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Gao H, Li N, Huang Y, Qiao F, Li J, Li Z, Li Y, Wang Z, Teng L, Liu Z. Taxonomic status of Chinese blue sheep (Pseudois nayaur): new evidence of a distinct subspecies. Integr Zool 2020; 15:202-212. [PMID: 31773863 DOI: 10.1111/1749-4877.12422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The blue sheep is an endemic species to the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and surrounding regions. It has been regarded as having 2 subspecies: Pseudois nayaur nayaur and P. n. szechuanensis. However, such a classification remains controversial. Herein, we analyze 10 microsatellite loci and part of the mitochondrial control region for clarification in such taxonomic debates. We use samples from 168 individuals from 6 geographic populations covering almost all the distribution areas of the species in China to carry out comparisons. Phylogenetic trees derived from both the microsatellite and mitochondrial markers combined with the discriminant analysis of principal components (DAPC) and the STRUCTURE analysis reveal that the individuals in the Helan Mountains are well grouped with a distinct evolutionary lineage and are significantly different from the other populations of P. n. szechuanensis according to Fst values, implying that this isolated population should be categorized as a valid subspecies; namely, Pseudois nayaur alashanicus. The isolation-by-distance (IBD) analysis shows a significant positive relationship between genetic and geographical distances among the populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Gao
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, China
| | - Nannan Li
- Forestry Science and Technology Research Institute of Greater Hinggan in Inner Mongolia, Yakeshi, China
| | - Yongjie Huang
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Fujie Qiao
- School of Life Sciences, Lvliang Univiersity, Lvliang, China
| | - Junle Li
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, China
| | - Zongzhi Li
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, China
| | - Yanxiang Li
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, China
| | - Zhenghuan Wang
- School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Liwei Teng
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, China.,Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology, National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Harbin, China
| | - Zhensheng Liu
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, China.,Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology, National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Harbin, China
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LaCava MEF, Gagne RB, Stowell SML, Gustafson KD, Buerkle CA, Knox L, Ernest HB. Pronghorn population genomics show connectivity in the core of their range. J Mammal 2020; 101:1061-1071. [PMID: 33100929 DOI: 10.1093/jmammal/gyaa054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2019] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Preserving connectivity in the core of a species' range is crucial for long-term persistence. However, a combination of ecological characteristics, social behavior, and landscape features can reduce connectivity among wildlife populations and lead to genetic structure. Pronghorn (Antilocapra americana), for example, exhibit fluctuating herd dynamics and variable seasonal migration strategies, but GPS tracking studies show that landscape features such as highways impede their movements, leading to conflicting hypotheses about expected levels of genetic structure. Given that pronghorn populations declined significantly in the early 1900s, have only partially recovered, and are experiencing modern threats from landscape modification, conserving connectivity among populations is important for their long-term persistence in North America. To assess the genetic structure and diversity of pronghorn in the core of their range, we genotyped 4,949 genome-wide single-nucleotide polymorphisms and 11 microsatellites from 398 individuals throughout the state of Wyoming. We found no evidence of genetic subdivision and minimal evidence of isolation by distance despite a range that spans hundreds of kilometers, multiple mountain ranges, and three interstate highways. In addition, a rare variant analysis using putatively recent mutations found no genetic division between pronghorn on either side of a major highway corridor. Although we found no evidence that barriers to daily and seasonal movements of pronghorn impede gene flow, we suggest periodic monitoring of genetic structure and diversity as a part of management strategies to identify changes in connectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie E F LaCava
- Wildlife Genomics and Disease Ecology Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, USA.,Program in Ecology, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, USA
| | - Roderick B Gagne
- Wildlife Genomics and Disease Ecology Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, USA.,Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Sierra M Love Stowell
- Wildlife Genomics and Disease Ecology Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, USA
| | - Kyle D Gustafson
- Wildlife Genomics and Disease Ecology Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, USA.,Department of Biology and Environmental Health, Missouri Southern State University, Joplin, MO, USA
| | - C Alex Buerkle
- Program in Ecology, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, USA.,Department of Botany, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, USA
| | - Lee Knox
- Wyoming Game and Fish Department, Laramie, WY, USA
| | - Holly B Ernest
- Wildlife Genomics and Disease Ecology Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, USA.,Program in Ecology, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, USA
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