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Urban L, Miller AK, Eason D, Vercoe D, Shaffer M, Wilkinson SP, Jeunen GJ, Gemmell NJ, Digby A. Non-invasive real-time genomic monitoring of the critically endangered kākāpō. eLife 2023; 12:RP84553. [PMID: 38153986 PMCID: PMC10754495 DOI: 10.7554/elife.84553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2023] Open
Abstract
We used non-invasive real-time genomic approaches to monitor one of the last surviving populations of the critically endangered kākāpō (Strigops habroptilus). We first established an environmental DNA metabarcoding protocol to identify the distribution of kākāpō and other vertebrate species in a highly localized manner using soil samples. Harnessing real-time nanopore sequencing and the high-quality kākāpō reference genome, we then extracted species-specific DNA from soil. We combined long read-based haplotype phasing with known individual genomic variation in the kākāpō population to identify the presence of individuals, and confirmed these genomically informed predictions through detailed metadata on kākāpō distributions. This study shows that individual identification is feasible through nanopore sequencing of environmental DNA, with important implications for future efforts in the application of genomics to the conservation of rare species, potentially expanding the application of real-time environmental DNA research from monitoring species distribution to inferring fitness parameters such as genomic diversity and inbreeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara Urban
- Department of Anatomy, University of OtagoDunedinNew Zealand
- Helmholtz Pioneer Campus, Helmholtz Zentrum MuenchenNeuherbergGermany
- Helmholtz AI, Helmholtz Zentrum MuenchenNeuherbergGermany
- Technical University of Munich, School of Life SciencesFreisingGermany
| | | | - Daryl Eason
- Kākāpō Recovery Programme, Department of ConservationInvercargillNew Zealand
| | - Deidre Vercoe
- Kākāpō Recovery Programme, Department of ConservationInvercargillNew Zealand
| | | | | | - Gert-Jan Jeunen
- Department of Anatomy, University of OtagoDunedinNew Zealand
| | - Neil J Gemmell
- Department of Anatomy, University of OtagoDunedinNew Zealand
| | - Andrew Digby
- Kākāpō Recovery Programme, Department of ConservationInvercargillNew Zealand
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Modi S, Mondol S, Ghaskadbi P, Nigam P, Habib B. Genetic evidence of differential dispersal pattern in the Asiatic wild dog: Comparing two populations with different pack sizes. Front Ecol Evol 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2022.993851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
IntroductionDispersal is a multi-causal, crucial life-history event in shaping the genetic and behavioral structure of mammals. We assessed the dispersal pattern of dholes aka Asiatic wild dog (Cuon alpinus), a social monogamous mammal at two tiger reserves of Maharashtra with different degrees of pack size and competition with tigers i.e. Tadoba-Andhari (TATR, smaller pack size, higher tiger density) and Nawegaon-Nagzira (NNTR, larger pack size, lower tiger density).MethodsWe used the microsatellite data of 174 individual genotypes (98 males and 67 females) to assess the dispersal pattern of dholes from two populations with varying pack size, tiger density, and landscape connectivity using gene flow as a proxy. We compared the population structure, pairwise F statistics, assignment index, and relatedness across a spatial scale.Results and discussionOverall, the results suggested a difference in sex-bias dispersal pattern for the two sub-populations, exhibiting significant results for female-biased dispersal in the TATR population with a smaller pack size and higher tiger density. Our study highlights the variability in sex-biased dispersal patterns in two different populations which could be the consequence of different variables such as pack size, tiger density, and geographical scale. The study warrants further quantitative investigation including several factors such as individual behavior, pack composition, pack size, tiger density, etc. In the present Anthropocene era, determining the sex bias in dispersal patterns for a short-range, pack-living carnivore will help in devising an effective conservation management plan for their long-term survival.
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Modi S, Mondol S, Nigam P, Habib B. Genetic analyses reveal demographic decline and population differentiation in an endangered social carnivore, Asiatic wild dog. Sci Rep 2021; 11:16371. [PMID: 34385570 PMCID: PMC8361113 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-95918-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2020] [Accepted: 07/31/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Deforestation and agricultural intensification have resulted in an alarming change in the global land cover over the past 300 years, posing a threat to species conservation. Dhole is a monophyletic, social canid and, being an endangered and highly forest-dependent species, is more prone to the loss of favorable habitat in the Anthropocene. We determined the genetic differentiation and demographic history of dhole across the tiger reserves of Maharashtra using the microsatellite data of 305 individuals. Simulation-based analyses revealed a 77-85% decline in the major dhole sub-populations. Protected areas have provided refuge to the historically declining dhole population resulting in clustering with strong genetic structure in the remnant dhole population. The historical population decline coincides with the extreme events in the landscape over the past 300 years. The study highlights the pattern of genetic differentiation and diversity of a highly forest-dependent species which can be associated with the loss of forest cover outside tiger reserves. It also warrants attention to develop conservation plans for the remnant surviving population of dholes in India.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shrushti Modi
- Wildlife Institute of India, Chandrabani, Dehradun, 248001, India
| | - Samrat Mondol
- Wildlife Institute of India, Chandrabani, Dehradun, 248001, India
| | - Parag Nigam
- Wildlife Institute of India, Chandrabani, Dehradun, 248001, India
| | - Bilal Habib
- Wildlife Institute of India, Chandrabani, Dehradun, 248001, India.
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Aguirre-Liguori JA, Luna-Sánchez JA, Gasca-Pineda J, Eguiarte LE. Evaluation of the Minimum Sampling Design for Population Genomic and Microsatellite Studies: An Analysis Based on Wild Maize. Front Genet 2020; 11:870. [PMID: 33193568 PMCID: PMC7531271 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2020.00870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Massive parallel sequencing (MPS) is revolutionizing the field of molecular ecology by allowing us to understand better the evolutionary history of populations and species, and to detect genomic regions that could be under selection. However, the economic and computational resources needed generate a tradeoff between the amount of loci that can be obtained and the number of populations or individuals that can be sequenced. In this work, we analyzed and compared two simulated genomic datasets fitting a hierarchical structure, two extensive empirical genomic datasets, and a dataset comprising microsatellite information. For all datasets, we generated different subsampling designs by changing the number of loci, individuals, populations, and individuals per population to test for deviations in classic population genetics parameters (HS, FIS, FST). For the empirical datasets we also analyzed the effect of sampling design on landscape genetic tests (isolation by distance and environment, central abundance hypothesis). We also tested the effect of sampling a different number of populations in the detection of outlier SNPs. We found that the microsatellite dataset is very sensitive to the number of individuals sampled when obtaining summary statistics. FIS was particularly sensitive to a low sampling of individuals in the simulated, genomic, and microsatellite datasets. For the empirical and simulated genomic datasets, we found that as long as many populations are sampled, few individuals and loci are needed. For the empirical datasets, we found that increasing the number of populations sampled was important in obtaining precise landscape genetic estimates. Finally, we corroborated that outlier tests are sensitive to the number of populations sampled. We conclude by proposing different sampling designs depending on the objectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonás A Aguirre-Liguori
- Departamento de Ecología Evolutiva, Instituto de Ecología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico.,Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, UC Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Javier A Luna-Sánchez
- Departamento de Ecología Evolutiva, Instituto de Ecología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Jaime Gasca-Pineda
- Departamento de Ecología Evolutiva, Instituto de Ecología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Luis E Eguiarte
- Departamento de Ecología Evolutiva, Instituto de Ecología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
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Abstract
Noninvasive genetic sampling (NGS) is commonly used to study elusive or rare species where direct observation or capture is difficult. Little attention has been paid to the potential effects of observer bias while collecting noninvasive genetic samples in the field, however. Over a period of 7 years, we examined whether different observers (n = 58) and observer experience influenced detection, amplification rates, and correct species identification of 4,836 gray wolf (Canis lupus) fecal samples collected in Idaho and Yellowstone National Park, USA and southwestern Alberta, Canada (2008-2014). We compared new observers (n = 33) to experienced observers (n = 25) and hypothesized experience level would increase the overall success of using NGS techniques in the wild. In contrast to our hypothesis, we found that new individuals were better than experienced observers at detecting and collecting wolf scats and correctly identifying wolf scats from other sympatric carnivores present in the study areas. While adequate training of new observers is crucial for the successful use of NGS techniques, attention should also be directed to experienced observers. Observer experience could be a curse because of their potential effects on NGS data quality arising from fatigue, boredom or other factors. The ultimate benefit of an observer to a project is a combination of factors (i.e., field savvy, local knowledge), but project investigators should be aware of the potential negative effects of experience on NGS sampling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jillian M. Soller
- Department of Wildlife, Humboldt State University, Arcata, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - David E. Ausband
- University of Montana Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit, Missoula, Montana, United States of America
| | - Micaela Szykman Gunther
- Department of Wildlife, Humboldt State University, Arcata, California, United States of America
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron J. Wirsing
- School of Environmental and Forest SciencesUniversity of Washington Box 352100 Seattle WA 98195 USA
| | - Thomas P. Quinn
- School of Aquatic and Fishery SciencesUniversity of Washington Box 355020 Seattle WA 98195 USA
| | - Jennifer R. Adams
- Department of Fish and Wildlife SciencesUniversity of Idaho 875 Perimeter Drive MS 1136 Moscow ID 83844‐1136 USA
| | - Lisette P. Waits
- Department of Fish and Wildlife SciencesUniversity of Idaho 875 Perimeter Drive MS 1136 Moscow ID 83844‐1136 USA
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Sigsgaard EE, Jensen MR, Winkelmann IE, Møller PR, Hansen MM, Thomsen PF. Population-level inferences from environmental DNA-Current status and future perspectives. Evol Appl 2020; 13:245-262. [PMID: 31993074 PMCID: PMC6976968 DOI: 10.1111/eva.12882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2019] [Accepted: 10/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Environmental DNA (eDNA) extracted from water samples has recently shown potential as a valuable source of population genetic information for aquatic macroorganisms. This approach offers several potential advantages compared with conventional tissue-based methods, including the fact that eDNA sampling is noninvasive and generally more cost-efficient. Currently, eDNA approaches have been limited to single-marker studies of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), and the relationship between eDNA haplotype composition and true haplotype composition still needs to be thoroughly verified. This will require testing of bioinformatic and statistical software to correct for erroneous sequences, as well as biases and random variation in relative sequence abundances. However, eDNA-based population genetic methods have far-reaching potential for both basic and applied research. In this paper, we present a brief overview of the achievements of eDNA-based population genetics to date, and outline the prospects for future developments in the field, including the estimation of nuclear DNA (nuDNA) variation and epigenetic information. We discuss the challenges associated with eDNA samples as opposed to those of individual tissue samples and assess whether eDNA might offer additional types of information unobtainable with tissue samples. Lastly, we provide recommendations for determining whether an eDNA approach would be a useful and suitable choice in different research settings. We limit our discussion largely to contemporary aquatic systems, but the advantages, challenges, and perspectives can to a large degree be generalized to eDNA studies with a different spatial and temporal focus.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Peter Rask Møller
- Natural History Museum of DenmarkUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagen ØDenmark
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Mitelberg A, Vandergast AG, Nussear KE, Dutcher K, Esque TC. Development of a Genotyping Protocol for Mojave Desert Tortoise Scat. Chelonian Conservation and Biology 2019. [DOI: 10.2744/ccb-1394.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Mitelberg
- US Geological Survey, Western Ecological Research Center, 3020 State University Drive, Modoc Hall, Room 4004, Sacramento, California 95819 USA [; ; ]
| | - Amy G. Vandergast
- US Geological Survey, Western Ecological Research Center, 3020 State University Drive, Modoc Hall, Room 4004, Sacramento, California 95819 USA [; ; ]
| | - Ken E. Nussear
- University of Nevada, Department of Geography, Mackay Science Hall, 1664 North Virginia Street, Reno, Nevada 89557 USA [; ]
| | - Kirsten Dutcher
- University of Nevada, Department of Geography, Mackay Science Hall, 1664 North Virginia Street, Reno, Nevada 89557 USA [; ]
| | - Todd C. Esque
- US Geological Survey, Western Ecological Research Center, 3020 State University Drive, Modoc Hall, Room 4004, Sacramento, California 95819 USA [; ; ]
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9
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Modi S, Habib B, Ghaskadbi P, Nigam P, Mondol S. Standardization and validation of a panel of cross-species microsatellites to individually identify the Asiatic wild dog ( Cuon alpinus). PeerJ 2019; 7:e7453. [PMID: 31534835 PMCID: PMC6727832 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.7453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2018] [Accepted: 07/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The Asiatic wild dog or dhole (Cuon alpinus) is a highly elusive, monophyletic, forest dwelling, social canid distributed across south and Southeast Asia. Severe pressures from habitat loss, prey depletion, disease, human persecution and interspecific competition resulted in global population decline in dholes. Despite a declining population trend, detailed information on population size, ecology, demography and genetics is lacking. Generating reliable information at landscape level for dholes is challenging due to their secretive behaviour and monomorphic physical features. Recent advances in non-invasive DNA-based tools can be used to monitor populations and individuals across large landscapes. In this paper, we describe standardization and validation of faecal DNA-based methods for individual identification of dholes. We tested this method on 249 field-collected dhole faeces from five protected areas of the central Indian landscape in the state of Maharashtra, India. Results We tested a total of 18 cross-species markers and developed a panel of 12 markers for unambiguous individual identification of dholes. This marker panel identified 101 unique individuals from faecal samples collected across our pilot field study area. These loci showed varied level of amplification success (57–88%), polymorphism (3–9 alleles), heterozygosity (0.23–0.63) and produced a cumulative misidentification rate or PID(unbiased) and PID(sibs) value of 4.7 × 10−10 and 1.5 × 10−4, respectively, indicating a high statistical power in individual discrimination from poor quality samples. Conclusion Our results demonstrated that the selected panel of 12 microsatellite loci can conclusively identify dholes from poor quality, non-invasive biological samples and help in exploring various population parameters. This genetic approach would be useful in dhole population estimation across its range and will help in assessing population trends and other genetic parameters for this elusive, social carnivore.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shrushti Modi
- Wildlife Institute of India, Chandrabani, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Bilal Habib
- Wildlife Institute of India, Chandrabani, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Pallavi Ghaskadbi
- Wildlife Institute of India, Chandrabani, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Parag Nigam
- Wildlife Institute of India, Chandrabani, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Samrat Mondol
- Wildlife Institute of India, Chandrabani, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
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10
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Adams CIM, Knapp M, Gemmell NJ, Jeunen GJ, Bunce M, Lamare MD, Taylor HR. Beyond Biodiversity: Can Environmental DNA (eDNA) Cut It as a Population Genetics Tool? Genes (Basel) 2019; 10:E192. [PMID: 30832286 PMCID: PMC6470983 DOI: 10.3390/genes10030192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2019] [Revised: 02/19/2019] [Accepted: 02/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Population genetic data underpin many studies of behavioral, ecological, and evolutionary processes in wild populations and contribute to effective conservation management. However, collecting genetic samples can be challenging when working with endangered, invasive, or cryptic species. Environmental DNA (eDNA) offers a way to sample genetic material non-invasively without requiring visual observation. While eDNA has been trialed extensively as a biodiversity and biosecurity monitoring tool with a strong taxonomic focus, it has yet to be fully explored as a means for obtaining population genetic information. Here, we review current research that employs eDNA approaches for the study of populations. We outline challenges facing eDNA-based population genetic methodologies, and suggest avenues of research for future developments. We advocate that with further optimizations, this emergent field holds great potential as part of the population genetics toolkit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clare I M Adams
- Department of Anatomy, University of Otago, 270 Great King Street, Dunedin, Otago 9016, New Zealand.
| | - Michael Knapp
- Department of Anatomy, University of Otago, 270 Great King Street, Dunedin, Otago 9016, New Zealand.
| | - Neil J Gemmell
- Department of Anatomy, University of Otago, 270 Great King Street, Dunedin, Otago 9016, New Zealand.
| | - Gert-Jan Jeunen
- Department of Anatomy, University of Otago, 270 Great King Street, Dunedin, Otago 9016, New Zealand.
| | - Michael Bunce
- Trace and Environmental DNA (TrEnD) Laboratory, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley, Perth, WA 6102, Australia.
| | - Miles D Lamare
- Department of Marine Science, University of Otago, 310 Castle Street, Dunedin, Otago 9016, New Zealand.
| | - Helen R Taylor
- Department of Anatomy, University of Otago, 270 Great King Street, Dunedin, Otago 9016, New Zealand.
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Grueber CE, Fox S, McLennan EA, Gooley RM, Pemberton D, Hogg CJ, Belov K. Complex problems need detailed solutions: Harnessing multiple data types to inform genetic management in the wild. Evol Appl 2019; 12:280-291. [PMID: 30697339 PMCID: PMC6346650 DOI: 10.1111/eva.12715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2018] [Revised: 08/15/2018] [Accepted: 09/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
For bottlenecked populations of threatened species, supplementation often leads to improved population metrics (genetic rescue), provided that guidelines can be followed to avoid negative outcomes. In cases where no "ideal" source populations exist, or there are other complicating factors such as prevailing disease, the benefit of supplementation becomes uncertain. Bringing multiple data and analysis types together to plan genetic management activities can help. Here, we consider three populations of Tasmanian devil, Sarcophilus harrisii, as candidates for genetic rescue. Since 1996, devil populations have been severely impacted by devil facial tumour disease (DFTD), causing significant population decline and fragmentation. Like many threatened species, the key threatening process for devils cannot currently be fully mitigated, so species management requires a multifaceted approach. We examined diversity of 31 putatively neutral and 11 MHC-linked microsatellite loci of three remnant wild devil populations (one sampled at two time-points), alongside computational diversity projections, parameterized by field data from DFTD-present and DFTD-absent sites. Results showed that populations had low diversity, connectivity was poor, and diversity has likely decreased over the last decade. Stochastic simulations projected further diversity losses. For a given population size, the effects of DFTD on population demography (including earlier age at death and increased female productivity) did not impact diversity retention, which was largely driven by final population size. Population sizes ≥500 (depending on the number of founders) were necessary for maintaining diversity in otherwise unmanaged populations, even if DFTD is present. Models indicated that smaller populations could maintain diversity with ongoing immigration. Taken together, our results illustrate how multiple analysis types can be combined to address complex population genetic challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine E. Grueber
- Faculty of Science, School of Life and Environmental SciencesThe University of SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
- San Diego Zoo GlobalSan DiegoCalifornia
| | - Samantha Fox
- Save the Tasmanian Devil ProgramDPIPWEHobartTasmaniaAustralia
- Toledo ZooToledoOhio
| | - Elspeth A. McLennan
- Faculty of Science, School of Life and Environmental SciencesThe University of SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Rebecca M. Gooley
- Faculty of Science, School of Life and Environmental SciencesThe University of SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - David Pemberton
- Save the Tasmanian Devil ProgramDPIPWEHobartTasmaniaAustralia
| | - Carolyn J. Hogg
- Faculty of Science, School of Life and Environmental SciencesThe University of SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
- Zoo and Aquarium Association AustralasiaMosmanNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Katherine Belov
- Faculty of Science, School of Life and Environmental SciencesThe University of SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
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12
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Carroll EL, Bruford MW, DeWoody JA, Leroy G, Strand A, Waits L, Wang J. Genetic and genomic monitoring with minimally invasive sampling methods. Evol Appl 2018; 11:1094-1119. [PMID: 30026800 PMCID: PMC6050181 DOI: 10.1111/eva.12600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2017] [Accepted: 01/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The decreasing cost and increasing scope and power of emerging genomic technologies are reshaping the field of molecular ecology. However, many modern genomic approaches (e.g., RAD-seq) require large amounts of high-quality template DNA. This poses a problem for an active branch of conservation biology: genetic monitoring using minimally invasive sampling (MIS) methods. Without handling or even observing an animal, MIS methods (e.g., collection of hair, skin, faeces) can provide genetic information on individuals or populations. Such samples typically yield low-quality and/or quantities of DNA, restricting the type of molecular methods that can be used. Despite this limitation, genetic monitoring using MIS is an effective tool for estimating population demographic parameters and monitoring genetic diversity in natural populations. Genetic monitoring is likely to become more important in the future as many natural populations are undergoing anthropogenically driven declines, which are unlikely to abate without intensive adaptive management efforts that often include MIS approaches. Here, we profile the expanding suite of genomic methods and platforms compatible with producing genotypes from MIS, considering factors such as development costs and error rates. We evaluate how powerful new approaches will enhance our ability to investigate questions typically answered using genetic monitoring, such as estimating abundance, genetic structure and relatedness. As the field is in a period of unusually rapid transition, we also highlight the importance of legacy data sets and recommend how to address the challenges of moving between traditional and next-generation genetic monitoring platforms. Finally, we consider how genetic monitoring could move beyond genotypes in the future. For example, assessing microbiomes or epigenetic markers could provide a greater understanding of the relationship between individuals and their environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma L. Carroll
- Scottish Oceans Institute and Sea Mammal Research UnitUniversity of St AndrewsSt AndrewsUK
| | - Mike W. Bruford
- Cardiff School of Biosciences and Sustainable Places Research InstituteCardiff UniversityCardiff, WalesUK
| | - J. Andrew DeWoody
- Department of Forestry and Natural Resources and Department of Biological SciencesPurdue UniversityWest LafayetteINUSA
| | - Gregoire Leroy
- Animal Production and Health DivisionFood and Agriculture Organization of the United NationsRomeItaly
| | - Alan Strand
- Grice Marine LaboratoryDepartment of BiologyCollege of CharlestonCharlestonSCUSA
| | - Lisette Waits
- Department of Fish and Wildlife SciencesUniversity of IdahoMoscowIDUSA
| | - Jinliang Wang
- Institute of ZoologyZoological Society of LondonLondonUK
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Lombaert E, Guillemaud T, Deleury E. Biases of STRUCTURE software when exploring introduction routes of invasive species. Heredity (Edinb) 2018; 120:485-499. [PMID: 29339802 DOI: 10.1038/s41437-017-0042-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2017] [Revised: 10/06/2017] [Accepted: 11/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Population genetic methods are widely used to retrace the introduction routes of invasive species. The unsupervised Bayesian clustering algorithm implemented in STRUCTURE is amongst the most frequently used of these methods, but its ability to provide reliable information about introduction routes has never been assessed. We simulated microsatellite datasets to evaluate the extent to which the results provided by STRUCTURE were misleading for the inference of introduction routes. We focused on an invasion scenario involving one native and two independently introduced populations, because it is the sole scenario that can be rejected when obtaining a particular clustering with a STRUCTURE analysis at K = 2 (two clusters). Results were classified as "misleading" or "non-misleading". We investigated the influence of effective size, bottleneck severity and number of loci on the type and frequency of misleading results. We showed that misleading STRUCTURE results were obtained for 10% of all simulated datasets. Our results highlighted two categories of misleading output. The first occurs when the native population has a low level of diversity. In this case, the two introduced populations may be very similar, despite their independent introduction histories. The second category results from convergence issues in STRUCTURE for K = 2, with strong bottleneck severity and/or large numbers of loci resulting in high levels of differentiation between the three populations. Overall, the risk of being misled by STRUCTURE in the context of introduction routes inferences is moderate, but it is important to remain cautious when low genetic diversity or genuine multimodality between runs are involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Lombaert
- INRA, CNRS, Université Côte d'Azur, ISA, Paris, France.
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Granroth-Wilding H, Primmer C, Lindqvist M, Poutanen J, Thalmann O, Aspi J, Harmoinen J, Kojola I, Laaksonen T. Non-invasive genetic monitoring involving citizen science enables reconstruction of current pack dynamics in a re-establishing wolf population. BMC Ecol 2017; 17:44. [PMID: 29258497 PMCID: PMC5738207 DOI: 10.1186/s12898-017-0154-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2017] [Accepted: 12/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Carnivores are re-establishing in many human-populated areas, where their presence is often contentious. Reaching consensus on management decisions is often hampered by a dispute over the size of the local carnivore population. Understanding the reproductive dynamics and individual movements of the carnivores can provide support for management decisions, but individual-level information can be difficult to obtain from elusive, wide-ranging species. Non-invasive genetic sampling can yield such information, but makes subsequent reconstruction of population history challenging due to incomplete population coverage and error-prone data. Here, we combine a collaborative, volunteer-based sampling scheme with Bayesian pedigree reconstruction to describe the pack dynamics of an establishing grey wolf (Canis lupus) population in south-west Finland, where wolf breeding was recorded in 2006 for the first time in over a century. Results Using DNA extracted mainly from faeces collected since 2008, we identified 81 individual wolves and assigned credible full parentages to 70 of these and partial parentages to a further 9, revealing 7 breeding pairs. Individuals used a range of strategies to obtain breeding opportunities, including dispersal to established or new packs, long-distance migration and inheriting breeding roles. Gene flow occurred between all packs but inbreeding events were rare. Conclusions These findings demonstrate that characterizing ongoing pack dynamics can provide detailed, locally-relevant insight into the ecology of contentious species such as the wolf. Involving various stakeholders in data collection makes these results more likely to be accepted as unbiased and hence reliable grounds for management decisions. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12898-017-0154-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Granroth-Wilding
- Department of Biology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland. .,Ecology & Evolution Division, Department of Biosciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Craig Primmer
- Department of Biology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.,Department of Biosciences & Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Meri Lindqvist
- Department of Biology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.,Department of Biosciences & Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jenni Poutanen
- Department of Biology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Olaf Thalmann
- Department of Biology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.,Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Metabolic Diseases, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Jouni Aspi
- Ecology and Genetics Research Unit, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Jenni Harmoinen
- Ecology and Genetics Research Unit, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Ilpo Kojola
- Natural Resources Institute (Luke), Rovaniemi, Finland
| | - Toni Laaksonen
- Department of Biology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
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15
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von Thaden A, Cocchiararo B, Jarausch A, Jüngling H, Karamanlidis AA, Tiesmeyer A, Nowak C, Muñoz-Fuentes V. Assessing SNP genotyping of noninvasively collected wildlife samples using microfluidic arrays. Sci Rep 2017; 7:10768. [PMID: 28883428 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-10647-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2017] [Accepted: 08/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Noninvasively collected samples are a common source of DNA in wildlife genetic studies. Currently, single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping using microfluidic arrays is emerging as an easy-to-use and cost-effective methodology. Here we assessed the performance of microfluidic SNP arrays in genotyping noninvasive samples from grey wolves, European wildcats and brown bears, and we compared results with traditional microsatellite genotyping. We successfully SNP-genotyped 87%, 80% and 97% of the wolf, cat and bear samples, respectively. Genotype recovery was higher based on SNPs, while both marker types identified the same individuals and provided almost identical estimates of pairwise differentiation. We found that samples for which all SNP loci were scored had no disagreements across the three replicates (except one locus in a wolf sample). Thus, we argue that call rate (amplification success) can be used as a proxy for genotype quality, allowing the reduction of replication effort when call rate is high. Furthermore, we used cycle threshold values of real-time PCR to guide the choice of protocols for SNP amplification. Finally, we provide general guidelines for successful SNP genotyping of degraded DNA using microfluidic technology.
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16
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Waterhouse MD, Blair C, Larsen KW, Russello MA. Genetic variation and fine-scale population structure in American pikas across a human-modified landscape. CONSERV GENET 2017; 18:825-835. [DOI: 10.1007/s10592-017-0930-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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17
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Villanova VL, Hughes PT, Hoffman EA. Combining genetic structure and demographic analyses to estimate persistence in endangered Key deer (Odocoileus virginianus clavium). CONSERV GENET 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s10592-017-0958-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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18
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Nunome M, Nakano M, Tadano R, Kawahara-Miki R, Kono T, Takahashi S, Kawashima T, Fujiwara A, Nirasawa K, Mizutani M, Matsuda Y. Genetic Divergence in Domestic Japanese Quail Inferred from Mitochondrial DNA D-Loop and Microsatellite Markers. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0169978. [PMID: 28107483 PMCID: PMC5249226 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0169978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2016] [Accepted: 12/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
To assess the genetic diversity of domestic Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) populations, and their genetic relationships, we examined mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) D-loop sequences and microsatellite markers for 19 Japanese quail populations. The populations included nine laboratory lines established in Japan (LWC, Quv, RWN, WE, AWE, AMRP, rb-TKP, NIES-L, and W), six meat-type quail lines reimported from Western countries (JD, JW, Estonia, NIES-Br, NIES-Fr, and NIES-Hn), one commercial population in Japan, and three wild quail populations collected from three Asian areas. The phylogenetic tree of mtDNA D-loop sequences revealed two distinct haplotype groups, Dloop-Group1 and Dloop-Group2. Dloop-Group1 included a dominant haplotype representing most of the quail populations, including wild quail. Dloop-Group2 was composed of minor haplotypes found in several laboratory lines, two meat-type lines, and a few individuals in commercial and wild quail populations. Taking the breeding histories of domestic populations into consideration, these results suggest that domestic quail populations may have derived from two sources, i.e., domestic populations established before and after World War II in Japan. A discriminant analysis of principal components and a Bayesian clustering analysis with microsatellite markers indicated that the domestic populations are clustered into four genetic groups. The two major groups were Microsat-Group1, which contained WE, and four WE-derived laboratory lines (LWC, Quv, RWN, and AWE), and Microsat-Group2 consisting of NIES-L, JD, JW, Estonia, NIES-Br, NIES-Fr, NIES-Hn, W, and commercial and wild populations. The remaining two lines (AMRP and rb-TKP) were each clustered into a separate clade. This hierarchical genetic difference between domestic quail populations is attributed to the genetic background derived from two different genetic sources-the pre-war and post-war populations-which is well supported by their breeding histories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitsuo Nunome
- Avian Bioscience Research Center, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Mikiharu Nakano
- Avian Bioscience Research Center, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Ryo Tadano
- Faculty of Applied Biological Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan
| | - Ryoka Kawahara-Miki
- Genome Research Center, NODAI Research Institute, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Kono
- Department of Bioscience, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shinji Takahashi
- General Affairs Department, National Institute for Environmental Studies, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Takaharu Kawashima
- Center for Environmental Biology and Ecosystem Studies, National Institute for Environmental Studies, Tsukuba 305–8506, Japan
| | - Akira Fujiwara
- Laboratory Animal Research Station, Nippon Institute for Biological Science, Hokuto, Japan
| | - Keijiro Nirasawa
- Animal Breeding and Reproduction Research Division, NARO Institute of Livestock and Grassland Science, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Makoto Mizutani
- Avian Bioscience Research Center, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yoichi Matsuda
- Avian Bioscience Research Center, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
- Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
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Steyer K, Kraus RHS, Mölich T, Anders O, Cocchiararo B, Frosch C, Geib A, Götz M, Herrmann M, Hupe K, Kohnen A, Krüger M, Müller F, Pir JB, Reiners TE, Roch S, Schade U, Schiefenhövel P, Siemund M, Simon O, Steeb S, Streif S, Streit B, Thein J, Tiesmeyer A, Trinzen M, Vogel B, Nowak C. Large-scale genetic census of an elusive carnivore, the European wildcat (Felis s. silvestris). CONSERV GENET 2016; 17:1183-99. [DOI: 10.1007/s10592-016-0853-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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20
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Springer A, Razafimanantsoa L, Fichtel C, Kappeler PM. COMPARISON OF THREE SHORT-TERM IMMOBILIZATION REGIMES IN WILD VERREAUX'S SIFAKAS (PROPITHECUS VERREAUXI): KETAMINE-XYLAZINE, KETAMINE-XYLAZINE-ATROPINE, AND TILETAMINE-ZOLAZEPAM. J Zoo Wildl Med 2015; 46:482-90. [PMID: 26352951 DOI: 10.1638/2014-0154.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Although research on lemurid primates in Madagascar has been ongoing for several decades, reports on different drug regimes to immobilize wild lemurs are limited. This study compares the efficacy, reliability, and side effects of ketamine-xylazine, ketamine-xylazine-atropine, and tiletamine-zolazepam immobilization in wild Verreaux's sifakas (Propithecus verreauxi). In the course of a long-term study in Kirindy Forest, western Madagascar, eight animals each received a mixture of ketamine (5.32±1.71 mg/kg) and xylazine (0.56±0.19 mg/kg) (KX; 7 males, 1 female) and ketamine (6.58±1.36 mg/kg), xylazine (1.28±0.28 mg/kg), and atropine (0.013±0.003 mg/kg) (KXA; 5 males, 3 females), respectively, and 14 individuals received tiletamine-zolazepam (7.73±1.37 mg/kg) (TZ; 9 males, 5 females). Induction was smooth in all protocols, but showed considerable variation in duration when animals had received KXA. Immobilization as well as recovery lasted significantly longer with TZ than with KX (P<0.05). Occurrence of side effects was not significantly different between the protocols; however, excessive salivation, involuntary muscular contractions, and vocalization only occurred in animals immobilized with TZ. Heart rate measurement at 10 min after onset of complete immobilization yielded significantly higher values if the animals had been immobilized with TZ compared to KX (P<0.05). Heart rate decreased from the first to the second measurement for the KX- and KXA-immobilized animals, whereas immobilization with TZ resulted in an increase in heart rate. The results suggest that KX produces good, but short, immobilization in Verreaux's sifakas at approximately 5 mg/kg ketamine and 0.5 mg/kg xylazine and a smoother and shorter recovery phase than 5 to 10 mg/kg TZ, whereas adding atropine to KX did not provide any benefits.
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21
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Russello MA, Waterhouse MD, Etter PD, Johnson EA. From promise to practice: pairing non-invasive sampling with genomics in conservation. PeerJ 2015; 3:e1106. [PMID: 26244114 PMCID: PMC4517967 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.1106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2015] [Accepted: 06/25/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Conservation genomics has become an increasingly popular term, yet it remains unclear whether the non-invasive sampling that is essential for many conservation-related studies is compatible with the minimum requirements for harnessing next-generation sequencing technologies. Here, we evaluated the feasibility of using genotyping-by-sequencing of non-invasively collected hair samples to simultaneously identify and genotype single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in a climate-sensitive mammal, the American pika (Ochotona princeps). We identified and genotyped 3,803 high-confidence SNPs across eight sites distributed along two elevational transects using starting DNA amounts as low as 1 ng. Fifty-five outlier loci were detected as candidate gene regions under divergent selection, constituting potential targets for future validation. Genome-wide estimates of gene diversity significantly and positively correlated with elevation across both transects, with all low elevation sites exhibiting significant heterozygote deficit likely due to inbreeding. More broadly, our results highlight a range of issues that must be considered when pairing genomic data collection with non-invasive sampling, particularly related to field sampling protocols for minimizing exogenous DNA, data collection strategies and quality control steps for enhancing target organism yield, and analytical approaches for maximizing cost-effectiveness and information content of recovered genomic data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael A Russello
- Department of Biology, University of British Columbia , Kelowna, BC , Canada
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