; Villum Center for Biodiversity Genomics, Section for Ecology and Evolution, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Denmark; State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650223, China
| | - Erich D Jarvis
- The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Ave, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Miklós Bálint
- LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics, Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre, Georg-Voigt-Str. 14-16, 60325 Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | - Claudio Ciofi
- University of Florence, Department of Biology, Via Madonna del Piano 6, Sesto Fiorentino, (FI) 50019, Italy
| | - Robert M Waterhouse
- University of Lausanne, Department of Ecology and Evolution, Le Biophore, UNIL-Sorge, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland; Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Camila J Mazzoni
- Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW), Alfred-Kowalke-Str 17, 10315 Berlin, Germany; Berlin Center for Genomics in Biodiversity Research (BeGenDiv), Koenigin-Luise-Str 6-8, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Jacob Höglund
- Department of Ecology and Genetics, Uppsala University, Norbyvägen 18D, 75246, Uppsala, Sweden.
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Robinson J, Kyriazis CC, Yuan SC, Lohmueller KE. Deleterious Variation in Natural Populations and Implications for Conservation Genetics. Annu Rev Anim Biosci 2023; 11:93-114. [PMID: 36332644 PMCID: PMC9933137 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-animal-080522-093311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Deleterious mutations decrease reproductive fitness and are ubiquitous in genomes. Given that many organisms face ongoing threats of extinction, there is interest in elucidating the impact of deleterious variation on extinction risk and optimizing management strategies accounting for such mutations. Quantifying deleterious variation and understanding the effects of population history on deleterious variation are complex endeavors because we do not know the strength of selection acting on each mutation. Further, the effect of demographic history on deleterious mutations depends on the strength of selection against the mutation and the degree of dominance. Here we clarify how deleterious variation can be quantified and studied in natural populations. We then discuss how different demographic factors, such as small population size, nonequilibrium population size changes, inbreeding, and gene flow, affect deleterious variation. Lastly, we provide guidance on studying deleterious variation in nonmodel populations of conservation concern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline Robinson
- Institute for Human Genetics, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA;
| | - Christopher C Kyriazis
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA; , ,
| | - Stella C Yuan
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA; , ,
| | - Kirk E Lohmueller
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA; , , .,Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
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Sundell T, Kammonen JI, Mustanoja E, Biard V, Kunnasranta M, Niemi M, Nykänen M, Nyman T, Palo JU, Valtonen M, Paulin L, Jernvall J, Auvinen P. Genomic evidence uncovers inbreeding and supports translocations in rescuing the genetic diversity of a landlocked seal population. CONSERV GENET 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s10592-022-01497-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
AbstractFragmentation of isolated populations increases the risk of inbreeding and loss of genetic diversity. The endemic Saimaa ringed seal (Pusa hispida saimensis) is one of the most endangered pinnipeds in the world with a population of only ~ 400 individuals. The current genetic diversity of this subspecies, isolated in Lake Saimaa in Finland for ca. 1000 generations, is alarmingly low. We performed whole-genome sequencing on Saimaa ringed seals (N = 30) and analyzed the level of homozygosity and genetic composition across the individual genomes. Our results show that the Saimaa ringed seal population has a high number of runs of homozygosity (RoH) compared with the neighboring Baltic ringed seal (Pusa hispida botnica) reference population (p < 0.001). There is also a tendency for stillborn seal pups to have more pronounced RoH. Since the population is divided into semi-isolated subpopulations within the Lake Saimaa exposing the population to deleterious genomic effects, our results support augmented gene flow as a genetic conservation action. Based on our results suggesting inbreeding depression in the population, we recommend Pihlajavesi as a potential source and Southern Saimaa as a potential recipient subpopulation for translocating individuals. The Saimaa ringed seal is a recognized subspecies and therefore translocations should be considered only within the lake to avoid an unpredictable risk of disease, the introduction of deleterious alleles, and severe ecological issues for the population.
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Thompson LM, Thurman LL, Cook CN, Beever EA, Sgrò CM, Battles A, Botero CA, Gross JE, Hall KR, Hendry AP, Hoffmann AA, Hoving C, LeDee OE, Mengelt C, Nicotra AB, Niver RA, Pérez‐Jvostov F, Quiñones RM, Schuurman GW, Schwartz MK, Szymanski J, Whiteley A. Connecting research and practice to enhance the evolutionary potential of species under climate change. CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2023. [DOI: 10.1111/csp2.12855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Laura M. Thompson
- U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), National Climate Adaptation Science Center and the University of Tennessee Knoxville Tennessee USA
| | | | - Carly N. Cook
- School of Biological Sciences Monash University Melbourne Australia
| | - Erik A. Beever
- USGS, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center and Montana State University Bozeman Montana USA
| | - Carla M. Sgrò
- School of Biological Sciences Monash University Melbourne Australia
| | | | | | - John E. Gross
- National Park Service (NPS) Climate Change Response Program Fort Collins Colorado USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Olivia E. LeDee
- USGS, Midwest Climate Adaptation Science Center Saint Paul Minnesota USA
| | | | | | - Robyn A. Niver
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), Branch of Listing and Policy Support Bailey's Crossroads Virginia USA
| | | | - Rebecca M. Quiñones
- Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife Westborough Massachusetts USA
| | - Gregor W. Schuurman
- National Park Service (NPS) Climate Change Response Program Fort Collins Colorado USA
| | - Michael K. Schwartz
- U.S. Forest Service, National Genomics Center for Wildlife and Fish Conservation Missoula Montana USA
| | - Jennifer Szymanski
- USFWS, Branch of SSA Science Support, Division of Endangered Species Onalaska Wisconsin USA
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37
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Beichman AC, Kalhori P, Kyriazis CC, DeVries AA, Nigenda-Morales S, Heckel G, Schramm Y, Moreno-Estrada A, Kennett DJ, Hylkema M, Bodkin J, Koepfli KP, Lohmueller KE, Wayne RK. Genomic analyses reveal range-wide devastation of sea otter populations. Mol Ecol 2023; 32:281-298. [PMID: 34967471 PMCID: PMC9875727 DOI: 10.1111/mec.16334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
The genetic consequences of species-wide declines are rarely quantified because the timing and extent of the decline varies across the species' range. The sea otter (Enhydra lutris) is a unique model in this regard. Their dramatic decline from thousands to fewer than 100 individuals per population occurred range-wide and nearly simultaneously due to the 18th-19th century fur trade. Consequently, each sea otter population represents an independent natural experiment of recovery after extreme population decline. We designed sequence capture probes for 50 Mb of sea otter exonic and neutral genomic regions. We sequenced 107 sea otters from five populations that span the species range to high coverage (18-76×) and three historical Californian samples from ~1500 and ~200 years ago to low coverage (1.5-3.5×). We observe distinct population structure and find that sea otters in California are the last survivors of a divergent lineage isolated for thousands of years and therefore warrant special conservation concern. We detect signals of extreme population decline in every surviving sea otter population and use this demographic history to design forward-in-time simulations of coding sequence. Our simulations indicate that this decline could lower the fitness of recovering populations for generations. However, the simulations also demonstrate how historically low effective population sizes prior to the fur trade may have mitigated the effects of population decline on genetic health. Our comprehensive approach shows how demographic inference from genomic data, coupled with simulations, allows assessment of extinction risk and different models of recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annabel C. Beichman
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Pooneh Kalhori
- Department of Biology, San Francisco State University, San Francisco, CA 94132, USA
| | - Christopher C. Kyriazis
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Amber A. DeVries
- Center for Bioinformatics and Functional Genomics, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Sergio Nigenda-Morales
- National Laboratory of Genomics for Biodiversity, Unit of Advanced Genomics (LANGEBIO), CINVESTAV, Irapuato, Guanajuato 36824, Mexico
| | - Gisela Heckel
- Centro de Investigación Científica y de Educación Superior de Ensenada (Ensenada Center for Scientific Research and Higher Education), Ensenada, Baja California 22860, Mexico
| | - Yolanda Schramm
- Universidad Autónoma de Baja California (Autonomous University of Baja California), Ensenada, Baja California 22860, Mexico
| | - Andrés Moreno-Estrada
- National Laboratory of Genomics for Biodiversity, Unit of Advanced Genomics (LANGEBIO), CINVESTAV, Irapuato, Guanajuato 36824, Mexico
| | - Douglas J. Kennett
- Department of Anthropology, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| | - Mark Hylkema
- Cultural Resources Program Manager and Tribal Liaison/Archaeologist, Santa Cruz District, California State Parks, Santa Cruz, California, USA
| | - James Bodkin
- Retired, Alaska Science Center, US Geological Survey, Anchorage Alaska, 99503, USA
| | - Klaus-Peter Koepfli
- Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation, George Mason University, Front Royal, VA 22630, USA
- Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Center for Species Survival, National Zoological Park, Washington, D.C., 20008, USA
- ITMO University, Computer Technologies Laboratory, St. Petersburg 197101, Russia
| | - Kirk E. Lohmueller
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Interdepartmental Program in Bioinformatics, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Robert K. Wayne
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
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38
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Ge D, Wen Z, Feijó A, Lissovsky A, Zhang W, Cheng J, Yan C, She H, Zhang D, Cheng Y, Lu L, Wu X, Mu D, Zhang Y, Xia L, Qu Y, Vogler AP, Yang Q. Genomic Consequences of and Demographic Response to Pervasive Hybridization Over Time in Climate-Sensitive Pikas. Mol Biol Evol 2022; 40:6958644. [PMID: 36562771 PMCID: PMC9847633 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msac274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 11/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Rare and geographically restricted species may be vulnerable to genetic effects from inbreeding depression in small populations or from genetic swamping through hybridization with common species, but a third possibility is that selective gene flow can restore fitness (genetic rescue). Climate-sensitive pikas (Ochotona spp.) of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau (QHTP) and its vicinity have been reduced to residual populations through the movement of climatic zones during the Pleistocene and recent anthropogenic disturbance, whereas the plateau pika (O. curzoniae) remains common. Population-level whole-genome sequencing (n = 142) of six closely related species in the subgenus Ochotona revealed several phases of ancient introgression, lineage replacement, and bidirectional introgression. The strength of gene flow was the greatest from the dominant O. curzoniae to ecologically distinct species in areas peripheral to the QHTP. Genetic analyses were consistent with environmental reconstructions of past population movements. Recurrent periods of introgression throughout the Pleistocene revealed an increase in genetic variation at first but subsequent loss of genetic variation in later phases. Enhanced dispersion of introgressed genomic regions apparently contributed to demographic recovery in three peripheral species that underwent range shifts following climate oscillations on the QHTP, although it failed to drive recovery of northeastern O. dauurica and geographically isolated O. sikimaria. Our findings highlight differences in timescale and environmental background to determine the consequence of hybridization and the unique role of the QHTP in conserving key evolutionary processes of sky island species.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Jilong Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Chaochao Yan
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mountain Ecological Restoration and Bioresource Utilization & Ecological Restoration and Biodiversity Conservation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Huishang She
- Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Dezhi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Yalin Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Liang Lu
- State Key Laboratory for Infectious Diseases Prevention and Control, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Xinlai Wu
- The Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Application, School of Life Science, Institute of Life Science and Green Development, Hebei University, Baoding, 071002, China
| | - Danping Mu
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Biological Resources and Genetic Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, 830046, China
| | - Yubo Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Protein and Plant Gene Research, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences at College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Lin Xia
- Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
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39
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Pregler KC, Obedzinski M, Gilbert‐Horvath EA, White B, Carlson SM, Garza JC. Assisted gene flow from outcrossing shows the potential for genetic rescue in an endangered salmon population. Conserv Lett 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/conl.12934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Kasey C. Pregler
- Department of Environmental Science, Policy, and Management University of California, Berkeley Berkeley California USA
| | - Mariska Obedzinski
- Department of Environmental Science, Policy, and Management University of California, Berkeley Berkeley California USA
- California Sea Grant Windsor California USA
| | - Elizabeth A. Gilbert‐Horvath
- Southwest Fisheries Science Center National Marine Fisheries Service and University of California, Santa Cruz Santa Cruz California USA
| | - Benjamin White
- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Don Clausen/Warm Springs Hatchery Geyserville California USA
| | - Stephanie M. Carlson
- Department of Environmental Science, Policy, and Management University of California, Berkeley Berkeley California USA
| | - John Carlos Garza
- Southwest Fisheries Science Center National Marine Fisheries Service and University of California, Santa Cruz Santa Cruz California USA
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40
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Sacks BN. Evolutionary legacy of the extirpated red wolf clings to life in gulf-coast canids. Mol Ecol 2022; 31:5419-5422. [PMID: 36210646 DOI: 10.1111/mec.16725] [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: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Before Europeans colonized North America, a uniquely American wolf roamed the eastern forests of southern Canada to Florida and west to the Great Plains. Known today as "red wolf" (Canis rufus) in the south and "eastern wolf" (Canis lycaon) in the north, evidence suggests that these indigenous forest wolves shared a common evolutionary history until only a few centuries ago when they were extirpated from the intervening majority of their historical range. While the eastern wolf persists today primarily as a small population in Algonquin Provincial Park, Canada, the red wolf was ostensibly driven from its last stronghold in gulf-coastal Louisiana and Texas by 1980. The last-known red wolves were taken captive for propagation and reintroduction. Today, the red wolf exists as ~250 descendants of 12 founders and are distributed among 42 captive breeding facilities and one reintroduced population in coastal North Carolina. As red and eastern wolves declined in the 20th century, coyotes expanded from the west into the eastern forests, replacing them. Along with human persecution, coyote hybridization has been blamed for the late 20th century demise of the red wolf. However, rather than helping to drive the red wolf to extinction, coyote hybridization may have instead helped to preserve it. In this issue of Molecular Ecology, vonHoldt and colleagues provide the most comprehensive description yet of the substantial quantity and distribution of red wolf ancestry sequestered in southeastern coyote populations. They find the highest frequency of red wolf genes in coyotes from the gulf-coastal sites where the last known wild red wolves occurred, but also present evidence for a high prevalence of red wolf genes in coyotes throughout the southeastern expansion zone. Given the significant reduction in genetic diversity in extant red wolves owing to their late 20th century population bottleneck, this coyote-sequestered reservoir of red wolf genes could prove an important resource for red wolf conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin N Sacks
- Mammalian Ecology and Conservation Unit, Veterinary Genetics, Department of Population Health and Reproduction, University of California, Davis, California, USA
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41
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Forester BR, Murphy M, Mellison C, Petersen J, Pilliod DS, Van Horne R, Harvey J, Funk WC. Genomics-informed delineation of conservation units in a desert amphibian. Mol Ecol 2022; 31:5249-5269. [PMID: 35976166 PMCID: PMC9804278 DOI: 10.1111/mec.16660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Delineating conservation units (CUs, e.g., evolutionarily significant units, ESUs, and management units, MUs) is critical to the recovery of declining species because CUs inform both listing status and management actions. Genomic data have strengths and limitations in informing CU delineation and related management questions in natural systems. We illustrate the value of using genomic data in combination with landscape, dispersal and occupancy data to inform CU delineation in Nevada populations of the Great Basin Distinct Population Segment of the Columbia spotted frog (Rana luteiventris). R. luteiventris occupies naturally fragmented aquatic habitats in this xeric region, but beaver removal, climate change and other factors have put many of these populations at high risk of extirpation without management intervention. We addressed three objectives: (i) assessing support for ESUs within Nevada; (ii) evaluating and revising, if warranted, the current delineation of MUs; and (iii) evaluating genetic diversity, effective population size, adaptive differentiation and functional connectivity to inform ongoing management actions. We found little support for ESUs within Nevada but did identify potential revisions to MUs based on unique landscape drivers of connectivity that distinguish these desert populations from those in the northern portion of the species range. Effective sizes were uniformly small, with low genetic diversity and weak signatures of adaptive differentiation. Our findings suggest that management actions, including translocations and genetic rescue, might be warranted. Our study illustrates how a carefully planned genetic study, designed to address priority management goals that include CU delineation, can provide multiple insights to inform conservation action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brenna R Forester
- Department of Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Melanie Murphy
- Department of Ecosystem Science and Management, Program in Ecology, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, USA
| | | | | | - David S Pilliod
- U.S. Geological Survey, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, Boise, ID, USA
| | | | | | - W Chris Funk
- Department of Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA.,Graduate Degree Program in Ecology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
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Salmona J, Dayon J, Lecompte E, Karamanlidis AA, Aguilar A, Fernandez de Larrinoa P, Pires R, Mo G, Panou A, Agnesi S, Borrell A, Danyer E, Öztürk B, Tonay AM, Anestis AK, González LM, Dendrinos P, Gaubert P. The antique genetic plight of the Mediterranean monk seal ( Monachus monachus). Proc Biol Sci 2022; 289:20220846. [PMID: 36043283 PMCID: PMC9428542 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2022.0846] [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: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Disentangling the impact of Late Quaternary climate change from human activities can have crucial implications on the conservation of endangered species. We investigated the population genetics and demography of the Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus), one of the world's most endangered marine mammals, through an unprecedented dataset encompassing historical (extinct) and extant populations from the eastern North Atlantic to the entire Mediterranean Basin. We show that Cabo Blanco (Western Sahara/Mauritania), Madeira, Western Mediterranean (historical range) and Eastern Mediterranean regions segregate into four populations. This structure is probably the consequence of recent drift, combined with long-term isolation by distance (R2 = 0.7), resulting from prevailing short-distance (less than 500 km) and infrequent long-distance dispersal (less than 1500 km). All populations (Madeira especially), show high levels of inbreeding and low levels of genetic diversity, seemingly declining since historical time, but surprisingly not being impacted by the 1997 massive die-off in Cabo Blanco. Approximate Bayesian Computation analyses support scenarios combining local extinctions and a major effective population size decline in all populations during Antiquity. Our results suggest that the early densification of human populations around the Mediterranean Basin coupled with the development of seafaring techniques were the main drivers of the decline of Mediterranean monk seals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordi Salmona
- Laboratoire Évolution et Diversité Biologique, IRD-CNRS-UPS, Université Paul Sabatier, 118 route de Narbonne, Toulouse 31062, France
| | - Julia Dayon
- Laboratoire Évolution et Diversité Biologique, IRD-CNRS-UPS, Université Paul Sabatier, 118 route de Narbonne, Toulouse 31062, France
- CEFE, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, EPHE-PSL University, IRD, Montpellier, France
| | - Emilie Lecompte
- Laboratoire Évolution et Diversité Biologique, IRD-CNRS-UPS, Université Paul Sabatier, 118 route de Narbonne, Toulouse 31062, France
| | - Alexandros A. Karamanlidis
- MOm/Hellenic Society for the Study and Protection of the Monk seal, Solomou Strasse 18, Athens 10682, Greece
| | - Alex Aguilar
- IRBio and Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Universitat de Barcelona, Diagonal 643, Barcelona 08028, Spain
| | | | - Rosa Pires
- Instituto das Florestas e Conservação da Natureza IP-RAM, Jardim Botânico da Madeira, Caminho do Meio, Bom Sucesso, Funchal, Madeira 9064-512, Portugal
| | - Giulia Mo
- Istituto Superiore per la Protezione e la Ricerca Ambientale (ISPRA), Via Vitaliano Brancati 48, Rome 00144, Italy
| | - Aliki Panou
- Archipelagos - Environment and Development, Lourdata, Kefalonia 28100, Greece
| | - Sabrina Agnesi
- Istituto Superiore per la Protezione e la Ricerca Ambientale (ISPRA), Via Vitaliano Brancati 48, Rome 00144, Italy
| | - Asunción Borrell
- IRBio and Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Universitat de Barcelona, Diagonal 643, Barcelona 08028, Spain
| | - Erdem Danyer
- Turkish Marine Research Foundation (TUDAV), PO Box 10, Beykoz, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Bayram Öztürk
- Turkish Marine Research Foundation (TUDAV), PO Box 10, Beykoz, Istanbul, Turkey
- Faculty of Aquatic Sciences, Istanbul University, Kalenderhane Mah. Onaltı Mart Şehitleri Cad. No: 2 Fatih 34134 Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Arda M. Tonay
- Turkish Marine Research Foundation (TUDAV), PO Box 10, Beykoz, Istanbul, Turkey
- Faculty of Aquatic Sciences, Istanbul University, Kalenderhane Mah. Onaltı Mart Şehitleri Cad. No: 2 Fatih 34134 Istanbul, Turkey
| | | | - Luis M. González
- Subdirección General de Biodiversidad Terrestre y Marina, Ministerio para la Transición Ecológica y el Reto Demográfico, Pza. San Juan de la Cruz, 10, Madrid 28071, Spain
| | - Panagiotis Dendrinos
- MOm/Hellenic Society for the Study and Protection of the Monk seal, Solomou Strasse 18, Athens 10682, Greece
| | - Philippe Gaubert
- Laboratoire Évolution et Diversité Biologique, IRD-CNRS-UPS, Université Paul Sabatier, 118 route de Narbonne, Toulouse 31062, France
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43
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Weaver S, McGaugh SE, Kono TJY, Macip-Rios R, Gluesenkamp AG. Assessing genomic and ecological differentiation among subspecies of the Rough-footed Mud Turtle, Kinosternon hirtipes. J Hered 2022; 113:538-551. [PMID: 35922036 DOI: 10.1093/jhered/esac036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Combining genetic and ecological measures of differentiation can provide compelling evidence for ecological and genetic divergence among lineages. The Rough-footed Mud Turtle, Kinosternon hirtipes, is distributed from the Trans-Pecos region of Texas to the highlands of Central Mexico and contains six described subspecies, five of which are extant. We use ddRAD sequencing and species distribution models to assess levels of ecological and genetic differentiation among these subspecies. We also predict changes in climatically suitable habitat under different climate change scenarios and assess levels of genetic diversity and inbreeding within each lineage. Our results show that there is strong genetic and ecological differentiation among multiple lineages within K. hirtipes, and that this differentiation appears to be the result of vicariance associated with the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt. We propose changes to subspecies designations to more accurately reflect the evolutionary relationships among populations and assess threats to each subspecies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sam Weaver
- Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior, University of Minnesota, 140 Gortner Lab, Saint Paul, MN 55108, USA
| | - Suzanne E McGaugh
- Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior, University of Minnesota, 140 Gortner Lab, Saint Paul, MN 55108, USA
| | - Thomas J Y Kono
- Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior, University of Minnesota, 140 Gortner Lab, Saint Paul, MN 55108, USA
| | - Rodrigo Macip-Rios
- Escuela Nacional de Estudios Superiores, Unidad Morelia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Antigua Carretera a Pátzcuaro No.8701, Col. Ex Hacienda de San José de la Huerta, CP 58190 Morelia, Michoacán, México.,Laboratorio Nacional de Síntesis Ecológica, Unidad Morelia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Antigua Carretera a Pátzcuaro No.8701, Col. Ex Hacienda de San José de la Huerta, CP 58190 Morelia, Michoacán, México
| | - Andrew G Gluesenkamp
- Center for Conservation and Research, San Antonio Zoo, 3903 N. St. Mary's Street, San Antonio, Texas 78212 USA
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Jackson HA, Percival‐Alwyn L, Ryan C, Albeshr MF, Venturi L, Morales HE, Mathers TC, Cocker J, Speak SA, Accinelli GG, Barker T, Heavens D, Willman F, Dawson D, Ward L, Tatayah V, Zuël N, Young R, Concannon L, Whitford H, Clavijo B, Bunbury N, Tyler KM, Ruhomaun K, Grace MK, Bruford MW, Jones CG, Tollington S, Bell DJ, Groombridge JJ, Clark M, Van Oosterhout C. Genomic erosion in a demographically recovered bird species during conservation rescue. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2022; 36:e13918. [PMID: 35554972 PMCID: PMC9546124 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.13918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The pink pigeon (Nesoenas mayeri) is an endemic species of Mauritius that has made a remarkable recovery after a severe population bottleneck in the 1970s to early 1990s. Prior to this bottleneck, an ex situ population was established from which captive-bred individuals were released into free-living subpopulations to increase population size and genetic variation. This conservation rescue led to rapid population recovery to 400-480 individuals, and the species was twice downlisted on the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. We analyzed the impacts of the bottleneck and genetic rescue on neutral genetic variation during and after population recovery (1993-2008) with restriction site-associated sequencing, microsatellite analyses, and quantitative genetic analysis of studbook data of 1112 birds from zoos in Europe and the United States. We used computer simulations to study the predicted changes in genetic variation and population viability from the past into the future. Genetic variation declined rapidly, despite the population rebound, and the effective population size was approximately an order of magnitude smaller than census size. The species carried a high genetic load of circa 15 lethal equivalents for longevity. Our computer simulations predicted continued inbreeding will likely result in increased expression of deleterious mutations (i.e., a high realized load) and severe inbreeding depression. Without continued conservation actions, it is likely that the pink pigeon will go extinct in the wild within 100 years. Conservation rescue of the pink pigeon has been instrumental in the recovery of the free-living population. However, further genetic rescue with captive-bred birds from zoos is required to recover lost variation, reduce expression of harmful deleterious variation, and prevent extinction. The use of genomics and modeling data can inform IUCN assessments of the viability and extinction risk of species, and it helps in assessments of the conservation dependency of populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hazel A. Jackson
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, School of Anthropology and ConservationUniversity of KentCanterburyUK
| | | | - Camilla Ryan
- School of Environmental SciencesUniversity of East AngliaNorwichUK
- The Earlham InstituteNorwichUK
| | - Mohammed F. Albeshr
- School of Biological SciencesUniversity of East AngliaNorwichUK
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of ScienceKing Saud UniversityRiyadhSaudi Arabia
| | - Luca Venturi
- Department of Life SciencesThe Natural History MuseumLondonUK
| | | | | | - Jonathan Cocker
- The Earlham InstituteNorwichUK
- School of Biological SciencesUniversity of East AngliaNorwichUK
| | - Samuel A. Speak
- School of Environmental SciencesUniversity of East AngliaNorwichUK
| | | | | | | | - Faye Willman
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, School of Anthropology and ConservationUniversity of KentCanterburyUK
- Institute of ZoologyZoological Society of LondonLondonUK
| | - Deborah Dawson
- NERC Biomolecular Analysis Facility, Department of Animal and Plant SciencesUniversity of SheffieldSheffieldUK
| | - Lauren Ward
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, School of Anthropology and ConservationUniversity of KentCanterburyUK
- NERC Biomolecular Analysis Facility, Department of Animal and Plant SciencesUniversity of SheffieldSheffieldUK
| | | | - Nicholas Zuël
- Mauritian Wildlife FoundationVacoas‐PhoenixMauritius
| | - Richard Young
- Durrell Wildlife Conservation TrustJerseyChannel Islands
| | | | | | | | - Nancy Bunbury
- Seychelles Islands FoundationVictoriaSeychelles
- Centre for Ecology and ConservationUniversity of ExeterPenrynUK
| | - Kevin M. Tyler
- Norwich Medical SchoolUniversity of East AngliaNorwichUK
| | - Kevin Ruhomaun
- National Parks and Conservation Service, Ministry of EnvironmentGovernment of MauritiusRéduitMauritius
| | - Molly K. Grace
- Molly K. Grace, Department of ZoologyUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
| | | | - Carl G. Jones
- Mauritian Wildlife FoundationVacoas‐PhoenixMauritius
- Durrell Wildlife Conservation TrustJerseyChannel Islands
| | - Simon Tollington
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, School of Anthropology and ConservationUniversity of KentCanterburyUK
- NERC Biomolecular Analysis Facility, Department of Animal and Plant SciencesUniversity of SheffieldSheffieldUK
- North of England Zoological SocietyChester ZooChesterUK
| | - Diana J. Bell
- School of Biological SciencesUniversity of East AngliaNorwichUK
| | - Jim J. Groombridge
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, School of Anthropology and ConservationUniversity of KentCanterburyUK
| | - Matt Clark
- The Earlham InstituteNorwichUK
- Department of Life SciencesThe Natural History MuseumLondonUK
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Marshall IR, Brauer CJ, Wedderburn SD, Whiterod NS, Hammer MP, Barnes TC, Attard CRM, Möller LM, Beheregaray LB. Longitudinal monitoring of neutral and adaptive genomic diversity in a reintroduction. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2022; 36:e13889. [PMID: 35023224 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.13889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2021] [Revised: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Restoration programs in the form of ex-situ breeding combined with reintroductions are becoming critical to counteract demographic declines and species losses. Such programs are increasingly using genetic management to improve conservation outcomes. However, the lack of long-term monitoring of genetic indicators following reintroduction prevents assessments of the trajectory and persistence of reintroduced populations. We carried out an extensive monitoring program in the wild for a threatened small-bodied fish (southern pygmy perch, Nannoperca australis) to assess the long-term genomic effects of its captive breeding and reintroduction. The species was rescued prior to its extirpation from the terminal lakes of Australia's Murray-Darling Basin, and then used for genetically informed captive breeding and reintroductions. Subsequent annual or biannual monitoring of abundance, fitness, and occupancy over a period of 11 years, combined with postreintroduction genetic sampling, revealed survival and recruitment of reintroduced fish. Genomic analyses based on data from the original wild rescued, captive born, and reintroduced cohorts revealed low inbreeding and strong maintenance of neutral and candidate adaptive genomic diversity across multiple generations. An increasing trend in the effective population size of the reintroduced population was consistent with field monitoring data in demonstrating successful re-establishment of the species. This provides a rare empirical example that the adaptive potential of a locally extinct population can be maintained during genetically informed ex-situ conservation breeding and reintroduction into the wild. Strategies to improve biodiversity restoration via ex-situ conservation should include genetic-based captive breeding and longitudinal monitoring of standing genomic variation in reintroduced populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imogen R Marshall
- Molecular Ecology Laboratory, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Chris J Brauer
- Molecular Ecology Laboratory, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Scotte D Wedderburn
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Nick S Whiterod
- Aquasave-Nature Glenelg Trust, Victor Harbor, South Australia, Australia
| | - Michael P Hammer
- Natural Sciences, Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Thomas C Barnes
- New South Wales Department of Primary Industries, Port Stephens Fisheries Institute, Nelson Bay, New South Wales, Australia
- Institute of Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Catherine R M Attard
- Molecular Ecology Laboratory, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Luciana M Möller
- Molecular Ecology Laboratory, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Luciano B Beheregaray
- Molecular Ecology Laboratory, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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Rosche C, Baasch A, Runge K, Brade P, Träger S, Parisod C, Hensen I. Tracking population genetic signatures of local extinction with herbarium specimens. ANNALS OF BOTANY 2022; 129:857-868. [PMID: 35670810 PMCID: PMC9292615 DOI: 10.1093/aob/mcac061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2022] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Habitat degradation and landscape fragmentation dramatically lower population sizes of rare plant species. Decreasing population sizes may, in turn, negatively affect genetic diversity and reproductive fitness, which can ultimately lead to local extinction of populations. Although such extinction vortex dynamics have been postulated in theory and modelling for decades, empirical evidence from local extinctions of plant populations is scarce. In particular, comparisons between current vs. historical genetic diversity and differentiation are lacking despite their potential to guide conservation management. METHODS We studied the population genetic signatures of the local extinction of Biscutella laevigata subsp. gracilis populations in Central Germany. We used microsatellites to genotype individuals from 15 current populations, one ex situ population, and 81 herbarium samples from five extant and 22 extinct populations. In the current populations, we recorded population size and fitness proxies, collected seeds for a germination trial and conducted a vegetation survey. The latter served as a surrogate for habitat conditions to study how habitat dissimilarity affects functional connectivity among the current populations. KEY RESULTS Bayesian clustering revealed similar gene pool distribution in current and historical samples but also indicated that a distinct genetic cluster was significantly associated with extinction probability. Gene flow was affected by both the spatial distance and floristic composition of population sites, highlighting the potential of floristic composition as a powerful predictor of functional connectivity which may promote decision-making for reintroduction measures. For an extinct population, we found a negative relationship between sampling year and heterozygosity. Inbreeding negatively affected germination. CONCLUSIONS Our study illustrates the usefulness of historical DNA to study extinction vortices in threatened species. Our novel combination of classical population genetics together with data from herbarium specimens, an ex situ population and a germination trial underlines the need for genetic rescue measures to prevent extinction of B. laevigata in Central Germany.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Rosche
- Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Institute of Biology/Geobotany and Botanical Garden, Große Steinstraße 79/80, 06108 Halle (Saale), Germany
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Puschstraße 4, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Annett Baasch
- Anhalt University of Applied Sciences, Department of Agriculture, Ecotrophology and Landscape Development, Strenzfelder Allee 28, 06406 Bernburg (Saale), Germany
| | - Karen Runge
- Anhalt University of Applied Sciences, Department of Agriculture, Ecotrophology and Landscape Development, Strenzfelder Allee 28, 06406 Bernburg (Saale), Germany
| | - Philipp Brade
- Anhalt University of Applied Sciences, Department of Agriculture, Ecotrophology and Landscape Development, Strenzfelder Allee 28, 06406 Bernburg (Saale), Germany
| | - Sabrina Träger
- Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Institute of Biology/Geobotany and Botanical Garden, Große Steinstraße 79/80, 06108 Halle (Saale), Germany
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Puschstraße 4, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Christian Parisod
- University of Fribourg, Department of Biology, Chemin du Musée 10, 1700 Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Isabell Hensen
- Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Institute of Biology/Geobotany and Botanical Garden, Große Steinstraße 79/80, 06108 Halle (Saale), Germany
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Puschstraße 4, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
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Using PVA and captive breeding to balance trade-offs in the rescue of the island dibbler onto a new island ark. Sci Rep 2022; 12:11913. [PMID: 35831431 PMCID: PMC9279492 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-14150-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
In the face of the current global extinction crisis, it is critical we give conservation management strategies the best chance of success. Australia is not exempt from global trends with currently the world’s greatest mammal extinction rate (~ 1 per 8 years). Many more are threatened including the dibbler (Parantechinus apicalis) whose remnant range has been restricted to Western Australia at just one mainland site and two small offshore islands—Whitlock Island (5 ha) and Boullanger Island (35 ha). Here, we used 14 microsatellite markers to quantify genetic variation in the remaining island populations from 2013 to 2018 and incorporated these data into population viability analysis (PVA) models, used to assess factors important to dibbler survival and to provide guidance for translocations. Remnant population genetic diversity was low (< 0.3), and populations were highly divergent from each other (pairwise FSTs 0.29–0.52). Comparison of empirical data to an earlier study is consistent with recent declines in genetic diversity and models projected increasing extinction risk and declining genetic variation in the next century. Optimal translocation scenarios recommend 80 founders for new dibbler populations—provided by captive breeding—and determined the proportion of founders from parental populations to maximise genetic diversity and minimise harvesting impact. The goal of our approach is long-term survival of genetically diverse, self-sustaining populations and our methods are transferable. We consider mixing island with mainland dibblers to reinforce genetic variation.
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48
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Undin M, Castro I. Predicting breeding systems to guide conservation strategies: A kiwi example. Ethology 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/eth.13286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Malin Undin
- Department of Natural Sciences Mid Sweden University Sundsvall Sweden
- Wildlife and Ecology Group, School of Agriculture and Environment Massey University Palmerston North New Zealand
| | - Isabel Castro
- Wildlife and Ecology Group, School of Agriculture and Environment Massey University Palmerston North New Zealand
- Wildbase Research Massey University Palmerston North New Zealand
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Bech N, Nivelle D, Caron S, Ballouard JM, Arnal V, Arsovski D, Golubović A, Bonnet X, Montgelard C. Extent of introgressive hybridization in the Hermann’s tortoise (Testudo hermanni hermanni) from the south of France. EUR J WILDLIFE RES 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s10344-022-01585-8] [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]
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Wolf Dispersal Patterns in the Italian Alps and Implications for Wildlife Diseases Spreading. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12101260. [PMID: 35625106 PMCID: PMC9137635 DOI: 10.3390/ani12101260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Wildlife dispersal directly influences population expansion patterns, and may have indirect effects on the spread of wildlife diseases. For many species, little is known about dispersal, despite its importance to conservation. We documented the natural dispersal processes of an expanding wolf (Canis lupus) population in the Italian Alps to understand the dynamics of the recolonization pattern and identify diseases that might be connected with the process through the use of non-invasive genetic sampling over a 20-year period. By documenting 55 dispersal events, with an average minimum straight dispersal distance of 65.8 km (±67.7 km), from 7.7 km to 517.2 km, we discussed the potential implications for maintaining genetic diversity of the population and for wildlife diseases spreading. Abstract Wildlife dispersal directly influences population expansion patterns, and may have indirect effects on the spread of wildlife diseases. Despite its importance to conservation, little is known about dispersal for several species. Dispersal processes in expanding wolf (Canis lupus) populations in Europe is not well documented. Documenting the natural dispersal pattern of the expanding wolf population in the Alps might help understanding the overall population dynamics and identifying diseases that might be connected with the process. We documented 55 natural dispersal events of the expanding Italian wolf alpine population over a 20-year period through the use of non-invasive genetic sampling. We examined a 16-locus microsatellite DNA dataset of 2857 wolf samples mainly collected in the Western Alps. From this, we identified 915 individuals, recaptured 387 (42.3%) of individuals, documenting 55 dispersal events. On average, the minimum straight dispersal distance was 65.8 km (±67.7 km), from 7.7 km to 517.2 km. We discussed the potential implications for maintaining genetic diversity of the population and for wildlife diseases spreading.
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