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Parker LD, Quinta JD, Rivera I, Cypher BL, Kelly EC, Campana MG, Fleischer RC, Boarman R, Boarman WI, Maldonado JE. Genetic analyses are more sensitive than morphological inspection at detecting the presence of threatened Mojave desert tortoise (
Gopherus agassizii
) remains in canid scat and raven pellets. Conservat Sci and Prac 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/csp2.12689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Lillian D. Parker
- Center for Conservation Genomics Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute and National Zoological Park Washington District of Columbia USA
- School of Systems Biology George Mason University Virginia USA
| | - Jessica D. Quinta
- Center for Conservation Genomics Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute and National Zoological Park Washington District of Columbia USA
| | - Isabel Rivera
- Center for Conservation Genomics Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute and National Zoological Park Washington District of Columbia USA
| | - Brian L. Cypher
- Endangered Species Recovery Program California State University Stanislaus Turlock California USA
| | - Erica C. Kelly
- Endangered Species Recovery Program California State University Stanislaus Turlock California USA
| | - Michael G. Campana
- Center for Conservation Genomics Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute and National Zoological Park Washington District of Columbia USA
- School of Systems Biology George Mason University Virginia USA
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy George Mason University Virginia USA
| | - Robert C. Fleischer
- Center for Conservation Genomics Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute and National Zoological Park Washington District of Columbia USA
| | - Ryan Boarman
- Conservation Science Research and Consultation Spring Valley California USA
| | - William I. Boarman
- Conservation Science Research and Consultation Spring Valley California USA
| | - Jesús E. Maldonado
- Center for Conservation Genomics Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute and National Zoological Park Washington District of Columbia USA
- School of Systems Biology George Mason University Virginia USA
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy George Mason University Virginia USA
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Parker LD, Campana MG, Quinta JD, Cypher B, Rivera I, Fleischer RC, Ralls K, Wilbert TR, Boarman R, Boarman WI, Maldonado JE. An efficient method for simultaneous species, individual, and sex identification via in-solution single nucleotide polymorphism capture from low-quality scat samples. Mol Ecol Resour 2021; 22:1345-1361. [PMID: 34779133 DOI: 10.1111/1755-0998.13552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Understanding predator population dynamics is important for conservation management because of the critical roles predators play within ecosystems. Noninvasive genetic sampling methods are useful for the study of predators like canids that can be difficult to capture or directly observe. Here, we introduce the FAECES* method (Fast and Accurate Enrichment of Canid Excrement for Species* and other analyses) which expands the toolbox for canid researchers and conservationists by using in-solution hybridization sequence capture to produce single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotypes for multiple canid species from scat-derived DNA using a single enrichment. We designed a set of hybridization probes to genotype both coyotes (Canis latrans) and kit foxes (Vulpes macrotis) at hundreds of polymorphic SNP loci and we tested the probes on both tissues and field-collected scat samples. We enriched and genotyped by sequencing 52 coyote and 70 kit fox scats collected in and around a conservation easement in the Nevada Mojave Desert. We demonstrate that the FAECES* method produces genotypes capable of differentiating coyotes and kit foxes, identifying individuals and their sex, and estimating genetic diversity and effective population sizes, even using highly degraded, low-quantity DNA extracted from scat. We found that the study area harbours a large and diverse population of kit foxes and a relatively smaller population of coyotes. By replicating our methods in the future, conservationists can assess the impacts of management decisions on canid populations. The method can also be adapted and applied more broadly to enrich and sequence multiple loci from any species of interest using scat or other noninvasive genetic samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lillian D Parker
- Center for Conservation Genomics, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute and National Zoological Park, Washington, District of Columbia, USA.,School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia, USA
| | - Michael G Campana
- Center for Conservation Genomics, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute and National Zoological Park, Washington, District of Columbia, USA.,School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia, USA.,Department of Environmental Science and Policy, George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia, USA
| | - Jessica D Quinta
- Center for Conservation Genomics, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute and National Zoological Park, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Brian Cypher
- Endangered Species Recovery Program, California State University, Turlock, California, USA
| | - Isabel Rivera
- Center for Conservation Genomics, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute and National Zoological Park, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Robert C Fleischer
- Center for Conservation Genomics, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute and National Zoological Park, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Katherine Ralls
- Center for Conservation Genomics, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute and National Zoological Park, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Tammy R Wilbert
- Center for Conservation Genomics, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute and National Zoological Park, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Ryan Boarman
- Conservation Science Research and Consultation, Spring Valley, California, USA
| | - William I Boarman
- Conservation Science Research and Consultation, Spring Valley, California, USA
| | - Jesús E Maldonado
- Center for Conservation Genomics, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute and National Zoological Park, Washington, District of Columbia, USA.,School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia, USA.,Department of Environmental Science and Policy, George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia, USA
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Hinderle D, Lewison RL, Walde AD, Deutschman D, Boarman WI. The effects of homing and movement behaviors on translocation: Desert tortoises in the western Mojave Desert. J Wildl Manage 2014. [DOI: 10.1002/jwmg.823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Danna Hinderle
- San Diego State University; 5500 Campanile Drive; San Diego CA 92182 USA
| | - Rebecca L. Lewison
- San Diego State University; 5500 Campanile Drive; San Diego CA 92182-4614 USA
| | - Andrew D. Walde
- Walde Research & Environmental Consulting; 8000 San Gregorio Road, Atascadero; CA 93422 USA
| | - Doug Deutschman
- San Diego State University; 5500 Campanile Drive; San Diego CA 92182-4614 USA
| | - William I. Boarman
- Conservation Science Research and Consulting; Spring Valley; CA USA
- San Diego State University; 5500 Campanile Drive; San Diego CA 92182-4614 USA
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Camp RJ, Hagan M, Boarman WI, Collis SJ, Deal WS. Catching Large Groups of Ravens: A Note on Procedures using Rocket Nets. WEST N AM NATURALIST 2013. [DOI: 10.3398/064.073.0217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Latch EK, Boarman WI, Walde A, Fleischer RC. Fine-scale analysis reveals cryptic landscape genetic structure in desert tortoises. PLoS One 2011; 6:e27794. [PMID: 22132143 PMCID: PMC3221657 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0027794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2011] [Accepted: 10/25/2011] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Characterizing the effects of landscape features on genetic variation is essential for understanding how landscapes shape patterns of gene flow and spatial genetic structure of populations. Most landscape genetics studies have focused on patterns of gene flow at a regional scale. However, the genetic structure of populations at a local scale may be influenced by a unique suite of landscape variables that have little bearing on connectivity patterns observed at broader spatial scales. We investigated fine-scale spatial patterns of genetic variation and gene flow in relation to features of the landscape in desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii), using 859 tortoises genotyped at 16 microsatellite loci with associated data on geographic location, sex, elevation, slope, and soil type, and spatial relationship to putative barriers (power lines, roads). We used spatially explicit and non-explicit Bayesian clustering algorithms to partition the sample into discrete clusters, and characterize the relationships between genetic distance and ecological variables to identify factors with the greatest influence on gene flow at a local scale. Desert tortoises exhibit weak genetic structure at a local scale, and we identified two subpopulations across the study area. Although genetic differentiation between the subpopulations was low, our landscape genetic analysis identified both natural (slope) and anthropogenic (roads) landscape variables that have significantly influenced gene flow within this local population. We show that desert tortoise movements at a local scale are influenced by features of the landscape, and that these features are different than those that influence gene flow at larger scales. Our findings are important for desert tortoise conservation and management, particularly in light of recent translocation efforts in the region. More generally, our results indicate that recent landscape changes can affect gene flow at a local scale and that their effects can be detected almost immediately.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily K Latch
- Behavioral and Molecular Ecology Research Group, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States of America.
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Esque TC, Nussear KE, Drake KK, Walde AD, Berry KH, Averill-Murray RC, Woodman AP, Boarman WI, Medica PA, Mack J, Heaton JS. Effects of subsidized predators, resource variability, and human population density on desert tortoise populations in the Mojave Desert, USA. ENDANGER SPECIES RES 2010. [DOI: 10.3354/esr00298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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Fleischer RC, Boarman WI, Gonzalez EG, Godinez A, Omland KE, Young S, Helgen L, Syed G, McIntosh CE. As the raven flies: using genetic data to infer the history of invasive common raven (Corvus corax) populations in the Mojave Desert. Mol Ecol 2007; 17:464-74. [PMID: 17908216 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-294x.2007.03532.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Common raven (Corvus corax) populations in Mojave Desert regions of southern California and Nevada have increased dramatically over the past five decades. This growth has been attributed to increased human development in the region, as ravens have a commensal relationship with humans and feed extensively at landfills and on road-killed wildlife. Ravens, as a partially subsidized predator, also represent a problem for native desert wildlife, in particular threatened desert tortoises (Gopherus agassizii). However, it is unclear whether the more than 15-fold population increase is due to in situ population growth or to immigration from adjacent regions where ravens have been historically common. Ravens were sampled for genetic analysis at several local sites within five major areas: the West Mojave Desert (California), East Mojave Desert (southern Nevada), southern coastal California, northern coastal California (Bay Area), and northern Nevada (Great Basin). Analyses of mtDNA control region sequences reveal an increased frequency of raven 'Holarctic clade' haplotypes from south to north inland, with 'California clade' haplotypes nearly fixed in the California populations. There was significant structuring among regions for mtDNA, with high F(ST) values among sampling regions, especially between the Nevada and California samples. Analyses of eight microsatellite loci reveal a mostly similar pattern of regional population structure, with considerably smaller, but mostly significant, values. The greater mtDNA divergences may be due to lower female dispersal relative to males, lower N(e), or effects of high mutation rates on maximal values of F(ST). Analyses indicate recent population growth in the West Mojave Desert and a bottleneck in the northern California populations. While we cannot rule out in situ population growth as a factor, patterns of movement inferred from our data suggest that the increase in raven populations in the West Mojave Desert resulted from movements from southern California and the Central Valley. Ravens in the East Mojave Desert are more similar to ones from northern Nevada, indicating movement between those regions. If this interpretation of high gene flow into the Mojave Desert is correct, then efforts to manage raven numbers by local control may not be optimally effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert C Fleischer
- Center for Conservation and Evolutionary Genetics, National Zoological Park & National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC 20008, USA.
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Abstract
Subsidized predators may affect prey abundance, distribution, and demography. Common Ravens (Corvus corax) are anthropogenically subsidized throughout their range and, in the Mojave Desert, have increased in number dramatically over the last 3-4 decades. Human-provided food resources are thought to be important drivers of raven population growth, but human developments add other features as well, such as nesting platforms. From 1996 to 2000, we examined the nesting ecology of ravens in the Mojave Desert, relative to anthropogenic developrhent. Ravens nested disproportionately near point sources of food and water subsidies (such as towns, landfills, and ponds) but not near roads (sources of road-killed carrion), even though both sources of subsidy enhanced fledging success. Initiation of breeding activity was more likely when a nest from the previous year was present at the start of a breeding season but was not affected by access to food. The relative effect of environmental modifications on fledging success varied from year to year, but the effect of access to human-provided resources was comparatively consistent, suggesting that humans provide consistently high-quality breeding habitat for ravens. Anthropogenic land cover types in the desert are expected to promote raven population growth and to allow ravens to occupy parts of the desert that otherwise would not support them. Predatory impacts of ravens in the Mojave Desert can therefore be considered indirect effects of anthropogenic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- William B Kristan
- Department of Biology, University of California, Riverside, California 92521, USA.
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Abstract
Human communities often are an inadvertent source of food, water, and other resources to native species of wildlife. Because these resources are more stable and predictable than those in a natural environment, animals that subsist on them are able to increase in numbers and expand their range, much to the detriment of their competitors and species they prey upon. In the Mojave Desert, common ravens (Corvus corax) have benefited from human-provided resources to increase in population size precipitously in recent years. This trend has caused concern because ravens prey on juvenile desert tortoises (Gopherus agassizi), a federally threatened species. In this paper, I discuss management strategies to reduce raven predation on desert tortoises. The recommendations fall into three categories: (1) managing raven populations by reducing access to anthropogenic resources; (2) removing offending ravens or other birds in specially targeted tortoise management zones; and (3) continuing research on raven ecology, raven behavior, and methods of reducing raven predation on tortoises. I also recommend approaching the problem within an adaptive management framework: management efforts should first be employed as scientific experiments--with replicates and controls--to yield an unbiased assessment of their effectiveness. Furthermore, these strategies should be implemented in concert with actions that reduce other causes of desert tortoise mortality to aid the long-term recovery of their populations. Overall, the approaches outlined in this paper are widely applicable to the management of subsidized predators, particularly where they present a threat to a declining species of prey.
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Affiliation(s)
- William I Boarman
- USGS Western Ecological Research Center, 5745 Kearny Villa Road, Suite M, San Diego, California 92123, USA.
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Boarman WI, Coe SJ. Finding Value in Pre-existing Data Sets. Ecological effects of raven populations in the Joshua Tree National Park. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2000. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1526-4629.2000.tb00158.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Burger J, Zappalorti RT, Gochfeld M, Boarman WI, Caffrey M, Doig V, Garber SD, Lauro B, Mikovsky M, Safina C, Saliva J. Hibernacula and Summer Den Sites of Pine Snakes (Pituophis melanoleucus) in the New Jersey Pine Barrens. J HERPETOL 1988. [DOI: 10.2307/1564337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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