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Walter WD, Fameli A, Russo‐Petrick K, Edson JE, Rosenberry CS, Schuler KL, Tonkovich MJ. Large-scale assessment of genetic structure to assess risk of populations of a large herbivore to disease. Ecol Evol 2024; 14:e11347. [PMID: 38774134 PMCID: PMC11106048 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.11347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Chronic wasting disease (CWD) can spread among cervids by direct and indirect transmission, the former being more likely in emerging areas. Identifying subpopulations allows the delineation of focal areas to target for intervention. We aimed to assess the population structure of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in the northeastern United States at a regional scale to inform managers regarding gene flow throughout the region. We genotyped 10 microsatellites in 5701 wild deer samples from Maryland, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. We evaluated the distribution of genetic variability through spatial principal component analysis and inferred genetic structure using non-spatial and spatial Bayesian clustering algorithms (BCAs). We simulated populations representing each inferred wild cluster, wild deer in each state and each physiographic province, total wild population, and a captive population. We conducted genetic assignment tests using these potential sources, calculating the probability of samples being correctly assigned to their origin. Non-spatial BCA identified two clusters across the region, while spatial BCA suggested a maximum of nine clusters. Assignment tests correctly placed deer into captive or wild origin in most cases (94%), as previously reported, but performance varied when assigning wild deer to more specific origins. Assignments to clusters inferred via non-spatial BCA performed well, but efficiency was greatly reduced when assigning samples to clusters inferred via spatial BCA. Differences between spatial BCA clusters are not strong enough to make assignment tests a reliable method for inferring the geographic origin of deer using 10 microsatellites. However, the genetic distinction between clusters may indicate natural and anthropogenic barriers of interest for management.
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Affiliation(s)
- W. David Walter
- U.S. Geological Survey, Pennsylvania Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research UnitThe Pennsylvania State UniversityUniversity ParkPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Alberto Fameli
- Pennsylvania Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research UnitThe Pennsylvania State UniversityUniversity ParkPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Kelly Russo‐Petrick
- Pennsylvania Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research UnitThe Pennsylvania State UniversityUniversity ParkPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Jessie E. Edson
- Pennsylvania Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research UnitThe Pennsylvania State UniversityUniversity ParkPennsylvaniaUSA
| | | | - Krysten L. Schuler
- Cornell Wildlife Health Lab, New York State Wildlife Health ProgramIthacaNew YorkUSA
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2
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Kanthaswamy S. Review: Wildlife forensic genetics-Biological evidence, DNA markers, analytical approaches, and challenges. Anim Genet 2024; 55:177-192. [PMID: 38123142 DOI: 10.1111/age.13390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2023] [Revised: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Wildlife-related crimes are the second most prevalent lawbreaking offense globally. This illicit trade encompasses hunting, breeding and trafficking. Besides diminishing many species and their habitats and ecosystems, hindering the economic development of local communities that depend on them, undermining the rule of law and financing terrorism, various cross-species transmissions (zoonoses) of pathogens, including COVID-19, can be attributed to wildlife crimes. Wildlife forensics applies interdisciplinary scientific analyses to support law enforcement in investigating wildlife crimes. Its main objectives are to identify the taxonomic species in question, determine if a crime has been committed, link a suspect to the crime and support the conviction and prosecution of the perpetrator. This article reviews wildlife crime and its implications, wildlife forensic science investigation, common forms of wildlife biological evidence, including DNA, wildlife DNA techniques and challenges in wildlife forensic genetics. The article also reviews the contributions of genetic markers such as short tandem repeat (STR) and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) markers, which provide the probative genetic data representing the bulk of DNA evidence for solving wildlife crime. This review provides an overview of wildlife DNA databases, which are critical for searching and matching forensic DNA profiles and sequences and establishing how frequent forensic DNA profiles and sequences are in a particular population or geographic region. As such, this review will contain an in-depth analysis of the current status of wildlife forensic genetics, and it will be of general interest to wildlife and conservation biologists, law enforcement officers, and academics interested in combating crimes against wildlife using animal forensic DNA methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sree Kanthaswamy
- School of Interdisciplinary Forensics, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
- California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, California, USA
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3
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Sitam FT, Salgado‐Lynn M, Denel A, Panjang E, McEwing R, Lightson A, Ogden R, Maruji NA, Yahya NK, Ngau C, Mohd Kulaimi NA, Ithnin H, Rovie‐Ryan J, Abu Bakar MS, Ewart KM. Phylogeography of the Sunda pangolin, Manis javanica: Implications for taxonomy, conservation management and wildlife forensics. Ecol Evol 2023; 13:e10373. [PMID: 37593756 PMCID: PMC10427774 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.10373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The Sunda pangolin (Manis javanica) is the most widely distributed Asian pangolin species, occurring across much of Southeast Asia and in southern China. It is classified as Critically Endangered and is one of the most trafficked mammals in the world, which not only negatively impacts wild Sunda pangolin populations but also poses a potential disease risk to other species, including humans and livestock. Here, we aimed to investigate the species' phylogeography across its distribution to improve our understanding of the species' evolutionary history, elucidate any taxonomic uncertainties and enhance the species' conservation genetic management and potential wildlife forensics applications. We sequenced mtDNA genomes from 23 wild Sunda pangolins of known provenance originating from Malaysia to fill sampling gaps in previous studies, particularly in Borneo. To conduct phylogenetic and population genetic analyses of Sunda pangolins across their range, we integrated these newly generated mitochondrial genomes with previously generated mtDNA and nuclear DNA data sets (RAD-seq SNP data). We identified an evolutionarily distinct mtDNA lineage in north Borneo, estimated to be ~1.6 million years divergent from lineages in west/south Borneo and the mainland, comparable to the divergence time from the Palawan pangolin. There appeared to be mitonuclear discordance, with no apparent genetic structure across Borneo based on analysis of nuclear SNPs. These findings are consistent with the 'out of Borneo hypothesis', whereby Sunda pangolins diversified in Borneo before subsequently migrating throughout Sundaland, and/or a secondary contact scenario between mainland and Borneo. We have elucidated possible taxonomic issues in the Sunda/Palawan pangolin complex and highlight the critical need for additional georeferenced samples to accurately apportion its range-wide genetic variation into appropriate taxonomic and conservation units. Additionally, these data have improved forensic identification testing involving these species and permit the implementation of geographic provenance testing in some scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frankie T. Sitam
- Department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP/PERHILITAN)National Wildlife Forensic Laboratory (NWFL)Kuala LumpurMalaysia
| | - Milena Salgado‐Lynn
- Danau Girang Field Centre (DGFC)Kota KinabaluMalaysia
- Wildlife Health, Genetic and Forensic Laboratory (WHGFL)Kota KinabaluMalaysia
- Organisms and Environment Division, Cardiff School of BiosciencesCardiff UniversityCardiffUK
| | - Azroie Denel
- Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC)KuchingMalaysia
| | - Elisa Panjang
- Danau Girang Field Centre (DGFC)Kota KinabaluMalaysia
- Organisms and Environment Division, Cardiff School of BiosciencesCardiff UniversityCardiffUK
| | | | | | - Rob Ogden
- TRACE Wildlife Forensics NetworkEdinburghUK
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and the Roslin InstituteUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUK
| | - Nur Alwanie Maruji
- Wildlife Health, Genetic and Forensic Laboratory (WHGFL)Kota KinabaluMalaysia
- Sabah Wildlife Department (SWD)Kota KinabaluMalaysia
| | - Nurhartini Kamalia Yahya
- Danau Girang Field Centre (DGFC)Kota KinabaluMalaysia
- Wildlife Health, Genetic and Forensic Laboratory (WHGFL)Kota KinabaluMalaysia
| | - Cosmas Ngau
- Department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP/PERHILITAN)National Wildlife Forensic Laboratory (NWFL)Kuala LumpurMalaysia
| | - Noor Azleen Mohd Kulaimi
- Department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP/PERHILITAN)National Wildlife Forensic Laboratory (NWFL)Kuala LumpurMalaysia
| | - Hartini Ithnin
- Department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP/PERHILITAN)National Wildlife Forensic Laboratory (NWFL)Kuala LumpurMalaysia
| | | | | | - Kyle M. Ewart
- TRACE Wildlife Forensics NetworkEdinburghUK
- School of Life and Environmental SciencesUniversity of SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
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4
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Stiller J, Wilson NG, Rouse GW. Range-wide population genomics of common seadragons shows secondary contact over a former barrier and insights on illegal capture. BMC Biol 2023; 21:129. [PMID: 37248474 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-023-01628-9] [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: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Common seadragons (Phyllopteryx taeniolatus, Syngnathidae) are an emblem of the diverse endemic fauna of Australia's southern rocky reefs, the newly recognized "Great Southern Reef." A lack of assessments spanning this global biodiversity hotspot in its entirety is currently hampering an understanding of the factors that have contributed to its diversity. The common seadragon has a wide range across Australia's entire temperate south and includes a geogenetic break over a former land bridge, which has called its status as a single species into question. As a popular aquarium display that sells for high prices, common seadragons are also vulnerable to illegal capture. RESULTS Here, we provide range-wide nuclear sequences (986 variable Ultraconserved Elements) for 198 individuals and mitochondrial genomes for 140 individuals to assess species status, identify genetic units and their diversity, and trace the source of two poached individuals. Using published data of the other two seadragon species, we found that lineages of common seadragons have diverged relatively recently (< 0.63 Ma). Within common seadragons, we found pronounced genetic structure, falling into three major groups in the western, central, and eastern parts of the range. While populations across the Bassian Isthmus were divergent, there is also evidence for secondary contact since the passage opened. We found a strong cline of genetic diversity from the range center tapering symmetrically towards the range peripheries. Based on their genetic similarities, the poached individuals were inferred to have originated from around Albany in southwestern Australia. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that common seadragons constitute a single species with strong geographic structure but coherence through gene flow. The low genetic diversity on the east and west coasts is concerning given that these areas are projected to face fast climate change. Our results suggest that in addition to their life history, geological events and demographic expansions have all played a role in shaping populations in the temperate south. These insights are an important step towards understanding the historical determinants of the diversity of species endemic to the Great Southern Reef.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josefin Stiller
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, 92093 , USA.
- Centre for Biodiversity Genomics, University of Copenhagen, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Nerida G Wilson
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, 92093 , USA
- Research & Collections, Western Australian Museum, Perth, Western Australia, 6106, Australia
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, 6009, Australia
| | - Greg W Rouse
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, 92093 , USA.
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A forensically validated genetic toolkit for the species and lineage identification of the highly trafficked shingleback lizard (Tiliqua rugosa). Forensic Sci Int Genet 2023; 62:102784. [PMID: 36265334 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2022.102784] [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: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Shingleback lizards (Tiliqua rugosa) are among the most trafficked native fauna from Australia in the illegal pet trade. There are four morphologically recognised subspecies of shinglebacks, all with differing overseas market values. Shinglebacks from different geographic locales are often trafficked and housed together, which may complicate identifying the State jurisdiction where the poaching event occurred. Additionally, shinglebacks can be housed and trafficked with other species within the same genus, which may complicate DNA analysis, especially in scenarios where indirect evidence (e.g. swabs, faeces) is taken for analysis. In this study, a forensic genetic toolkit was designed and validated to target shingleback DNA for species identification and geographic origin. To do this, field sampling across Australia was conducted to expand the phylogeographic sampling of shinglebacks across their species range and include populations suspected to be poaching hotspots. A commonly used universal reptile primer set (ND4/LEU) was then validated for use in forensic casework related to the genus Tiliqua. Two additional ND4 primer sets were designed and validated. The first primer set was designed and demonstrated to preferentially amplify an ∼510 bp region of the genus Tiliqua over other reptiles and builds on existing data to expand the available phylogeographic database. The second primer set was designed and demonstrated to solely amplify an ∼220 bp region of T. rugosa ND4 over any other reptile species. Through the validation process, all primers were demonstrated to amplify T. rugosa DNA from a variety of sample types (e.g. degraded, low quality and mixed). Two of the primer sets were able to distinguish the genetic lineage of T. rugosa from the phylogeographic database. This work provides the first forensically validated toolkit and phylogeographic genetic database for Squatmate lizards.
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Abstract
The rapid growth in genomic techniques provides the potential to transform how we protect, manage, and conserve marine life. Further, solutions to boost the resilience of marine species to climate change and other disturbances that characterize the Anthropocene require transformative approaches, made more effective if guided by genomic data. Although genetic techniques have been employed in marine conservation for decades and the availability of genomic data is rapidly expanding, widespread application still lags behind other data types. This Essay reviews how genetics and genomics have been utilized in management initiatives for ocean conservation and restoration, highlights success stories, and presents a pathway forward to enhance the uptake of genomic data for protecting our oceans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeleine J. H. van Oppen
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | - Melinda A. Coleman
- Department of Primary Industries, NSW Fisheries, National Marine Science Centre, Coffs Harbour, New South Wales, Australia
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Data Provenance for Cloud Forensic Investigations, Security, Challenges, Solutions and Future Perspectives: a survey. JOURNAL OF KING SAUD UNIVERSITY - COMPUTER AND INFORMATION SCIENCES 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jksuci.2022.10.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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8
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Stable isotope and trace element analysis for tracing the geographical origin of the Mediterranean mussel (Mytilus galloprovincialis) in food authentication. Food Control 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodcont.2022.109069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Biello R, Zampiglia M, Fuselli S, Fabbri G, Bisconti R, Chiocchio A, Mazzotti S, Trucchi E, Canestrelli D, Bertorelle G. From
STRs
to
SNPs
via
ddRAD
‐seq: geographic assignment of confiscated tortoises at reduced costs. Evol Appl 2022; 15:1344-1359. [PMID: 36187190 PMCID: PMC9488678 DOI: 10.1111/eva.13431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Assigning individuals to their source populations is crucial for conservation research, especially for endangered species threatened by illegal trade and translocations. Genetic assignment can be achieved with different types of molecular markers, but technical advantages and cost saving are recently promoting the shift from short tandem repeats (STRs) to single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Here, we designed, developed, and tested a small panel of SNPs for cost‐effective geographic assignment of individuals with unknown origin of the endangered Mediterranean tortoise Testudo hermanni. We started by performing a ddRAD‐seq experiment on 70 wild individuals of T. hermanni from 38 locations. Results obtained using 3182 SNPs are comparable to those previously obtained using STR markers in terms of genetic structure and power to identify the macro‐area of origin. However, our SNPs revealed further insights into the substructure in Western populations, especially in Southern Italy. A small panel of highly informative SNPs was then selected and tested by genotyping 190 individuals using the KASP genotyping chemistry. All the samples from wild populations of known geographic origin were genetically re‐assigned with high accuracy to the original population. This reduced SNPs panel represents an efficient molecular tool that enables individuals to be genotyped at low cost (less than €15 per sample) for geographical assignment and identification of hybrids. This information is crucial for the management in‐situ of confiscated animals and their possible re‐allocation in the wild. Our methodological pipeline can easily be extended to other species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Biello
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology University of Ferrara Ferrara Italy
- Department of Crop Genetics, John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park Norwich UK
| | - Mauro Zampiglia
- Department of Ecological and Biological Science Tuscia University Viterbo Italy
- Central Laboratory for the National DNA Database, Prison Administration Department, Ministry of Justice Rome Italy
| | - Silvia Fuselli
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology University of Ferrara Ferrara Italy
| | - Giulia Fabbri
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology University of Ferrara Ferrara Italy
- Department of Veterinary Medicine University of Sassari Sassari Italy
| | - Roberta Bisconti
- Department of Ecological and Biological Science Tuscia University Viterbo Italy
| | - Andrea Chiocchio
- Department of Ecological and Biological Science Tuscia University Viterbo Italy
| | | | - Emiliano Trucchi
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology University of Ferrara Ferrara Italy
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences Marche Polytechnic University Ancona Italy
| | - Daniele Canestrelli
- Department of Ecological and Biological Science Tuscia University Viterbo Italy
| | - Giorgio Bertorelle
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology University of Ferrara Ferrara Italy
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Vasiljevic N, Morf NV, Senn J, Pérez‐Espona S, Mattucci F, Mucci N, Moore‐Jones G, Pisano SRR, Kratzer A, Ogden R. Phylogeography and population genetic structure of the European roe deer in Switzerland following recent recolonization. Ecol Evol 2022; 12:e8626. [PMID: 35222977 PMCID: PMC8858214 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.8626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In the early 1800s, the European roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) was probably extirpated from Switzerland, due to overhunting and deforestation. After a federal law was enacted in 1875 to protect lactating females and young, and limiting the hunting season, the roe deer successfully recovered and recolonized Switzerland. In this study, we use mitochondrial DNA and nuclear DNA markers to investigate the recolonization and assess contemporary genetic structure in relation to broad topographic features, in order to understand underlying ecological processes, inform future roe deer management strategies, and explore the opportunity for development of forensic traceability tools. The results concerning the recolonization origin support natural, multidirectional immigration from neighboring countries. We further demonstrate that there is evidence of weak genetic differentiation within Switzerland among topographic regions. Finally, we conclude that the genetic data support the recognition of a single roe deer management unit within Switzerland, within which there is a potential for broad‐scale geographic origin assignment using nuclear markers to support law enforcement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Vasiljevic
- Zurich Institute of Forensic Medicine University of Zurich Switzerland
| | - Nadja V. Morf
- Zurich Institute of Forensic Medicine University of Zurich Switzerland
| | - Josef Senn
- Swiss Federal Research Institute WSL Birmensdorf Switzerland
| | - Sílvia Pérez‐Espona
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and the Roslin Institute University of Edinburgh Midlothian UK
| | - Federica Mattucci
- ISPRA‐Istituto Superiore per la Protezione e la Ricerca Ambientale Area per la Genetica della Conservazione BIO‐CGE Bologna Italy
| | - Nadia Mucci
- ISPRA‐Istituto Superiore per la Protezione e la Ricerca Ambientale Area per la Genetica della Conservazione BIO‐CGE Bologna Italy
| | - Gaia Moore‐Jones
- Institute for Fish and Wildlife Health (FIWI), Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse‐Faculty University of Bern Bern Switzerland
| | - Simone Roberto Rolando Pisano
- Institute for Fish and Wildlife Health (FIWI), Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse‐Faculty University of Bern Bern Switzerland
| | - Adelgunde Kratzer
- Zurich Institute of Forensic Medicine University of Zurich Switzerland
| | - Rob Ogden
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and the Roslin Institute University of Edinburgh Midlothian UK
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11
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Zanvo S, Djagoun CAMS, Azihou AF, Djossa B, Afiademanyo K, Olayemi A, Agbangla C, Sinsin B, Gaubert P. Can DNA help trace the local trade of pangolins? Conservation genetics of white-bellied pangolins from the Dahomey Gap (West Africa). BMC Ecol Evol 2022; 22:16. [PMID: 35164675 PMCID: PMC8842964 DOI: 10.1186/s12862-022-01971-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background African pangolins are currently experiencing unprecedented levels of harvesting, feeding both local demands and the illegal international trade. So far, the lack of knowledge on the population genetics of African pangolins has hampered any attempts at assessing their demographic status and tracing their trade at the local scale. We conducted a pioneer study on the genetic tracing of the African pangolin trade in the Dahomey Gap (DG). We sequenced and genotyped 189 white-bellied pangolins from 18 forests and 12 wildlife markets using one mitochondrial fragment and 20 microsatellite loci. Results Tree-based assignment procedure showed that the pangolin trade is endemic to the DG region, as it was strictly fed by the the Dahomey Gap lineage (DGL). DGL populations were characterized by low levels of genetic diversity, an overall absence of equilibrium, important inbreeding levels, and lack of geographic structure. We identified a 92–98% decline in DGL effective population size 200–500 ya—concomitant with major political transformations along the ‘Slave Coast’—leading to contemporaneous estimates being inferior to minimum viable population size (< 500). Genetic tracing suggested that wildlife markets from the DG sourced pangolins through the entire DGL range. Our loci provided the necessary power to distinguish among all the genotyped pangolins, tracing the dispatch of a same individual on the markets and within local communities. We developed an approach combining rarefaction analysis of private allele frequencies with cross-validation of observed data that traced five traded pangolins to their forest origin, c. 200–300 km away from the markets. Conclusions Although the genetic toolkit that we designed from traditional markers can prove helpful to trace the illegal trade in pangolins, our tracing ability was limited by the lack of population structure within the DGL. Given the deleterious combination of genetic, demographic, and trade-related factors affecting DGL populations, the conservation status of white-bellied pangolins in the DG should be urgently re-evaluated. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12862-022-01971-5.
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Bertola LD, Miller SM, Williams VL, Naude VN, Coals P, Dures SG, Henschel P, Chege M, Sogbohossou EA, Ndiaye A, Kiki M, Gaylard A, Ikanda DK, Becker MS, Lindsey P. Genetic guidelines for translocations: Maintaining intraspecific diversity in the lion ( Panthera leo). Evol Appl 2022; 15:22-39. [PMID: 35126646 PMCID: PMC8792481 DOI: 10.1111/eva.13318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Conservation translocations have become an important management tool, particularly for large wildlife species such as the lion (Panthera leo). When planning translocations, the genetic background of populations needs to be taken into account; failure to do so risks disrupting existing patterns of genetic variation, ultimately leading to genetic homogenization, and thereby reducing resilience and adaptability of the species. We urge wildlife managers to include knowledge of the genetic background of source/target populations, as well as species-wide patterns, in any management intervention. We present a hierarchical decision-making tool in which we list 132 lion populations/lion conservation units and provide information on genetic assignment, uncertainty and suitability for translocation for each source/target combination. By including four levels of suitability, from 'first choice' to 'no option', we provide managers with a range of options. To illustrate the extent of international trade of lions, and the potential disruption of natural patterns of intraspecific diversity, we mined the CITES Trade Database for estimated trade quantities of live individuals imported into lion range states during the past 4 decades. We identified 1056 recorded individuals with a potential risk of interbreeding with wild lions, 772 being captive-sourced. Scoring each of the records with our decision-making tool illustrates that only 7% of the translocated individuals were 'first choice' and 73% were 'no option'. We acknowledge that other, nongenetic factors are important in the decision-making process, and hence a pragmatic approach is needed. A framework in which source/target populations are scored based on suitability is not only relevant to lion, but also to other species of wildlife that are frequently translocated. We hope that the presented overview supports managers to include genetics in future management decisions and contributes towards conservation of the lion in its full diversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura D. Bertola
- Department of BiologyUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
- City College of New YorkNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Susan M. Miller
- FitzPatrick Institute of African OrnithologyDSI‐NRF Centre of ExcellenceUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
- Institute for Communities and Wildlife in AfricaUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
| | - Vivienne L. Williams
- School of Animal, Plant and Environmental SciencesUniversity of the WitwatersrandJohannesburgSouth Africa
| | - Vincent N. Naude
- Institute for Communities and Wildlife in AfricaUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
| | - Peter Coals
- School of Animal, Plant and Environmental SciencesUniversity of the WitwatersrandJohannesburgSouth Africa
- Wildlife Conservation Research UnitUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
| | | | | | - Monica Chege
- Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML)Leiden UniversityLeidenThe Netherlands
- Kenya Wildlife ServiceNairobiKenya
| | | | | | - Martial Kiki
- Département de Génie de l’EnvironnementUniversité d’Abomey‐CalaviCotonouBenin
| | - Angela Gaylard
- Conservation Development & Assurance DepartmentAfrican Parks NetworkJohannesburgSouth Africa
| | | | | | - Peter Lindsey
- Department of Zoology and EntomologyMammal Research InstituteUniversity of PretoriaPretoriaSouth Africa
- Environmental Futures Research InstituteGriffith UniversityNathanQueenslandAustralia
- Wildlife Conservation NetworkSan FranciscoCaliforniaUSA
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13
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Price ER, Miles-Bunch I, Gasson PE, Lancaster CA. Inference of origin of Pterocarpus timber by chemical profiling of ambient ionization mass spectra. FORENSIC SCIENCE INTERNATIONAL: ANIMALS AND ENVIRONMENTS 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fsiae.2021.100032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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14
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Balaguera-Reina SA, Konvalina JD, Mohammed RS, Gross B, Vazquez R, Moncada JF, Ali S, Hoffman EA, Densmore LD. From the river to the ocean: mitochondrial DNA analyses provide evidence of spectacled caimans ( Caiman crocodilus Linnaeus 1758) mainland–insular dispersal. Biol J Linn Soc Lond 2021. [DOI: 10.1093/biolinnean/blab094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
There are few studies that have investigated the evolutionary history of large vertebrates on islands off the Caribbean coast of South America. Here we use the spectacled caiman (Caiman crocodilus) to investigate among- and within-population patterns of genetic diversity to understand connectivity between island and mainland populations. The spectacled caiman is naturally distributed across Central and South America including the islands of Trinidad and Tobago, which are considered to have the only natural insular populations of the species. Because of this apparent isolation, we sought to determine whether caimans on Trinidad and Tobago comprise a unique lineage and have reduced genetic diversity compared to mainland caimans. We test these hypotheses by using mitochondrial DNA variation to assess the phylogenetic and phylogeographical relationships of the C. crocodilus populations inhabiting these islands within the evolutionary context of the entire spectacled caiman complex. Phylogenetic analyses placed the Trinidad and Tobago samples together with samples from Colombia, Venezuela and Brazil into one well-supported clade, which corresponds to the defined Orinoco/upper Negro lineage. Interestingly, the majority of sequences from Trinidad and Tobago are similar or identical to haplotypes reported from Venezuela and Colombia, supporting the idea of a dispersal process from the Orinoco River to these islands. We discuss the implications of our findings for systematics and the conservation of the species and how these dispersal movements could shape the current phylogeographical structure depicted for C. crocodilus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio A Balaguera-Reina
- Programa de Biología Ambiental, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Matemáticas, Universidad de Ibagué, Carrera 22 Calle 67, Ibagué, Colombia
- Department of Biological Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA
| | - John D Konvalina
- Department of Biology, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA
| | - Ryan S Mohammed
- MSc in Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Development in the Caribbean, Faculty of Science and Technology, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago
- Environmental Research Institute Charlotteville (ERIC), Charlottville, Tobago
| | - Brandon Gross
- Department of Biological Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA
| | - Ryan Vazquez
- Department of Biological Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA
| | - Juan Felipe Moncada
- Programa de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Tolima, Calle 42 #1B-1 Barrio Santa Helena, Ibagué, Colombia
| | - Saiyaad Ali
- Reptile Conservation Center of Trinidad and Tobago, #8 Abdool Young Street, Aranguez San Juan, Trinidad and Tobago
| | - Eric A Hoffman
- Department of Biology, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA
| | - Llewellyn D Densmore
- Department of Biological Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA
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15
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Development and Validation of a Multi-Locus PCR-HRM Method for Species Identification in Mytilus Genus with Food Authenticity Purposes. Foods 2021; 10:foods10081684. [PMID: 34441462 PMCID: PMC8391999 DOI: 10.3390/foods10081684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA-based methods using informative markers such as single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) are suitable for reliable species identification (SI) needed to enforce compliance with seafood labelling regulations (EU No.1379/2013). We developed a panel of 10 highly informative SNPs to be genotyped by PCR-High resolution melting (HRM) for SI in the Mytilus genus through in silico and in vitro stages. Its fitness for purpose and concordance were assessed by an internal validation process and by the transference to a second laboratory. The method was applicable to identify M. chilensis, M. edulis, M. galloprovincialis and M. trossulus mussels, fresh, frozen and canned with brine, oil and scallop sauce, but not in preserves containing acetic acid (wine vinegar) and tomato sauce. False-positive and negative rates were zero. Sensitivity, expressed as limit of detection (LOD), ranged between 5 and 8 ng/μL. The method was robust against small variations in DNA quality, annealing time and temperature, primer concentration, reaction volume and HRM kit. Reference materials and 220 samples were tested in an inter-laboratory assay obtaining an “almost perfect agreement” (κ = 0.925, p < 0.001). In conclusion, the method was suitable for the intended use and to be applied in the seafood industry.
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16
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Smart U, Cihlar JC, Budowle B. International Wildlife Trafficking: A perspective on the challenges and potential forensic genetics solutions. Forensic Sci Int Genet 2021; 54:102551. [PMID: 34134047 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2021.102551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Revised: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
International wildlife trafficking (IWT) is a thriving and pervasive illegal enterprise that adversely affects modern societies. Yet, despite being globally recognized as a threat to biodiversity, national security, economy, and biosecurity, IWT remains largely unabated and is proliferating at an alarming rate. The increase in IWT is generally attributed to a lack of prioritization to curb wildlife crime through legal and scientific infrastructure. This review: (1) lays out the damaging scope and influence of IWT; (2) discusses the potential of DNA marker systems, barcodes, and emerging molecular technologies, such as long-read portable sequencing, to facilitate rapid, in situ identification of species and individuals; and (3) encourages initiatives that promote quality and innovation. Interdisciplinary collaboration promises to be one of the most effective ways forward to surmounting the complex scientific and legal challenges posed by IWT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Utpal Smart
- Center for Human Identification, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3500 Camp, Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA.
| | - Jennifer Churchill Cihlar
- Center for Human Identification, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3500 Camp, Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA; Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Genetics, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
| | - Bruce Budowle
- Center for Human Identification, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3500 Camp, Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA; Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Genetics, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
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17
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Padilla-Jacobo G, Monterrubio-Rico TC, Cano-Camacho H, Zavala-Páramo MG. Genealogical relationship inference to identify areas of intensive poaching of the Orange-fronted Parakeet (Eupsittula canicularis). BMC ZOOL 2021; 6:14. [PMID: 37170372 PMCID: PMC10127318 DOI: 10.1186/s40850-021-00080-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
The Orange-fronted Parakeet (Eupsittula canicularis) is the Mexican psittacine that is most captured for the illegal pet trade. However, as for most wildlife exploited by illegal trade, the genetic diversity that is extracted from species and areas of intensive poaching is unknown. In this study, we analyzed the genetic diversity of 80 E. canicularis parakeets confiscated from the illegal trade and estimated the level of extraction of genetic diversity by poaching using the mitochondrial DNA sequences of cytochrome b (Cytb). In addition, we analyzed the genealogical and haplotypic relationships of the poached parakeets and sampled wild populations in Mexico, as a strategy for identifying the places of origin of poached parakeets.
Results
Poached parakeets showed high haplotype diversity (Hd = 0.842) and low nucleotide diversity (Pi = 0.00182). Among 22 haplotypes identified, 18 were found exclusively in 37 individuals, while four were detected in the remaining 43 individuals and shared with the wild populations. A rarefaction and extrapolation curve revealed that 240 poached individuals can include up to 47 haplotypes and suggested that the actual haplotype richness of poached parakeets is higher than our analyses indicate. The geographic locations of the four haplotypes shared between poached and wild parakeets ranged from Michoacan to Sinaloa, Mexico. However, the rare haplotypes detected in poached parakeets were derived from a recent genetic expansion of the species that has occurred between the northwest of Michoacan and the coastal region of Colima, Jalisco and southern Nayarit, Mexico.
Conclusions
Poached parakeets showed high genetic diversity, suggesting high extraction of the genetic pool of the species in central Mexico. Rarefaction and extrapolation analyses suggest that the actual haplotype richness in poached parakeets is higher than reflected by our analyses. The poached parakeets belong mainly to a very diverse genetic group of the species, and their most likely origin is between northern Michoacan and southern Nayarit, Mexico. We found no evidence that poachers included individuals from Central American international trafficking with individuals from Mexico in the sample.
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18
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Kriangwanich W, Nganvongpanit K, Buddhachat K, Siengdee P, Chomdej S, Ponsuksili S, Thitaram C. Mammalian species identification using ISSR-HRM technique. Sci Prog 2021; 104:368504211026163. [PMID: 34143702 PMCID: PMC10455004 DOI: 10.1177/00368504211026163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Wildlife trading and the illegal hunting of wildlife are contributing factors to the biodiversity crisis that is presently unfolding across the world. The inability to control the trade of animal body parts or available biological materials is a major challenge for those who investigate wildlife crime. The effective management of this illegal trade is an important facet of wildlife forensic sciences and can be a key factor in the enforcement of effective legislation surrounding the illegal trade of protected and endangered species. However, the science of wildlife forensics is limited by the absence of a comprehensive database for wildlife investigations. Inter-simple sequence repeat markers (ISSR) coupled with high resolution melting analysis (HRM) have been effectively used for species identification of 38 mammalian species. Six primers of the ISSR markers were chosen for species identification analysis. From six ISSR primers resulting in a range of accuracy of 33.3%-100% and 100% in terms of precision in every primer. Furthermore, 161 mammalian samples were 100% distinguished to the correct species using these six ISSR primers. ISSR-HRM analysis was successfully employed in determining mammal identification among varying mammalian species, and thus could serve as an effective alternative tool or technique in the species identification process. This option would offer researchers a heightened level of convenience in terms of its performance and the ease with which researchers or field practice veterinarians would be able to interpret results in effectively identifying animal parts at wildlife investigation crime scenes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wannapimol Kriangwanich
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Korakot Nganvongpanit
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Excellence Center in Veterinary Bioscience, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Kittisak Buddhachat
- Excellence Center in Veterinary Bioscience, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand
| | - Puntita Siengdee
- Excellence Center in Veterinary Bioscience, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology, Dummerstorf, Germany
| | - Siriwadee Chomdej
- Excellence Center in Veterinary Bioscience, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | | | - Chatchote Thitaram
- Center of Excellence in Elephant and Wildlife Research, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
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19
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Nelms SE, Alfaro-Shigueto J, Arnould JPY, Avila IC, Bengtson Nash S, Campbell E, Carter MID, Collins T, Currey RJC, Domit C, Franco-Trecu V, Fuentes MMPB, Gilman E, Harcourt RG, Hines EM, Hoelzel AR, Hooker SK, Johnston DW, Kelkar N, Kiszka JJ, Laidre KL, Mangel JC, Marsh H, Maxwell SM, Onoufriou AB, Palacios DM, Pierce GJ, Ponnampalam LS, Porter LJ, Russell DJF, Stockin KA, Sutaria D, Wambiji N, Weir CR, Wilson B, Godley BJ. Marine mammal conservation: over the horizon. ENDANGER SPECIES RES 2021. [DOI: 10.3354/esr01115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Marine mammals can play important ecological roles in aquatic ecosystems, and their presence can be key to community structure and function. Consequently, marine mammals are often considered indicators of ecosystem health and flagship species. Yet, historical population declines caused by exploitation, and additional current threats, such as climate change, fisheries bycatch, pollution and maritime development, continue to impact many marine mammal species, and at least 25% are classified as threatened (Critically Endangered, Endangered or Vulnerable) on the IUCN Red List. Conversely, some species have experienced population increases/recoveries in recent decades, reflecting management interventions, and are heralded as conservation successes. To continue these successes and reverse the downward trajectories of at-risk species, it is necessary to evaluate the threats faced by marine mammals and the conservation mechanisms available to address them. Additionally, there is a need to identify evidence-based priorities of both research and conservation needs across a range of settings and taxa. To that effect we: (1) outline the key threats to marine mammals and their impacts, identify the associated knowledge gaps and recommend actions needed; (2) discuss the merits and downfalls of established and emerging conservation mechanisms; (3) outline the application of research and monitoring techniques; and (4) highlight particular taxa/populations that are in urgent need of focus.
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Affiliation(s)
- SE Nelms
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Cornwall, TR10 9EZ, UK
| | - J Alfaro-Shigueto
- ProDelphinus, Jose Galvez 780e, Miraflores, Perú
- Facultad de Biologia Marina, Universidad Cientifica del Sur, Lima, Perú
| | - JPY Arnould
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Burwood, VIC 3125, Australia
| | - IC Avila
- Grupo de Ecología Animal, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Universidad del Valle, Cali, Colombia
| | - S Bengtson Nash
- Environmental Futures Research Institute (EFRI), Griffith University, Nathan Campus, 170 Kessels Road, Nathan, QLD 4111, Australia
| | - E Campbell
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Cornwall, TR10 9EZ, UK
- ProDelphinus, Jose Galvez 780e, Miraflores, Perú
| | - MID Carter
- Sea Mammal Research Unit, Scottish Oceans Institute, University of St Andrews, Fife, KY16 8LB, UK
| | - T Collins
- Wildlife Conservation Society, 2300 Southern Blvd., Bronx, NY 10460, USA
| | - RJC Currey
- Marine Stewardship Council, 1 Snow Hill, London, EC1A 2DH, UK
| | - C Domit
- Laboratory of Ecology and Conservation, Marine Study Center, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Brazil
| | - V Franco-Trecu
- Departamento de Ecología y Evolución, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Uruguay
| | - MMPB Fuentes
- Marine Turtle Research, Ecology and Conservation Group, Department of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
| | - E Gilman
- Pelagic Ecosystems Research Group, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA
| | - RG Harcourt
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - EM Hines
- Estuary & Ocean Science Center, San Francisco State University, 3150 Paradise Dr. Tiburon, CA 94920, USA
| | - AR Hoelzel
- Department of Biosciences, Durham University, South Road, Durham, DH1 3LE, UK
| | - SK Hooker
- Sea Mammal Research Unit, Scottish Oceans Institute, University of St Andrews, Fife, KY16 8LB, UK
| | - DW Johnston
- Duke Marine Lab, 135 Duke Marine Lab Road, Beaufort, NC 28516, USA
| | - N Kelkar
- Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE), Royal Enclave, Srirampura, Jakkur PO, Bangalore 560064, Karnataka, India
| | - JJ Kiszka
- Department of Biological Sciences, Coastlines and Oceans Division, Institute of Environment, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA
| | - KL Laidre
- Polar Science Center, APL, University of Washington, 1013 NE 40th Street, Seattle, WA 98105, USA
| | - JC Mangel
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Cornwall, TR10 9EZ, UK
- ProDelphinus, Jose Galvez 780e, Miraflores, Perú
| | - H Marsh
- James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 48111, Australia
| | - SM Maxwell
- School of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences, University of Washington Bothell, Bothell WA 98011, USA
| | - AB Onoufriou
- School of Biology, University of St Andrews, Fife, KY16 8LB, UK
- Universidad de La Laguna, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
| | - DM Palacios
- Marine Mammal Institute, Hatfield Marine Science Center, Oregon State University, Newport, OR, 97365, USA
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97330, USA
| | - GJ Pierce
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Cornwall, TR10 9EZ, UK
- Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas, Eduardo Cabello 6, 36208 Vigo, Pontevedra, Spain
| | - LS Ponnampalam
- The MareCet Research Organization, 40460 Shah Alam, Malaysia
| | - LJ Porter
- SMRU Hong Kong, University of St. Andrews, Hong Kong
| | - DJF Russell
- Sea Mammal Research Unit, Scottish Oceans Institute, University of St Andrews, Fife, KY16 8LB, UK
- Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modelling, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, Fife, KY16 8LB, UK
| | - KA Stockin
- Animal Welfare Science and Bioethics Centre, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Private Bag 11-222, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - D Sutaria
- School of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences, University of Washington Bothell, Bothell WA 98011, USA
| | - N Wambiji
- Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute, P.O. Box 81651, Mombasa-80100, Kenya
| | - CR Weir
- Ketos Ecology, 4 Compton Road, Kingsbridge, Devon, TQ7 2BP, UK
| | - B Wilson
- Scottish Association for Marine Science, Oban, Argyll, PA37 1QA, UK
| | - BJ Godley
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Cornwall, TR10 9EZ, UK
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Abstract
Wildlife crime is on a massive scale by whatever metric is used. The illegal trade in wildlife and related products is leading to the decline and extinction of many iconic species from rhino to tigers. Almost all countries are signatures to CITES and therefore should enforce national legislation if alleged infringements of trade of wildlife occur. No country is immune from this illegal trade although countries like Australia have their own specific wildlife crimes. Australia is home to many reptilian, amphibian and avian species that are highly prized, predominantly as pets. Collection of protected species from the wild is illegal in all jurisdictions yet policing remote areas of the outback, where so much of the native endemic fauna and flora lives, is nearly impossible. The illegal international trade in these species is highlighted by two case studies provided in this review. A further case highlights the issues of each of the six states of Australia having separate legislation, which is compounded when wildlife crime can be inter-state crime. Australia is one of the few countries having an institute, based at the Australian Museum, with an accredited wildlife forensic science laboratory and therefore the capability to undertake forensic testing of seized samples. One way to reduce wildlife crime may be by educating those who buy illegally seized products that there is a direct connection between the dead animal from which it came and the devasting effect this purchase has on the environment.
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21
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Velo-Antón G, Pereira P, Gonçãlves DV. Genetic assignment of captive European pond turtles (Emys orbicularis) increases conservation value of recovery centres. J Nat Conserv 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jnc.2020.125953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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22
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Wang Y, Sun W, Gu Q, Yao J, Tan H, Huang X, Qin Q, Tao M, Zhang C, Liu S. Variations in the Mitochondrial Genome of a Goldfish-Like Hybrid [Koi Carp (♀) × Blunt Snout Bream (♂)] Indicate Paternal Leakage. Front Genet 2021; 11:613520. [PMID: 33552134 PMCID: PMC7861200 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2020.613520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Previously, a homodiploid goldfish-like fish (2n = 100; GF-L) was spontaneously generated by self-crossing a homodiploid red crucian carp-like fish (2n = 100; RCC-L), which was in turn produced via the distant hybridization of female koi carp (Cyprinus carpio haematopterus, KOC, 2n = 100) and male blunt snout bream (Megalobrama amblycephala, BSB, 2n = 48). The phenotypes and genotypes of RCC-L and GF-L differed from those of the parental species but were similar to diploid red crucian carp (2n = 100; RCC) and goldfish (2n = 100; GF), respectively. We sequenced the complete mitochondrial DNAs (mtDNAs) of the KOC, BSB, RCC-L, GF-L, and subsequent generations produced by self-crossing [the self-mating offspring of RCC-L (RCC-L-F2) to the self-mating offspring of RCC-L-F2 (RCC-L-F3) and the self-mating offspring of GF-L (GF-L-F2)]. Paternal mtDNA fragments were stably embedded in the mtDNAs of both lineages, forming chimeric DNA fragments. In addition to these chimeras, several nucleotide positions in the RCC-L and GF-L lineages differed from the parental bases, and were instead identical with RCC and GF, respectively. Moreover, RCC-L and GF-L mtDNA organization and nucleotide composition were more similar to those of RCC and GF, respectively, compared to parental mtDNA. Finally, phylogenetic analyses indicated that RCC-L and GF-L clustered with RCC and GF, not with the parental species. The molecular dating time shows that the divergence time of KOC and GF was about 21.26 Mya [95% highest posterior density (HPD): 24.41-16.67 Mya], which fell within the period of recent. The heritable chimeric DNA fragments and mutant loci identified in the mtDNA of the RCC-L and GF-L lineages provided important evidence that hybridizations might lead to changes in the mtDNA and the subsequent generation of new lineages. Our findings also demonstrated for the first time that the paternal mtDNA was transmitted into the mtDNA of homodiploid lineages (RCC-L and GF-L), which provided evidence that paternal DNA plays a role in inherited mtDNA. These evolutionary analyses in mtDNA suggest that GF might have diverged from RCC after RCC diverged from koi carp.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yude Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, Engineering Research Center of Polyploid Fish Reproduction and Breeding of the State Education Ministry, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Wenzhen Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, Engineering Research Center of Polyploid Fish Reproduction and Breeding of the State Education Ministry, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Qianhong Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, Engineering Research Center of Polyploid Fish Reproduction and Breeding of the State Education Ministry, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Jiajun Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, Engineering Research Center of Polyploid Fish Reproduction and Breeding of the State Education Ministry, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Huifang Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, Engineering Research Center of Polyploid Fish Reproduction and Breeding of the State Education Ministry, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Xu Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, Engineering Research Center of Polyploid Fish Reproduction and Breeding of the State Education Ministry, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Qinbo Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, Engineering Research Center of Polyploid Fish Reproduction and Breeding of the State Education Ministry, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Min Tao
- State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, Engineering Research Center of Polyploid Fish Reproduction and Breeding of the State Education Ministry, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Chun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, Engineering Research Center of Polyploid Fish Reproduction and Breeding of the State Education Ministry, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Shaojun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, Engineering Research Center of Polyploid Fish Reproduction and Breeding of the State Education Ministry, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
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23
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Biello R, Zampiglia M, Corti C, Deli G, Biaggini M, Crestanello B, Delaugerre M, Di Tizio L, Leonetti FL, Casari S, Olivieri O, Pellegrino F, Romano A, Sperone E, Hauffe HC, Trabalza-Marinucci M, Bertorelle G, Canestrelli D. Mapping the geographic origin of captive and confiscated Hermann's tortoises: A genetic toolkit for conservation and forensic analyses. Forensic Sci Int Genet 2020; 51:102447. [PMID: 33401133 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2020.102447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Revised: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The illegal trade has been threatening tortoise populations worldwide for decades. Nowadays, however, DNA typing and forensic genetic approaches allow us to investigate the geographic origin of confiscated animals and to relocate them into the wild, providing that suitable molecular tools and reference data are available. Here we assess the suitability of a small panel of microsatellite markers to investigate patterns of illegal translocations and to assist forensic genetic applications in the endangered Mediterranean land tortoise Testudo hermanni hermanni. Specific allelic ladders were created for each locus and tested on several reference samples. We used the microsatellite panel to (i) increase our understanding of the population genetic structure in wild populations with new data from previously unsampled geographic areas (overall 461 wild individuals from 28 sampling sites); (ii) detect the presence of non-native individuals in wild populations; and (iii) identify the most likely geographic area of origin of 458 confiscated individuals hosted in Italian seizure and recovery centers. Our analysis initially identified six major genetic clusters corresponding to different geographic macro-areas along the Mediterranean range. Long-distance migrants among wild populations, due to translocations, were found and removed from the reference database. Assignment tests allowed us to allocate approximately 70 % of confiscated individuals of unknown origin to one of the six Mediterranean macro-areas. Most of the assigned tortoises belonged to the genetic cluster corresponding to the area where the respective captivity center was located. However, we also found evidence of long-distance origins of confiscated individuals, especially in centers along the Adriatic coast and facing the Balkan regions, a well-known source of illegally traded individuals. Our results clearly show that the microsatellite panel and the reference dataset can play a beneficial role in reintroduction and repatriation projects when confiscated individuals need to be re-assigned to their respective macro-area of origin before release, and can assist future forensic genetic applications in detecting the illegal trade and possession of Testudo hermanni individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Biello
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e Biotecnologie, Università di Ferrara, Via Luigi Borsari 46, 44121, Ferrara, Italy; Department of Crop Genetics, John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, NR4 7UH, Norwich, UK
| | - Mauro Zampiglia
- Dipartimento di Scienze Ecologiche e Biologiche, Università della Tuscia, Largo dell'Università s.n.c., 01100, Viterbo, Italy; Laboratorio Centrale per la Banca Dati Nazionale del DNA, Dipartimento dell'Amministrazione Penitenziaria, Ministero della Giustizia, via del Casale di San Basilio 168, 00156, Roma, Italy
| | - Claudia Corti
- Museo di Storia Naturale dell'Università di Firenze, Sezione di Zoologia "La Specola", Via Romana 17, 50125, Firenze, Italy
| | - Gianluca Deli
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università di Perugia, Via San Costanzo 4, 06126, Perugia, Italy
| | - Marta Biaggini
- Museo di Storia Naturale dell'Università di Firenze, Sezione di Zoologia "La Specola", Via Romana 17, 50125, Firenze, Italy
| | - Barbara Crestanello
- Unità Genetica di Conservazione, Dipartimento di Biodiversità ed Ecologia Molecolare, Centro Ricerca ed Innovazione, Fondazione E. Mach, Via E. Mach 1, 38010, San Michele all'Adige (TN), Italy
| | - Michel Delaugerre
- Conservatoire du littoral, Résidence St Marc, 2, rue Juge Falcone, 20200, Bastia, France
| | - Luciano Di Tizio
- Societas Herpetologica Italica, Sezione Abruzzo-Molise, Via Federico Salomone 112, 66100, Chieti, Italy
| | | | - Stefano Casari
- Unità Genetica di Conservazione, Dipartimento di Biodiversità ed Ecologia Molecolare, Centro Ricerca ed Innovazione, Fondazione E. Mach, Via E. Mach 1, 38010, San Michele all'Adige (TN), Italy
| | - Oliviero Olivieri
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università di Perugia, Via San Costanzo 4, 06126, Perugia, Italy
| | - Francesco Pellegrino
- Dipartimento di Scienze Ecologiche e Biologiche, Università della Tuscia, Largo dell'Università s.n.c., 01100, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Antonio Romano
- MUSE: Museo delle Scienze, Sezione di Zoologia dei Vertebrati, corso del Lavoro e della Scienza 3, 38122, Trento, Italy; CNR-ISAFOM: Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto per i sistemi agricoli e forestali del Mediterraneo, Via Patacca 85, 80056, Ercolano, NA, Italy
| | - Emilio Sperone
- DiBEST, Università della Calabria, via P. Bucci, 87036, Rende, CS, Italy
| | - Heidi Christine Hauffe
- Unità Genetica di Conservazione, Dipartimento di Biodiversità ed Ecologia Molecolare, Centro Ricerca ed Innovazione, Fondazione E. Mach, Via E. Mach 1, 38010, San Michele all'Adige (TN), Italy
| | | | - Giorgio Bertorelle
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e Biotecnologie, Università di Ferrara, Via Luigi Borsari 46, 44121, Ferrara, Italy.
| | - Daniele Canestrelli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Ecologiche e Biologiche, Università della Tuscia, Largo dell'Università s.n.c., 01100, Viterbo, Italy
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Balaguera-Reina SA, Moncada-Jimenez JF, Prada-Quiroga CF, Hernandez-Gonzalez F, Bolaños-Cubillos NW, Farfán-Ardila N, Garcia-Calderón LM, Densmore LD. Tracking a voyager: mitochondrial DNA analyses reveal mainland-to-island dispersal of an American crocodile (Crocodylus acutus) across the Caribbean. Biol J Linn Soc Lond 2020. [DOI: 10.1093/biolinnean/blaa121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Conservation efforts have allowed American crocodile (Crocodylus acutus) populations to recover to the point that dispersal movements are beginning to be documented. The environmental authority of San Andres Island in Colombia reported, for the first time, the arrival of two C. acutus from unknown localities in 2012 and 2018. The former was sacrificed, and the latter was captured and kept in captivity to determining its potential origin. We used wildlife forensics to establish the origin of the animal that arrived in 2018 based on two mitochondrial genes (COI and Cytb). Additionally, five other samples from Tayrona National Natural Park (TNNP), and Salamanca Island Road Park (SIRP) were sequenced for molecular attribution of these populations to the currently described lineages. Phylogenetic and phylogeographic analyses showed that the American crocodile found in San Andrés belongs to a continental evolutionary lineage endemic to Colombia, showing also a strong genetic similarity with animals from SIRP. Thus, the most likely origin for this individual was not the nearest continental area but somewhere around the central Colombian Caribbean, located ~700 km from the island. We discuss the implication of our findings in the systematics and conservation of the species and the potential of mitochondrial DNA analysis to identify such migrants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio A Balaguera-Reina
- Programa de Biología Ambiental, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Matemáticas, Universidad de Ibagué, Ibagué, Colombia
- Department of Biological Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | | | | | - Felipe Hernandez-Gonzalez
- Programa de Biología Ambiental, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Matemáticas, Universidad de Ibagué, Ibagué, Colombia
- Programa de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Tolima, Ibagué, Colombia
| | - Nacor W Bolaños-Cubillos
- Corporación para el Desarrollo Sostenible del Archipiélago de San Andrés, Providencia y Santa Catalina, Vía San Luis, San Andrés, Colombia
| | | | | | - Llewellyn D Densmore
- Programa de Biología Ambiental, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Matemáticas, Universidad de Ibagué, Ibagué, Colombia
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Wildlife forensics: A boon for species identification and conservation implications. Forensic Sci Int 2020; 317:110530. [PMID: 33096398 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2020.110530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Revised: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Wildlife trade and fraudulence in food, artefacts and cosmetic industries had raised serious concern in protection of the wild faunal diversity. Lack of proper tools and molecular based techniques for identification of wild species are some of the major constrains faced by the judiciary and law enforcement agencies while framing charges against poachers and illicit agitator. The emergence of wildlife forensics serves as a boon in solving long pending cases of wildlife crimes. Wildlife forensics have proven to be fast, accurate and reliable criminal investigation processes with comprehensive coverage and easy accessibility. It has also helped resolving taxonomic disputes, determining spatiotemporal genetic divergence, evolutionary history, origins and even endemism. Collaboration among inter-disciplinary fields has even led to engineered signature markers and phylogenetics for several species. Development in fields of genetics, molecular and evolutionary biology and other omics techniques have further contributed in accurate identification of species. Wildlife forensics, with the support of proper international mega database units for population reference, will be fundamental in wildlife investigations through its unlimited information sharing ability. The efficient conservation of species will, however, require a collaborative approach consisting of national policy makers, local stakeholders and implementation agencies in addition to experts from the scientific communities.
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Le MD, McCormack TE, Hoang HV, Duong HT, Nguyen TQ, Ziegler T, Nguyen HD, Ngo HT. Threats from wildlife trade: The importance of genetic data in safeguarding the endangered Four-eyed Turtle (Sacalia quadriocellata). NATURE CONSERVATION 2020. [DOI: 10.3897/natureconservation.41.54661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Wildlife trade has been considered one of the largest threats to biodiversity in Southeast Asia. Many vertebrates, such as pangolins, elephants and turtles have been heavily hunted as a result of high demand from emerging markets in China and other countries in the region. In Vietnam, over-exploitation of turtles over several decades to supply the international trade has extirpated numerous populations and driven several species to the brink of extinction. To reverse this trend, conservation measures, such as re-introduction of confiscated or captive-bred animals to their native habitats, should be implemented to recover severely declined local populations. For species with a complex phylogeographic structure, however, it is crucial to understand geographic patterns of genetically-distinct populations to avoid releasing animals of unknown origin to wrong localities. In this study, we investigate the phylogeographic pattern of the Four-eyed Turtle (Sacalia quadriocellata), a widely traded species, which occurs in southern China, northern and central Laos and much of Vietnam, using samples with known localities and those collected from the local trade. Our range-wide phylogenetic and network study, based on the complete mitochondrial cytochrome b gene, recovered at least three major clades and seven subclades within the species range. Amongst these, two subclades, one from northern Annamites, Vietnam and the other from north-eastern Laos, are newly discovered. The fine scale phylogeographic analysis helped us to assign misidentified sequences from GenBank and those from confiscated animals with unknown origin to well-defined geographic populations. The results highlight the importance of incorporating samples collected from the local trade and the wild in genetic analyses to support both ex-situ and in-situ conservation programmes of highly-threatened species in accordance with the IUCN’s One Plan Approach.
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The influence of a priori grouping on inference of genetic clusters: simulation study and literature review of the DAPC method. Heredity (Edinb) 2020; 125:269-280. [PMID: 32753664 PMCID: PMC7553915 DOI: 10.1038/s41437-020-0348-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2019] [Revised: 07/19/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Inference of genetic clusters is a key aim of population genetics, sparking development of numerous analytical methods. Within these, there is a conceptual divide between finding de novo structure versus assessment of a priori groups. Recently developed, Discriminant Analysis of Principal Components (DAPC), combines discriminant analysis (DA) with principal component (PC) analysis. When applying DAPC, the groups used in the DA (specified a priori or described de novo) need to be carefully assessed. While DAPC has rapidly become a core technique, the sensitivity of the method to misspecification of groups and how it is being empirically applied, are unknown. To address this, we conducted a simulation study examining the influence of a priori versus de novo group designations, and a literature review of how DAPC is being applied. We found that with a priori groupings, distance between genetic clusters reflected underlying FST. However, when migration rates were high and groups were described de novo there was considerable inaccuracy, both in terms of the number of genetic clusters suggested and placement of individuals into those clusters. Nearly all (90.1%) of 224 studies surveyed used DAPC to find de novo clusters, and for the majority (62.5%) the stated goal matched the results. However, most studies (52.3%) omit key run parameters, preventing repeatability and transparency. Therefore, we present recommendations for standard reporting of parameters used in DAPC analyses. The influence of groupings in genetic clustering is not unique to DAPC, and researchers need to consider their goal and which methods will be most appropriate.
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Moorat G, Reed J, Bleay S, Amaral MA, Chappell B, Pamment N, Plowman C, Smith PA. The visualisation of fingermarks on Pangolin scales using gelatine lifters. Forensic Sci Int 2020; 313:110221. [PMID: 32485556 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2020.110221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2019] [Revised: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 02/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Recent media reports document the plight of the Pangolin and its current position as "the most trafficked mammal in the world". They are described by some as scaly anteaters as all species are covered in hard keratinous tissue in the form of overlapping scales acting as a "flexible dermal armour". It is estimated that between 2011 and 2013, 117,000-234,000 pangolins were slaughtered, but the seizures may only represent as little as 10% of the true volume of pangolins being illegally traded. In this paper, methods to visualise fingermarks on Pangolin scales using gelatine lifters is presented. The gelatine lifters provide an easy to use, inexpensive but effective method to help wildlife crime rangers across Africa and Asia to disrupt the trafficking. The gelatine lifting process visualised marks producing clear ridge detail on 52% of the Pangolin scales examined, with a further 30% showing the impression of a finger with limited ridge detail. The paper builds on an initial sociotechnical approach to establishing requirement, then it focuses on the methods and outcomes relating to lifting fingermarks off Pangolin scales using gelatine lifters, providing an evaluation of its use in practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Moorat
- University of Portsmouth, Faculty of Humanities and Social Science, Institute of Criminal Justice Studies, 141 High Street, Portsmouth, Hampshire PO1 2HY, United Kingdom
| | - J Reed
- University of Portsmouth, Faculty of Humanities and Social Science, Institute of Criminal Justice Studies, 141 High Street, Portsmouth, Hampshire PO1 2HY, United Kingdom
| | - S Bleay
- University of Portsmouth, Faculty of Humanities and Social Science, Institute of Criminal Justice Studies, 141 High Street, Portsmouth, Hampshire PO1 2HY, United Kingdom
| | - M A Amaral
- University of Portsmouth, Faculty of Humanities and Social Science, Institute of Criminal Justice Studies, 141 High Street, Portsmouth, Hampshire PO1 2HY, United Kingdom
| | - B Chappell
- University of Portsmouth, Faculty of Humanities and Social Science, Institute of Criminal Justice Studies, 141 High Street, Portsmouth, Hampshire PO1 2HY, United Kingdom
| | - N Pamment
- University of Portsmouth, Faculty of Humanities and Social Science, Institute of Criminal Justice Studies, 141 High Street, Portsmouth, Hampshire PO1 2HY, United Kingdom
| | - C Plowman
- University of Portsmouth, Faculty of Humanities and Social Science, Institute of Criminal Justice Studies, 141 High Street, Portsmouth, Hampshire PO1 2HY, United Kingdom
| | - P A Smith
- University of Portsmouth, Faculty of Humanities and Social Science, Institute of Criminal Justice Studies, 141 High Street, Portsmouth, Hampshire PO1 2HY, United Kingdom.
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29
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Predicting the geographic origin of Spanish Cedar (Cedrela odorata L.) based on DNA variation. CONSERV GENET 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s10592-020-01282-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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30
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Bourret V, Albert V, April J, Côté G, Morissette O. Past, present and future contributions of evolutionary biology to wildlife forensics, management and conservation. Evol Appl 2020; 13:1420-1434. [PMID: 32684967 PMCID: PMC7359848 DOI: 10.1111/eva.12977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2019] [Revised: 03/27/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Successfully implementing fundamental concepts into concrete applications is challenging in any given field. It requires communication, collaboration and shared will between researchers and practitioners. We argue that evolutionary biology, through research work linked to conservation, management and forensics, had a significant impact on wildlife agencies and department practices, where new frameworks and applications have been implemented over the last decades. The Quebec government's Wildlife Department (MFFP: Ministère des Forêts, de la Faune et des Parcs) has been proactive in reducing the “research–implementation” gap, thanks to prolific collaborations with many academic researchers. Among these associations, our department's outstanding partnership with Dr. Louis Bernatchez yielded significant contributions to harvest management, stocking programmes, definition of conservation units, recovery of threatened species, management of invasive species and forensic applications. We discuss key evolutionary biology concepts and resulting concrete examples of their successful implementation that derives directly or indirectly from this successful partnership. While old and new threats to wildlife are bringing new challenges, we expect recent developments in eDNA and genomics to provide innovative solutions as long as the research–implementation bridge remains open.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Bourret
- Direction générale de la protection de la faune Ministère des Forêts, de la Faune et des Parcs Québec QC Canada
| | - Vicky Albert
- Direction générale de la protection de la faune Ministère des Forêts, de la Faune et des Parcs Québec QC Canada
| | - Julien April
- Direction générale de la gestion de la faune et des habitats Ministère des Forêts, de la Faune et des Parcs Québec QC Canada
| | - Guillaume Côté
- Direction générale de la gestion de la faune et des habitats Ministère des Forêts, de la Faune et des Parcs Québec QC Canada
| | - Olivier Morissette
- Direction générale de la gestion de la faune et des habitats Ministère des Forêts, de la Faune et des Parcs Québec QC Canada
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31
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Dormontt E, Jardine D, van Dijk KJ, Dunker B, Dixon R, Hipkins V, Tobe S, Linacre A, Lowe A. Forensic validation of a SNP and INDEL panel for individualisation of timber from bigleaf maple (Acer macrophyllum Pursch). Forensic Sci Int Genet 2020; 46:102252. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2020.102252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2019] [Revised: 12/22/2019] [Accepted: 01/19/2020] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Novak BJ, Fraser D, Maloney TH. Transforming Ocean Conservation: Applying the Genetic Rescue Toolkit. Genes (Basel) 2020; 11:E209. [PMID: 32085502 PMCID: PMC7074136 DOI: 10.3390/genes11020209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2019] [Revised: 01/25/2020] [Accepted: 02/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Although oceans provide critical ecosystem services and support the most abundant populations on earth, the extent of damage impacting oceans and the diversity of strategies to protect them is disconcertingly, and disproportionately, understudied. While conventional modes of conservation have made strides in mitigating impacts of human activities on ocean ecosystems, those strategies alone cannot completely stem the tide of mounting threats. Biotechnology and genomic research should be harnessed and developed within conservation frameworks to foster the persistence of viable ocean ecosystems. This document distills the results of a targeted survey, the Ocean Genomics Horizon Scan, which assessed opportunities to bring novel genetic rescue tools to marine conservation. From this Horizon Scan, we have identified how novel approaches from synthetic biology and genomics can alleviate major marine threats. While ethical frameworks for biotechnological interventions are necessary for effective and responsible practice, here we primarily assessed technological and social factors directly affecting technical development and deployment of biotechnology interventions for marine conservation. Genetic insight can greatly enhance established conservation methods, but the severity of many threats may demand genomic intervention. While intervention is controversial, for many marine areas the cost of inaction is too high to allow controversy to be a barrier to conserving viable ecosystems. Here, we offer a set of recommendations for engagement and program development to deploy genetic rescue safely and responsibly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben J. Novak
- Revive & Restore, 1505 Bridgeway #203, Sausalito, CA 94965, USA;
| | - Devaughn Fraser
- Genetics Research Lab, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Sacramento, CA 95834, USA;
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33
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Microsatellite based assignment reveals history of extirpated mountain ungulate. Genetica 2020; 148:41-46. [PMID: 31983008 DOI: 10.1007/s10709-020-00084-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2019] [Revised: 12/23/2019] [Accepted: 01/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
During the early 1900s, Northern chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra) populations in the northern Dinaric Mountains were extirpated. During the 1960s and 1970s there were several reintroductions of individuals from two Northern chamois subspecies (Alpine chamois, R. r. rupicapra and Balkan chamois, R. r. balcanica) from neighbouring areas in the attempt to re-establish the population. Accurate taxonomic classification, at subspecies level, of the autochthonous extirpated population was not known. To clarify which subspecies was present before reintroduction, we genotyped four male chamois skulls originating from Velebit Mountain, collected around 25 years before the population local extinction. DNA was successfully extracted from middle layer and outer sheath of horns. Assignment based on microsatellite loci, using both Bayesian clustering in STRUCTURE (with q values between 0.55 and 0.73) and DAPC (with individual membership probabilities of 0.99 and 1.00) indicated higher assessed likelihood for the Alpine subspecies.
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34
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González BA, Agapito AM, Novoa-Muñoz F, Vianna J, Johnson WE, Marín JC. Utility of genetic variation in coat color genes to distinguish wild, domestic and hybrid South American camelids for forensic and judicial applications. Forensic Sci Int Genet 2019; 45:102226. [PMID: 31884178 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2019.102226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2019] [Revised: 12/11/2019] [Accepted: 12/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
A molecular genetic protocol for distinguishing pure and hybrid South American camelids was developed to provide strong, quantifiable, and unbiased species identification. We detail the application of the approach in the context of a criminal case in the Andes Mountains of central Chile where the defendants were alleged to have illegally hunted three wild guanacos (Lama guanicoe), as opposed to hybrid domestic llama (Lama glama)/wild guanaco crosses, which are unregulated. We describe a workflow that differentiates among wild, domestic and hybrid South American camelids (Lama versus Vicugna) based on mitochondrial cytochrome b genetic variation (to distinguish between Lama and Vicugna), and MC1R and exon 4 variation of the ASIP gene (to differentiate wild from domestic species). Additionally, we infer the population origin and sex of each of the three individuals from a panel of 15 autosomal microsatellite loci and the presence or absence of the SRY gene. Our analyses strongly supported the inference that the confiscated carcasses corresponded with 2 male and 1 female guanacos that were hunted illegally. Statistical power analyses suggested that there was an extremely low probability of misidentifying domestic camelids as wild camelids (an estimated 0 % Type I error rate), or using more conservative approached a 1.17 % chance of misidentification of wild species as domestic camelids (Type II error). Our case report and methodological and analytical protocols demonstrate the power of genetic variation in coat color genes to identify hybrids between wild and domestic camelid species and highlight the utility of the approach to help combat illegal wildlife hunting and trafficking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benito A González
- Laboratorio de Ecología de Vida Silvestre, Facultad de Ciencias Forestales y de la Conservación de la Naturaleza, Universidad de Chile, Chile; South American Camelid Specialist Group, Species Survival Commission, International Union for Conservation of Nature
| | - Ana María Agapito
- Laboratorio de Genómica y Biodiversidad, Departamento de Ciencias Básicas, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad del Bío-Bío, Chillán, Chile
| | - Francisco Novoa-Muñoz
- Departamento de Estadística, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad del Bío-Bío, Concepción, Chile
| | - Juliana Vianna
- Departamento de Ecosistemas y Medio Ambiente, Facultad de Agronomía e Ingeniería Forestal, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Warren E Johnson
- Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Smithsonian Institution, Washington DC, United States; Walter Reed Biosystematics Unit, Smithsonian Institution, Suitland, MD, United States
| | - Juan Carlos Marín
- Laboratorio de Genómica y Biodiversidad, Departamento de Ciencias Básicas, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad del Bío-Bío, Chillán, Chile.
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35
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Windsor AM, Moore MK, Warner KA, Stadig SR, Deeds JR. Evaluation of variation within the barcode region of Cytochrome c Oxidase I (COI) for the detection of commercial Callinectes sapidus Rathbun, 1896 (blue crab) products of non-US origin. PeerJ 2019; 7:e7827. [PMID: 31720100 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.7827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2019] [Accepted: 09/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Callinectes sapidus Rathbun, 1896 is a western Atlantic species with a disjointed natural geographic range from Massachusetts, USA to Venezuela (distribution area 1) and from Alagoas, Brazil to northern Argentina (distribution area 2). It is the only species of portunid crab commercially harvested in the continental United States but is also imported into the US from several Latin American countries, Venezuela and Mexico in particular. In the United States, crab products labeled as "blue crab" and "Product of the USA" may not legally contain other species of crab or C. sapidus not harvested in the United States. The present study documents nucleotide variation within the barcode region of cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) in 417 reference specimens of C. sapidus collected from throughout its natural range. The goal of this study is to determine if this variation can be utilized to detect mislabeled C. sapidus products sold in interstate commerce by comparing genetic signatures in reference specimens to those observed in commercial crabmeat labeled as "Product of the USA" and "Product of Venezuela." In reference specimens, we observed high levels of genetic variation in the barcode region. However, three lineages were consistently observed with significant pairwise F st values between the lineages. Lineage 1 was observed throughout the natural geographic range but predominated in the continental US and was the only lineage observed in the major crabmeat-producing states (MD, LA, VA, NC). Lineage 2 primarily occurred in the Caribbean region of distribution area 1 but was also infrequently encountered in the South Atlantic Bight region of the US coast. Finally, Lineage 3 was only observed in Brazilian waters and had the lowest haplotype and nucleotide diversity values. Lineages 1 and 2 were separated by a mean pairwise distance (p-distance) of 3.15%, whereas Lineage 3 had a mean p-distance of 2.55% and 1.35% to Lineages 1 and 2, respectively. Within lineage mean p-distances were 0.45%, 0.19%, and 0.07% for Lineages 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Among all vouchered reference specimens collected from the continental United States, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and Venezuela, we identified 22 phylogenetically informative sites that drive observed lineage divergences. Haplotypes identified from barcode COI sequences from commercial C. sapidus products labeled as originating from the US all aligned with haplotypes from Lineage 1 reference specimens and haplotypes from commercial products labeled as originating from Venezuela all aligned with Lineage 2, suggesting that these lineages may be useful for indicating whether products originate from the continental US or are imported when package labeling is in question.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda M Windsor
- Office of Regulatory Science, United States Food and Drug Administration, College Park, MD, USA
| | - M Katherine Moore
- Conservation Biology Division, Forensic Laboratory, Northwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Charleston, SC, USA
| | | | - Sarah R Stadig
- Office of Regulatory Science, United States Food and Drug Administration, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Jonathan R Deeds
- Office of Regulatory Science, United States Food and Drug Administration, College Park, MD, USA
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A geographical traceability system for Merbau (Intsia palembanica Miq.), an important timber species from peninsular Malaysia. Forensic Sci Int Genet 2019; 44:102188. [PMID: 31648150 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2019.102188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2019] [Revised: 07/22/2019] [Accepted: 10/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
To inform product users about the origin of timber, the implementation of a traceability system is necessary for the forestry industry. In this study, we developed a comprehensive genetic database for the important tropical timber species Merbau, Intsia palembanica, to trace its geographic origin within peninsular Malaysia. A total of 1373 individual trees representing 39 geographically distinct populations of I. palembanica were sampled throughout peninsular Malaysia. We analyzed the samples using a combination of four chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) markers and 14 short tandem repeat (STR) markers to establish both cpDNA haplotype and STR allele frequency databases. A haplotype map was generated through cpDNA sequencing for population identification, resulting in six unique haplotypes based on 10 informative intraspecifically variable sites. Subsequently, an STR allele frequency database was developed from 14 STRs allowing individual identification. Bayesian cluster analysis divided the individuals into two genetic clusters corresponding to the northern and southern regions of peninsular Malaysia. Tests of conservativeness showed that the databases were conservative after the adjustment of the θ values to 0.2000 and 0.2900 for the northern (f = 0.0163) and southern (f = 0.0285) regions, respectively. Using self-assignment tests, we observed that individuals were correctly assigned to populations at rates of 40.54-94.12% and to the identified regions at rates of 79.80-80.62%. Both the cpDNA and STR markers appear to be useful for tracking Merbau timber originating from peninsular Malaysia. The use of these forensic tools in addition to the existing paper-based timber tracking system will help to verify the legality of the origin of I. palembanica and to combat illegal logging issues associated with the species.
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George K, Masters A, Dawnay N. Development of HyBeacon® probes for the forensic detection of Panthera, rhinoceros, and pangolin species. Mol Cell Probes 2019; 48:101450. [PMID: 31563668 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcp.2019.101450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2019] [Revised: 08/14/2019] [Accepted: 09/16/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The Illegal Wildlife Trade (IWT) represents a multi-billion dollar black-market industry whereby wild species are illegally taken from their natural environment and sold. A common question asked by wildlife forensic scientists pertains to species and/or genus identity, which currently requires multi-step processing. Our work details the development of three HyBeacon® probes, used for the presumptive detection of rhinoceros, pangolin and key target species in the Panthera genus. The approach can be performed in a single tube using melt curve analysis and provide rapid assessment of sample identity. Using synthetic DNA of representative species, early data suggest the approach is sensitive enough to achieve species identification with <10 cells. Future development and assay validation can allow the rapid screening of multiple seized items before confirmatory DNA sequencing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberley George
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Byrom Street, Liverpool, L3 3AF, UK
| | - Alice Masters
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Byrom Street, Liverpool, L3 3AF, UK
| | - Nick Dawnay
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Byrom Street, Liverpool, L3 3AF, UK.
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Weist P, Schade FM, Damerau M, Barth JMI, Dierking J, André C, Petereit C, Reusch T, Jentoft S, Hanel R, Krumme U. Assessing SNP-markers to study population mixing and ecological adaptation in Baltic cod. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0218127. [PMID: 31220098 PMCID: PMC6586271 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0218127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2019] [Accepted: 05/27/2019] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) is a species of great ecological and economical importance in the Baltic Sea. Here, two genetically differentiated stocks, the western and the eastern Baltic cod, display substantial mechanical mixing, hampering our understanding of cod ecology and impeding stock assessments and management. Based on whole-genome re-sequencing data from reference samples obtained from the study area, we designed two different panels of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms markers (SNPs), which take into account the exceptional genome architecture of cod. A minimum panel of 20 diagnostic SNPs and an extended panel (20 diagnostic and 18 biologically informative SNPs, 38 in total) were developed and validated to distinguish unambiguously between the western and the eastern Baltic cod stocks and to enable studies of local adaptation to the specific environment in the Baltic Sea, respectively. We tested both panels on cod sampled from the southern Baltic Sea (n = 603) caught in 2015 and 2016. Genotyping results showed that catches from the mixing zone in the Arkona Sea, were composed of similar proportions of individuals of the western and the eastern stock. Catches from adjacent areas to the east, the Bornholm Basin and Gdańsk Deep, were exclusively composed of eastern Baltic cod, whereas catches from adjacent western areas (Belt Sea and Öresund) were composed of western Baltic cod. Interestingly, the two Baltic cod stocks showed strong genetic differences at loci associated with life-history trait candidate genes, highlighting the species’ potential for ecological adaptation even at small geographical scales. The minimum and the extended panel of SNP markers presented in this study provide powerful tools for future applications in research and fisheries management to further illuminate the mixing dynamics of cod in the Baltic Sea and to better understand Baltic cod ecology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peggy Weist
- Thünen-Institute of Fisheries Ecology, Bremerhaven, Germany
- * E-mail:
| | | | - Malte Damerau
- Thünen-Institute of Fisheries Ecology, Bremerhaven, Germany
| | - Julia M. I. Barth
- Zoological Institute, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis, Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jan Dierking
- GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research, Kiel, Germany
| | - Carl André
- Department of Marine Sciences-Tjärnö, University of Gothenburg, Strömstad, Sweden
| | | | | | - Sissel Jentoft
- Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis, Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Reinhold Hanel
- Thünen-Institute of Fisheries Ecology, Bremerhaven, Germany
| | - Uwe Krumme
- Thünen-Institute of Baltic Sea Fisheries, Rostock, Germany
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Moore MK, Frazier K. Humans Are Animals, Too: Critical Commonalities and Differences Between Human and Wildlife Forensic Genetics. J Forensic Sci 2019; 64:1603-1621. [DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.14066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2018] [Revised: 03/10/2019] [Accepted: 04/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- M. Katherine Moore
- Forensic Laboratory Conservation Biology Division Northwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 219 Fort Johnson Road Charleston SC29412
| | - Kim Frazier
- Wyoming Game and Fish Wildlife Forensic and Fish Health Laboratory 1212 South Adams Street Laramie WY 82070
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Masters A, Ogden R, Wetton JH, Dawnay N. Defining end user requirements for a field-based molecular detection system for wildlife forensic investigations. Forensic Sci Int 2019; 301:231-239. [PMID: 31181408 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2019.05.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2019] [Accepted: 05/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The increasing use of non-laboratory-based DNA and protein detection methods promise to provide rapid investigative intelligence and support sample prioritisation. Primarily developed for human forensic or medical applications, current systems may also show utility in the field of wildlife forensic science. However, it is currently unknown whether the requirements of the wildlife forensic community can be met by current non-laboratory based tools. Given the diverse array of stakeholders and sample types commonly encountered, it is necessary to first identify the needs of the community and then try and map their needs to current instrumentation. By using a market research style questionnaire, this study identified key requirements for a non-laboratory-based system following feedback from the wildlife forensic community. Data showed that there is strong support for field-based detection methods while highlighting concerns including contamination risks and reduced quality assurance associated with non-laboratory testing. Key species and applications were identified alongside hurdles to implementation and adoption. Broadly, the requirements align with many of the developmental drivers that have led to the rise of in-field portable detection instrumentation, specifically rapid detection within one hour, ease-of-use, and ≥95% accuracy. Several existing platforms exist that met some of the identified requirements but not all. With further collaboration between industry partners and the wildlife forensic community it is possible that new field-based systems can be developed and applied routinely.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Masters
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Byrom Street, Liverpool, L3 3AF, UK
| | - Rob Ogden
- Royal School of Veterinary Studies and the Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, UK; TRACE Wildlife Forensics Network, Edinburgh, EH12 6LE, UK
| | - Jon H Wetton
- Department of Genetics & Genome Biology, University of Leicester, University Road, Leicester, LE1 7RH, UK
| | - Nick Dawnay
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Byrom Street, Liverpool, L3 3AF, UK.
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Hemmer‐Hansen J, Hüssy K, Baktoft H, Huwer B, Bekkevold D, Haslob H, Herrmann J, Hinrichsen H, Krumme U, Mosegaard H, Nielsen EE, Reusch TBH, Storr‐Paulsen M, Velasco A, von Dewitz B, Dierking J, Eero M. Genetic analyses reveal complex dynamics within a marine fish management area. Evol Appl 2019; 12:830-844. [PMID: 30976313 PMCID: PMC6439499 DOI: 10.1111/eva.12760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2018] [Revised: 11/20/2018] [Accepted: 11/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Genetic data have great potential for improving fisheries management by identifying the fundamental management units-that is, the biological populations-and their mixing. However, so far, the number of practical cases of marine fisheries management using genetics has been limited. Here, we used Atlantic cod in the Baltic Sea to demonstrate the applicability of genetics to a complex management scenario involving mixing of two genetically divergent populations. Specifically, we addressed several assumptions used in the current assessment of the two populations. Through analysis of 483 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) distributed across the Atlantic cod genome, we confirmed that a model of mechanical mixing, rather than hybridization and introgression, best explained the pattern of genetic differentiation. Thus, the fishery is best monitored as a mixed-stock fishery. Next, we developed a targeted panel of 39 SNPs with high statistical power for identifying population of origin and analyzed more than 2,000 tissue samples collected between 2011 and 2015 as well as 260 otoliths collected in 2003/2004. These data provided high spatial resolution and allowed us to investigate geographical trends in mixing, to compare patterns for different life stages and to investigate temporal trends in mixing. We found similar geographical trends for the two time points represented by tissue and otolith samples and that a recently implemented geographical management separation of the two populations provided a relatively close match to their distributions. In contrast to the current assumption, we found that patterns of mixing differed between juveniles and adults, a signal likely linked to the different reproductive dynamics of the two populations. Collectively, our data confirm that genetics is an operational tool for complex fisheries management applications. We recommend focussing on developing population assessment models and fisheries management frameworks to capitalize fully on the additional information offered by genetically assisted fisheries monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakob Hemmer‐Hansen
- National Institute of Aquatic ResourcesTechnical University of DenmarkSilkeborgDenmark
| | - Karin Hüssy
- National Institute of Aquatic ResourcesTechnical University of DenmarkKgs. LyngbyDenmark
| | - Henrik Baktoft
- National Institute of Aquatic ResourcesTechnical University of DenmarkSilkeborgDenmark
| | - Bastian Huwer
- National Institute of Aquatic ResourcesTechnical University of DenmarkKgs. LyngbyDenmark
| | - Dorte Bekkevold
- National Institute of Aquatic ResourcesTechnical University of DenmarkSilkeborgDenmark
| | | | - Jens‐Peter Herrmann
- Institute of Marine Ecosystem and Fishery ScienceUniversity of HamburgHamburgGermany
| | - Hans‐Harald Hinrichsen
- Evolutionary Ecology of Marine FishesGEOMAR Helmholtz Center for Ocean Research KielKielGermany
| | - Uwe Krumme
- Thünen Institute of Baltic Sea FisheriesRostockGermany
| | - Henrik Mosegaard
- National Institute of Aquatic ResourcesTechnical University of DenmarkKgs. LyngbyDenmark
| | - Einar Eg Nielsen
- National Institute of Aquatic ResourcesTechnical University of DenmarkSilkeborgDenmark
| | - Thorsten B. H. Reusch
- Evolutionary Ecology of Marine FishesGEOMAR Helmholtz Center for Ocean Research KielKielGermany
| | - Marie Storr‐Paulsen
- National Institute of Aquatic ResourcesTechnical University of DenmarkKgs. LyngbyDenmark
| | | | - Burkhard von Dewitz
- Evolutionary Ecology of Marine FishesGEOMAR Helmholtz Center for Ocean Research KielKielGermany
| | - Jan Dierking
- Evolutionary Ecology of Marine FishesGEOMAR Helmholtz Center for Ocean Research KielKielGermany
| | - Margit Eero
- National Institute of Aquatic ResourcesTechnical University of DenmarkKgs. LyngbyDenmark
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Finch KN, Jones FA, Cronn RC. Genomic resources for the Neotropical tree genus Cedrela (Meliaceae) and its relatives. BMC Genomics 2019; 20:58. [PMID: 30658593 PMCID: PMC6339301 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-018-5382-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2018] [Accepted: 12/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tree species in the genus Cedrela P. Browne are threatened by timber overexploitation across the Neotropics. Genetic identification of processed timber can be used to supplement wood anatomy to assist in the taxonomic and source validation of protected species and populations of Cedrela. However, few genetic resources exist that enable both species and source identification of Cedrela timber products. We developed several 'omic resources including a leaf transcriptome, organelle genome (cpDNA), and diagnostic single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that may assist the classification of Cedrela specimens to species and geographic origin and enable future research on this widespread Neotropical tree genus. RESULTS We designed hybridization capture probes to enrich for thousands of genes from both freshly preserved leaf tissue and from herbarium specimens across eight Meliaceae species. We first assembled a draft de novo transcriptome for C. odorata, and then identified putatively low-copy genes. Hybridization probes for 10,001 transcript models successfully enriched 9795 (98%) of these targets, and analysis of target capture efficiency showed that probes worked effectively for five Cedrela species, with each species showing similar mean on-target sequence yield and depth. The probes showed greater enrichment efficiency for Cedrela species relative to the other three distantly related Meliaceae species. We provide a set of candidate SNPs for species identification of four of the Cedrela species included in this analysis, and present draft chloroplast genomes for multiple individuals of eight species from four genera in the Meliaceae. CONCLUSIONS Deforestation and illegal logging threaten forest biodiversity globally, and wood screening tools offer enforcement agencies new approaches to identify illegally harvested timber. The genomic resources described here provide the foundation required to develop genetic screening methods for Cedrela species identification and source validation. Due to their transferability across the genus and family as well as demonstrated applicability for both fresh leaves and herbarium specimens, the genomic resources described here provide additional tools for studies examining the ecology and evolutionary history of Cedrela and related species in the Meliaceae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen N. Finch
- Department of Botany and Plant Pathology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331 USA
| | - F. Andrew Jones
- Department of Botany and Plant Pathology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331 USA
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Balboa, Ancon, Republic of Panama
| | - Richard C. Cronn
- USDA Forest Service Pacific Northwest Research Station, Corvallis, Oregon 97331 USA
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Campbell CD, Pecon-Slattery J, Pollak R, Joseph L, Holleley CE. The origin of exotic pet sugar gliders ( Petaurus breviceps) kept in the United States of America. PeerJ 2019; 7:e6180. [PMID: 30643698 PMCID: PMC6329365 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.6180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2018] [Accepted: 11/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The demand for exotic non-domesticated animals kept as pets in the United States of America (USA) is increasing the exportation rates of these species from their native ranges. Often, illegal harvesting of these species is used to boost captive-bred numbers and meet this demand. One such species, the sugar glider (Petaurus breviceps), endemic to Australia and New Guinea is a popular domestic pet due to its small size and "cute" demeanour. Despite a legal avenue for trade existing in Indonesia, concerns have been raised that sugar gliders may be entering the USA from other parts of their native range where exportation is prohibited such as Australia, Papua New Guinea and the surrounding Indonesian islands. We compared previously published DNA sequences from across the native range of sugar gliders with samples collected from domestically kept sugar gliders within the USA to determine provenance and gene flow between source and introduced populations. Here we show that as predicted, the USA sugar glider population originates from West Papua, Indonesia with no illegal harvesting from other native areas such as Papua New Guinea or Australia evident in the samples tested within this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catriona D. Campbell
- Australian National Wildlife Collection, CSIRO National Research Collections Australia, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Jill Pecon-Slattery
- Laboratory of Genomic Diversity, National Cancer Institute—National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD, United States of America
- Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute—National Zoological Park, Front Royal, VA, United States of America
| | - Rebecca Pollak
- Laboratory of Genomic Diversity, National Cancer Institute—National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD, United States of America
| | - Leo Joseph
- Australian National Wildlife Collection, CSIRO National Research Collections Australia, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Clare E. Holleley
- Australian National Wildlife Collection, CSIRO National Research Collections Australia, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
- Laboratory of Genomic Diversity, National Cancer Institute—National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD, United States of America
- Institute for Applied Ecology, University of Canberra, Bruce, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
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Plesivkova D, Richards R, Harbison S. A review of the potential of the MinION™ single‐molecule sequencing system for forensic applications. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018. [DOI: 10.1002/wfs2.1323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Diana Plesivkova
- Forensic Science Programme, School of Chemical Sciences University of Auckland Auckland New Zealand
| | - Rebecca Richards
- Forensic Science Programme, School of Chemical Sciences University of Auckland Auckland New Zealand
| | - SallyAnn Harbison
- Institute of Environmental Science and Research Ltd Auckland New Zealand
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Summerell AE, Frankham GJ, Gunn P, Johnson RN. DNA based method for determining source country of the short beaked echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus) in the illegal wildlife trade. Forensic Sci Int 2018; 295:46-53. [PMID: 30554021 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2018.11.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2018] [Revised: 11/06/2018] [Accepted: 11/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The illegal trade in wild animals being sold as 'captive bred' is an emerging issue in the pet and zoo industry and has both animal welfare and conservation implications. DNA based methods can be a quick, inexpensive, and definitive way to determine the source of these animals, thereby assisting efforts to combat this trade. The short beaked echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus) is currently one of the species suspected to be targeted in this trade. As this species is distributed throughout Australia and in New Guinea (currently comprising of five recognised sub-species), this project aimed to develop a DNA based method to definitively determine the source country of an echidna and explore the use of non-invasive sampling techniques. Here we use non-invasively sampled echidna quills and demonstrate the extraction of mitochondrial DNA and amplification of a region of the mitochondrial genome. Phylogenetically informative markers for analysis of a 322bp segment of the D-loop region were developed, and subsequently validated, using animals with known source locations allowing us to reliably distinguish between echidnas from New Guinea, and Australia. This research presents the first validated forensic protocols for short beaked echidnas and will be an integral tool in understanding the movement of animals in this emerging trade.
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Affiliation(s)
- A E Summerell
- Australian Centre for Wildlife Genomics, Australian Museum Research Institute, 1 William Street, Sydney, Australia; Centre for Forensic Science, University of Technology Sydney, 15 Broadway, Ultimo, Australia.
| | - G J Frankham
- Australian Centre for Wildlife Genomics, Australian Museum Research Institute, 1 William Street, Sydney, Australia
| | - P Gunn
- Centre for Forensic Science, University of Technology Sydney, 15 Broadway, Ultimo, Australia
| | - R N Johnson
- Australian Centre for Wildlife Genomics, Australian Museum Research Institute, 1 William Street, Sydney, Australia.
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46
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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] [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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48
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Chaves CL, Degen B, Pakull B, Mader M, Honorio E, Ruas P, Tysklind N, Sebbenn AM. Assessing the Ability of Chloroplast and Nuclear DNA Gene Markers to Verify the Geographic Origin of Jatoba (Hymenaea courbaril L.) Timber. J Hered 2018; 109:543-552. [PMID: 29668954 DOI: 10.1093/jhered/esy017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2017] [Accepted: 04/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Deforestation-reinforced by illegal logging-is a serious problem in many tropical regions and causes pervasive environmental and economic damage. Existing laws that intend to reduce illegal logging need efficient, fraud resistant control methods. We developed a genetic reference database for Jatoba (Hymenaea courbaril), an important, high value timber species from the Neotropics. The data set can be used for controls on declarations of wood origin. Samples from 308 Hymenaea trees from 12 locations in Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, and French Guiana have been collected and genotyped on 10 nuclear microsatellites (nSSRs), 13 chloroplast SNPs (cpSNP), and 1 chloroplast indel marker. The chloroplast gene markers have been developed using Illumina DNA sequencing. Bayesian cluster analysis divided the individuals based on the nSSRs into 8 genetic groups. Using self-assignment tests, the power of the genetic reference database to judge on declarations on the location has been tested for 3 different assignment methods. We observed a strong genetic differentiation among locations leading to high and reliable self-assignment rates for the locations between 50% to 100% (average of 88%). Although all 3 assignment methods came up with similar mean self-assignment rates, there were differences for some locations linked to the level of genetic diversity, differentiation, and heterozygosity. Our results show that the nuclear and chloroplast gene markers are effective to be used for a genetic certification system and can provide national and international authorities with a robust tool to confirm legality of timber.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila L Chaves
- State University of Londrina, Agronomy Department, Rodovia Celso Garcia Cid, Londrina, PR, Brazil
| | - Bernd Degen
- Thünen Institut für Forstgenetik, Sieker Landstrasse, Grosshansdorf, Germany
| | - Birte Pakull
- Thünen Institut für Forstgenetik, Sieker Landstrasse, Grosshansdorf, Germany
| | - Malte Mader
- Thünen Institut für Forstgenetik, Sieker Landstrasse, Grosshansdorf, Germany
| | - Euridice Honorio
- Instituto de Investigaciones de la Amazonía Peruana (IIAP), Iquitos, Peru
| | - Paulo Ruas
- State University of Londrina, Department of Biology, Rodovia Celso Garcia Cid, Londrina, PR, Brazil
| | - Niklas Tysklind
- INRA - UMR 0745 ECOFOG "Ecologie des Forêts de Guyane" Campus agronomique, KOUROU Cedex, French Guiana
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Santos C, Pereira F. Identification of plant species using variable length chloroplast DNA sequences. Forensic Sci Int Genet 2018; 36:1-12. [PMID: 29870882 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2018.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2017] [Revised: 05/10/2018] [Accepted: 05/28/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The correct identification of species in the highly divergent group of plants is crucial for several forensic investigations. Previous works had difficulties in the establishment of a rapid and robust method for the identification of plants. For instance, DNA barcoding requires the analysis of two or three different genomic regions to attain reasonable levels of discrimination. Therefore, new methods for the molecular identification of plants are clearly needed. Here we tested the utility of variable-length sequences in the chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) as a way to identify plant species. The SPInDel (Species Identification by Insertions/Deletions) approach targets hypervariable genomic regions that contain multiple insertions/deletions (indels) and length variability, which are found interspersed with highly conserved regions. The combination of fragment lengths defines a unique numeric profile for each species, allowing its identification. We analysed more than 44,000 sequences retrieved from public databases belonging to 206 different plant families. Four target regions were identified as suitable for the SPInDel concept: atpF-atpH, psbA-trnH, trnL CD and trnL GH. When considered alone, the discrimination power of each region was low, varying from 5.18% (trnL GH) to 42.54% (trnL CD). However, the discrimination power reached more than 90% when the length of some of these regions is combined. We also observed low diversity in intraspecific data sets for all target regions, suggesting they can be used for identification purposes. Our results demonstrate the utility of the SPInDel concept for the identification of plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Santos
- Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR), University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos s/n 4450-208, Matosinhos, Portugal; Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, s/n, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal.
| | - Filipe Pereira
- Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR), University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos s/n 4450-208, Matosinhos, Portugal.
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50
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Conservation genomics reveals possible illegal trade routes and admixture across pangolin lineages in Southeast Asia. CONSERV GENET 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s10592-018-1080-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
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