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Nistelberger HM, Roycroft E, Macdonald AJ, McArthur S, White LC, Grady PGS, Pierson J, Sims C, Cowen S, Moseby K, Tuft K, Moritz C, Eldridge MDB, Byrne M, Ottewell K. Genetic mixing in conservation translocations increases diversity of a keystone threatened species, Bettongia lesueur. Mol Ecol 2023. [PMID: 37715549 DOI: 10.1111/mec.17119] [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: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023]
Abstract
Translocation programmes are increasingly being informed by genetic data to monitor and enhance conservation outcomes for both natural and established populations. These data provide a window into contemporary patterns of genetic diversity, structure and relatedness that can guide managers in how to best source animals for their translocation programmes. The inclusion of historical samples, where possible, strengthens monitoring by allowing assessment of changes in genetic diversity over time and by providing a benchmark for future improvements in diversity via management practices. Here, we used reduced representation sequencing (ddRADseq) data to report on the current genetic health of three remnant and seven translocated boodie (Bettongia lesueur) populations, now extinct on the Australian mainland. In addition, we used exon capture data from seven historical mainland specimens and a subset of contemporary samples to compare pre-decline and current diversity. Both data sets showed the significant impact of population founder source (whether multiple or single) on the genetic diversity of translocated populations. Populations founded by animals from multiple sources showed significantly higher genetic diversity than the natural remnant and single-source translocation populations, and we show that by mixing the most divergent populations, exon capture heterozygosity was restored to levels close to that observed in pre-decline mainland samples. Relatedness estimates were surprisingly low across all contemporary populations and there was limited evidence of inbreeding. Our results show that a strategy of genetic mixing has led to successful conservation outcomes for the species in terms of increasing genetic diversity and provides strong rationale for mixing as a management strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidi M Nistelberger
- Biodiversity and Conservation Science, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Kensington, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Emily Roycroft
- Division of Ecology & Evolution, Research School of Biology, ANU College of Science, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Anna J Macdonald
- Division of Ecology & Evolution, Research School of Biology, ANU College of Science, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Shelley McArthur
- Biodiversity and Conservation Science, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Kensington, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Lauren C White
- Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
| | - Patrick G S Grady
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
| | - Jennifer Pierson
- Australian Wildlife Conservancy, Subiaco, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Colleen Sims
- Biodiversity and Conservation Science, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Kensington, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Saul Cowen
- Biodiversity and Conservation Science, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Kensington, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Katherine Moseby
- Centre for Ecosystem Science, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - Craig Moritz
- Division of Ecology & Evolution, Research School of Biology, ANU College of Science, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Mark D B Eldridge
- Terrestrial Vertebrates, Australian Museum Research Institute, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Margaret Byrne
- Biodiversity and Conservation Science, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Kensington, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Kym Ottewell
- Biodiversity and Conservation Science, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Kensington, Western Australia, Australia
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2
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Cowen S, Sims C, Ottewell K, Knox F, Friend T, Mills H, Garretson S, Rayner K, Gibson L. Return to 1616: Multispecies Fauna Reconstruction Requires Thinking Outside the Box. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2762. [PMID: 37685026 PMCID: PMC10486414 DOI: 10.3390/ani13172762] [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: 07/08/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Conservation translocations have become increasingly popular for 'rewilding' areas that have lost their native fauna. These multispecies translocations are complex and need to consider the requirements of each individual species as well as the influence of likely interactions among them. The Dirk Hartog Island National Park Ecological Restoration Project, Return to 1616, aspires to restore ecological function to Western Australia's largest island. Since 2012, pest animals have been eradicated, and conservation translocations of seven fauna species have been undertaken, with a further six planned. Here, we present a synthesis of the innovative approaches undertaken in restoring the former faunal assemblage of Dirk Hartog Island and the key learnings gathered as the project has progressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saul Cowen
- Biodiversity and Conservation Science, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Woodvale, WA 6026, Australia; (C.S.); (F.K.); (S.G.); (K.R.); (L.G.)
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Colleen Sims
- Biodiversity and Conservation Science, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Woodvale, WA 6026, Australia; (C.S.); (F.K.); (S.G.); (K.R.); (L.G.)
| | - Kym Ottewell
- Biodiversity and Conservation Science, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Kensington, WA 6151, Australia;
| | - Fiona Knox
- Biodiversity and Conservation Science, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Woodvale, WA 6026, Australia; (C.S.); (F.K.); (S.G.); (K.R.); (L.G.)
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia
| | - Tony Friend
- Biodiversity and Conservation Science, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Albany, WA 6330, Australia;
| | - Harriet Mills
- Biodiversity and Conservation Science, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, South Perth, WA 6951, Australia;
| | - Sean Garretson
- Biodiversity and Conservation Science, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Woodvale, WA 6026, Australia; (C.S.); (F.K.); (S.G.); (K.R.); (L.G.)
| | - Kelly Rayner
- Biodiversity and Conservation Science, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Woodvale, WA 6026, Australia; (C.S.); (F.K.); (S.G.); (K.R.); (L.G.)
| | - Lesley Gibson
- Biodiversity and Conservation Science, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Woodvale, WA 6026, Australia; (C.S.); (F.K.); (S.G.); (K.R.); (L.G.)
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
- Biodiversity and Conservation Science, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Kensington, WA 6151, Australia;
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von Takach B, Sargent H, Penton CE, Rick K, Murphy BP, Neave G, Davies HF, Hill BM, Banks SC. Population genomics and conservation management of the threatened black-footed tree-rat (Mesembriomys gouldii) in northern Australia. Heredity (Edinb) 2023; 130:278-288. [PMID: 36899176 PMCID: PMC10162988 DOI: 10.1038/s41437-023-00601-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Genomic diversity is a fundamental component of Earth's total biodiversity, and requires explicit consideration in efforts to conserve biodiversity. To conserve genomic diversity, it is necessary to measure its spatial distribution, and quantify the contribution that any intraspecific evolutionary lineages make to overall genomic diversity. Here, we describe the range-wide population genomic structure of a threatened Australian rodent, the black-footed tree-rat (Mesembriomys gouldii), aiming to provide insight into the timing and extent of population declines across a large region with a dearth of long-term monitoring data. By estimating recent trajectories in effective population sizes at four localities, we confirm widespread population decline across the species' range, but find that the population in the peri-urban area of the Darwin region has been more stable. Based on current sampling, the Melville Island population made the greatest contribution to overall allelic richness of the species, and the prioritisation analysis suggested that conservation of the Darwin and Cobourg Peninsula populations would be the most cost-effective scenario to retain more than 90% of all alleles. Our results broadly confirm current sub-specific taxonomy, and provide crucial data on the spatial distribution of genomic diversity to help prioritise limited conservation resources. Along with additional sampling and genomic analysis from the far eastern and western edges of the black-footed tree-rat distribution, we suggest a range of conservation and research priorities that could help improve black-footed tree-rat population trajectories at large and fine spatial scales, including the retention and expansion of structurally complex habitat patches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brenton von Takach
- School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia.,Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, NT, 0909, Australia
| | - Holly Sargent
- Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, NT, 0909, Australia
| | - Cara E Penton
- Warddeken Land Management Ltd, Darwin, NT, Australia
| | - Kate Rick
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Brett P Murphy
- Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, NT, 0909, Australia
| | - Georgina Neave
- Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, NT, 0909, Australia
| | - Hugh F Davies
- Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, NT, 0909, Australia
| | - Brydie M Hill
- Flora and Fauna Division, Department of Environment, Parks and Water Security, Northern Territory Government, Berrimah, NT, 0831, Australia
| | - Sam C Banks
- Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, NT, 0909, Australia.
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Onley IR, White LC, Moseby KE, Copley P, Cowen S. Disproportionate admixture improves reintroduction outcomes despite the use of low‐diversity source populations: population viability analysis for a translocation of the greater stick‐nest rat. Anim Conserv 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/acv.12812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- I. R. Onley
- Australian Centre for Ancient DNA (ACAD), School of Biological Sciences University of Adelaide Adelaide SA Australia
| | - L. C. White
- Department of Primatology Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology Leipzig Germany
| | - K. E. Moseby
- Centre for Ecosystem Sciences, Earth and Environmental Sciences University of New South Wales Sydney NSW Australia
| | - P. Copley
- South Australian Department for Environment and Water Adelaide SA Australia
| | - S. Cowen
- Biodiversity and Conservation Science, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions Kensington WA Australia
- School of Biological Sciences University of Western Australia Crawley WA Australia
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Gooley RM, Dicks KL, Ferrie GM, Lacy RC, Ballou JD, Callicrate T, Senn H, Koepfli KP, Edwards CW, Pukazhenthi BS. Applying genomics to metapopulation management in North American insurance populations of southern sable antelope (Hippotragus niger niger) and addra gazelle (Nanger dama ruficollis). Glob Ecol Conserv 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2021.e01969] [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] Open
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Genomic Approaches for Conservation Management in Australia under Climate Change. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:life11070653. [PMID: 34357024 PMCID: PMC8304512 DOI: 10.3390/life11070653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Conservation genetics has informed threatened species management for several decades. With the advent of advanced DNA sequencing technologies in recent years, it is now possible to monitor and manage threatened populations with even greater precision. Climate change presents a number of threats and challenges, but new genomics data and analytical approaches provide opportunities to identify critical evolutionary processes of relevance to genetic management under climate change. Here, we discuss the applications of such approaches for threatened species management in Australia in the context of climate change, identifying methods of facilitating viability and resilience in the face of extreme environmental stress. Using genomic approaches, conservation management practices such as translocation, targeted gene flow, and gene-editing can now be performed with the express intention of facilitating adaptation to current and projected climate change scenarios in vulnerable species, thus reducing extinction risk and ensuring the protection of our unique biodiversity for future generations. We discuss the current barriers to implementing conservation genomic projects and the efforts being made to overcome them, including communication between researchers and managers to improve the relevance and applicability of genomic studies. We present novel approaches for facilitating adaptive capacity and accelerating natural selection in species to encourage resilience in the face of climate change.
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