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Talavera A, Valbuena-Ureña E, Burriel-Carranza B, Mochales-Riaño G, Adams DC, Amat F, Carbonell F, Carranza S. Integrative systematic revision of the Montseny brook newt ( Calotriton arnoldi), with the description of a new subspecies. PeerJ 2024; 12:e17550. [PMID: 38881865 PMCID: PMC11180430 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.17550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024] Open
Abstract
The Montseny brook newt (Calotriton arnoldi), a glacial relict endemic to a small, isolated massif in northeast Spain, is considered the only Critically Endangered urodele in Europe. Its restricted range is divided by a deep valley that acts as an impassable barrier to dispersal, separating two isolated metapopulations (Western and Eastern) that correspond to independent lineages with different evolutionary trajectories, based on genetic and genomic data. Here, we address the ecological differentiation between lineages and discuss its potential effect on the phenotypic distinctness of each lineage. Based on multiple lines of evidence, we formally describe the Western Montseny brook newt as a new subspecies: Calotriton arnoldi laietanus ssp. nov. Finally, our study underscores the importance of considering taxonomic progress in the conservation policies of endangered species, ensuring appropriate management and protection of the newly described taxa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrián Talavera
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology (CSIC-Universitat Pompeu Fabra), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | | | - Bernat Burriel-Carranza
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology (CSIC-Universitat Pompeu Fabra), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
- Museu de Ciències Naturals de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Gabriel Mochales-Riaño
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology (CSIC-Universitat Pompeu Fabra), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Dean C Adams
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, United States
| | - Fèlix Amat
- Àrea d'Herpetologia, Museu de Granollers-Ciències Naturals, Granollers, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Francesc Carbonell
- Centre de Fauna Salvatge de Torreferrussa, Santa Perpètua de Mogoda, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Salvador Carranza
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology (CSIC-Universitat Pompeu Fabra), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
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2
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Talavera A, Palmada-Flores M, Burriel-Carranza B, Valbuena-Ureña E, Mochales-Riaño G, Adams DC, Tejero-Cicuéndez H, Soler-Membrives A, Amat F, Guinart D, Carbonell F, Obon E, Marquès-Bonet T, Carranza S. Genomic insights into the Montseny brook newt ( Calotriton arnoldi), a Critically Endangered glacial relict. iScience 2024; 27:108665. [PMID: 38226169 PMCID: PMC10788218 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.108665] [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: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024] Open
Abstract
The Montseny brook newt (Calotriton arnoldi), considered the most endangered amphibian in Europe, is a relict salamandrid species endemic to a small massif located in northeastern Spain. Although conservation efforts should always be guided by genomic studies, those are yet scarce among urodeles, hampered by the extreme sizes of their genomes. Here, we present the third available genome assembly for the order Caudata, and the first genomic study of the species and its sister taxon, the Pyrenean brook newt (Calotriton asper), combining whole-genome and ddRADseq data. Our results reveal significant demographic oscillations which accurately mirrored Europe's climatic history. Although severe bottlenecks have led to depauperate genomic diversity and long runs of homozygosity along a gigantic genome, inbreeding might have been avoided by assortative mating strategies. Other life history traits, however, seem to have been less advantageous, and the lack of land dispersal has driven to exceptional levels of population fragmentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrián Talavera
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology (CSIC-Universitat Pompeu Fabra), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marc Palmada-Flores
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology (CSIC-Universitat Pompeu Fabra), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Bernat Burriel-Carranza
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology (CSIC-Universitat Pompeu Fabra), Barcelona, Spain
- Museu de Ciències Naturals de Barcelona, Pº Picasso s/n, Parc Ciutadella, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | - Dean C. Adams
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50010, USA
| | - Héctor Tejero-Cicuéndez
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology (CSIC-Universitat Pompeu Fabra), Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Biodiversity, Ecology and Evolution, Faculty of Biology, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Anna Soler-Membrives
- Departament de Biologia Animal, de Biologia Vegetal i d'Ecologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Fèlix Amat
- Àrea d’Herpetologia, BiBIO, Museu de Granollers – Ciències Naturals. Palaudàries 102, Granollers, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Daniel Guinart
- Servei de Gestió de Parcs Naturals, Diputació de Barcelona, Spain
| | - Francesc Carbonell
- Centre de fauna salvatge de Torreferrussa (Forestal Catalana, SA), Santa Perpètua de Mogoda, Spain
| | - Elena Obon
- Centre de fauna salvatge de Torreferrussa (Forestal Catalana, SA), Santa Perpètua de Mogoda, Spain
| | - Tomàs Marquès-Bonet
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology (CSIC-Universitat Pompeu Fabra), Barcelona, Spain
- CNAG-CRG, Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut Català de Paleontologia Miquel Crusafont, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
- Catalan Institution of Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Salvador Carranza
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology (CSIC-Universitat Pompeu Fabra), Barcelona, Spain
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3
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Olsen KC, Levitan DR. Interpopulation variation in inbreeding is primarily driven by tolerance of mating with relatives in a spermcasting invertebrate. J Evol Biol 2023; 36:95-108. [PMID: 36420993 PMCID: PMC10098478 DOI: 10.1111/jeb.14125] [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: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The degree to which individuals inbreed is a fundamental aspect of population biology shaped by both passive and active processes. Yet, the relative influences of random and non-random mating on the overall magnitude of inbreeding are not well characterized for many taxa. We quantified variation in inbreeding among qualitatively accessible and isolated populations of a sessile marine invertebrate (the colonial ascidian Lissoclinum verrilli) in which hermaphroditic colonies cast sperm into the water column for subsequent uptake and internal fertilization. We compared estimates of inbreeding to simulations predicting random mating within sites to evaluate if levels of inbreeding were (1) less than expected because of active attempts to limit inbreeding, (2) as predicted by genetic subdivision and passive inbreeding tolerance, or (3) greater than simulations due to active attempts to promote inbreeding via self-fertilization or a preference for related mates. We found evidence of restricted gene flow and significant differences in the genetic diversity of L. verrilli colonies among sites, indicating that on average colonies were weakly related in accessible locations, but their levels of relatedness matched that of first cousins or half-siblings on isolated substrates. Irrespective of population size, progeny arrays revealed variation in the magnitude of inbreeding across sites that tracked with the mean relatedness of conspecifics. Biparental reproduction was confirmed in most offspring (86%) and estimates of total inbreeding largely overlapped with simulations of random mating, suggesting that interpopulation variation in mother-offspring resemblance was primarily due to genetic subdivision and passive tolerance of related mates. Our results highlight the influence of demographic isolation on the genetic composition of populations, and support theory predicting that tolerance of biparental inbreeding, even when mates are closely related, may be favoured under a broad set of ecological and evolutionary conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin C Olsen
- Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, USA
| | - Don R Levitan
- Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, USA
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4
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Habitat Management of the Endemic and Critical Endangered Montseny Brook Newt (Calotriton arnoldi). LAND 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/land11030449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Calotriton arnoldi is an endemic amphibian inhabiting Montseny Natural Park and Biosphere Reserve (PNRBM), listed as “critically endangered (CR)” by IUCN. At the end of 2016, the Life Tritó del Montseny (LIFETM) project (LIFE15 NAT/ES/000757) was launched. The aim of the project was to promote around fifty actions to ensure the conservation of C. arnoldi and its natural habitat, and this entailed five strategic lines: (1) Increasing the scientific and technical knowledge with regard to C. arnoldi’s conservation status and its habitat management. (2) Expanding its geographic distribution. (3) Involving and engaging stakeholders in the conservation of the Montseny brook newt. (4) Eliminating or minimizing threats that exist in the riparian habitat. (5) Establishing proper legal coverage and defining long-term strategic planning. The successes and failures experienced throughout the process provide us with essential information that will enable us to develop an adaptive management of the habitat. In order to eliminate or minimize threats to the newt’s habitat, some of the actions that are currently being carried out are: (a) Land acquisitions and land exchanges with private properties. (b) Land stewardship procedures, with two custody agreements being signed. (c) Reduction of water withdrawal with nine water catchments and distribution being remodeled. (d) Improvement of water treatments and storage by installing ecological wastewater treatment facilities. (e) Ensuring ecological connectivity and riparian forest restoration. Here, we present an evaluation of the actions carried out to improve the habitat of this species, including the necessary considerations for them to be implemented correctly and to be successful in a natural area, which is under public-private management.
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Reyne M, Dicks K, McFarlane C, Aubry A, Emmerson M, Marnell F, Reid N, Helyar S. Population genetic structure of the Natterjack toad (Epidalea calamita) in Ireland: implications for conservation management. CONSERV GENET 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s10592-021-01421-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
AbstractMolecular methods can play a crucial role in species management and conservation. Despite the usefulness of genetic approaches, they are often not explicitly included as part of species recovery plans and conservation practises. The Natterjack toad (Epidalea calamita) is regionally Red-Listed as Endangered in Ireland. The species is declining and is now present at just seven sites within a highly restricted range. This study used 13 highly polymorphic microsatellite markers to analyse the population genetic diversity and structure. Genetic diversity was high with expected heterozygosity between 0.55 and 0.61 and allelic richness between 4.77 and 5.92. Effective population sizes were small (Ne < 100 individuals), but not abnormal for pond breeding amphibians. However, there was no evidence of historical or contemporary genetic bottlenecks or high levels of inbreeding. We identified a positive relationship between Ne and breeding pond surface area, suggesting that environmental factors are a key determinant of population size. Significant genetic structuring was detected throughout the species’ range, and we identified four genetic entities that should be considered in the species’ conservation strategies. Management should focus on preventing further population declines and future loss of genetic diversity overall and within genetic entities while maintaining adequate local effective population size through site-specific protection, human-mediated translocations and head-start programs. The apparent high levels of genetic variation give hope for the conservation of Ireland’s rarest amphibian if appropriately protected and managed.
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Bosch J, Martel A, Sopniewski J, Thumsová B, Ayres C, Scheele BC, Velo-Antón G, Pasmans F. Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans Threat to the Iberian Urodele Hotspot. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:jof7080644. [PMID: 34436183 PMCID: PMC8400424 DOI: 10.3390/jof7080644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The recent introduction of the chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans into northeastern Spain threatens salamander diversity on the Iberian Peninsula. We assessed the current epidemiological situation with extensive field sampling of urodele populations. We then sought to delineate priority regions and identify conservation units for the Iberian Peninsula by estimating the susceptibility of Iberian urodeles using laboratory experiments, evidence from mortality events in nature and captivity and inference from phylogeny. None of the 1395 field samples, collected between 2015 and 2021 were positive for Bsal and no Bsal-associated mortality events were recorded, in contrast to the confirmed occurrence of Bsal outbreak previously described in 2018. We classified five of eleven Iberian urodele species as highly susceptible, predicting elevated mortality and population declines following potential Bsal emergence in the wild, five species as intermediately susceptible with variable disease outcomes and one species as resistant to disease and mortality. We identified the six conservation units (i.e., species or lineages within species) at highest risk and propose priority areas for active disease surveillance and field biosecurity measures. The magnitude of the disease threat identified here emphasizes the need for region-tailored disease abatement plans that couple active disease surveillance to rapid and drastic actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaime Bosch
- Biodiversity Research Institute (IMIB), University of Oviedo-Principality of Asturias-CSIC, 33600 Mieres, Spain;
- Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales-CSIC, 28006 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-6-777-724-02
| | - An Martel
- Wildlife Health Ghent, Department of Pathology, Bacteriology and Poultry Diseases, Ghent University, B9820 Merelbeke, Belgium; (A.M.); (F.P.)
| | - Jarrod Sopniewski
- Fenner School of Environment and Society, Australian National University, Canberra 2601, Australia; (J.S.); (B.C.S.)
| | - Barbora Thumsová
- Biodiversity Research Institute (IMIB), University of Oviedo-Principality of Asturias-CSIC, 33600 Mieres, Spain;
- Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales-CSIC, 28006 Madrid, Spain
- Asociación Herpetologica Española, 28006 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Cesar Ayres
- Asociación Herpetologica Española, 28006 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Ben C. Scheele
- Fenner School of Environment and Society, Australian National University, Canberra 2601, Australia; (J.S.); (B.C.S.)
| | - Guillermo Velo-Antón
- CIBIO/InBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, Universidade do Porto, 4485-661 Vairão, Portugal;
- Grupo GEA, Departamento de Ecoloxía e Bioloxía Animal, Universidade de Vigo, 36310 Vigo, Spain
| | - Frank Pasmans
- Wildlife Health Ghent, Department of Pathology, Bacteriology and Poultry Diseases, Ghent University, B9820 Merelbeke, Belgium; (A.M.); (F.P.)
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7
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Pabijan M, Palomar G, Antunes B, Antoł W, Zieliński P, Babik W. Evolutionary principles guiding amphibian conservation. Evol Appl 2020; 13:857-878. [PMID: 32431739 PMCID: PMC7232768 DOI: 10.1111/eva.12940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Revised: 02/05/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The Anthropocene has witnessed catastrophic amphibian declines across the globe. A multitude of new, primarily human-induced drivers of decline may lead to extinction, but can also push species onto novel evolutionary trajectories. If these are recognized by amphibian biologists, they can be engaged in conservation actions. Here, we summarize how principles stemming from evolutionary concepts have been applied for conservation purposes, and address emerging ideas at the vanguard of amphibian conservation science. In particular, we examine the consequences of increased drift and inbreeding in small populations and their implications for practical conservation. We then review studies of connectivity between populations at the landscape level, which have emphasized the limiting influence of anthropogenic structures and degraded habitat on genetic cohesion. The rapid pace of environmental changes leads to the central question of whether amphibian populations can cope either by adapting to new conditions or by shifting their ranges. We gloomily conclude that extinction seems far more likely than adaptation or range shifts for most species. That said, conservation strategies employing evolutionary principles, such as selective breeding, introduction of adaptive variants through translocations, ecosystem interventions aimed at decreasing phenotype-environment mismatch, or genetic engineering, may effectively counter amphibian decline in some areas or for some species. The spread of invasive species and infectious diseases has often had disastrous consequences, but has also provided some premier examples of rapid evolution with conservation implications. Much can be done in terms of setting aside valuable amphibian habitat that should encompass both natural and agricultural areas, as well as designing protected areas to maximize the phylogenetic and functional diversity of the amphibian community. We conclude that an explicit consideration and application of evolutionary principles, although certainly not a silver bullet, should increase effectiveness of amphibian conservation in both the short and long term.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maciej Pabijan
- Institute of Zoology and Biomedical ResearchFaculty of BiologyJagiellonian UniversityKrakówPoland
| | - Gemma Palomar
- Institute of Environmental SciencesFaculty of BiologyJagiellonian UniversityKrakówPoland
| | - Bernardo Antunes
- Institute of Environmental SciencesFaculty of BiologyJagiellonian UniversityKrakówPoland
| | - Weronika Antoł
- Institute of Environmental SciencesFaculty of BiologyJagiellonian UniversityKrakówPoland
| | - Piotr Zieliński
- Institute of Environmental SciencesFaculty of BiologyJagiellonian UniversityKrakówPoland
| | - Wiesław Babik
- Institute of Environmental SciencesFaculty of BiologyJagiellonian UniversityKrakówPoland
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8
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Oromi N, Valbuena‐Ureña E, Soler‐Membrives A, Amat F, Camarasa S, Carranza S, Sanuy D, Denoël M. Genetic structure of lake and stream populations in a Pyrenean amphibian (
Calotriton asper
) reveals evolutionary significant units associated with paedomorphosis. J ZOOL SYST EVOL RES 2018. [DOI: 10.1111/jzs.12250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Neus Oromi
- Departament de Ciència Animal (Fauna Silvestre) Universitat de Lleida Lleida Catalonia Spain
- Laboratory of Fish and Amphibian Ethology Behavioural Biology Group Freshwater and OCeanic science Unit of reSearch (FOCUS) University of Liège Liège Belgium
| | - Emilio Valbuena‐Ureña
- Unitat de Zoologia Facultat de Biociències Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona Barcelona Catalonia Spain
- Centre de Fauna Salvatge de Torreferrussa (Catalan Wildlife Service – Forestal Catalana) Finca de Torreferrusa Barcelona Catalonia Spain
| | - Anna Soler‐Membrives
- Unitat de Zoologia Facultat de Biociències Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona Barcelona Catalonia Spain
| | - Felix Amat
- Àrea d'Herpetologia Museu de Granollers Ciències Naturals Granollers Catalonia Spain
| | - Sebastià Camarasa
- Departament de Ciència Animal (Fauna Silvestre) Universitat de Lleida Lleida Catalonia Spain
| | - Salvador Carranza
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology (CSIC‐Universitat Pompeu Fabra) Barcelona Spain
| | - Delfi Sanuy
- Departament de Ciència Animal (Fauna Silvestre) Universitat de Lleida Lleida Catalonia Spain
| | - Mathieu Denoël
- Laboratory of Fish and Amphibian Ethology Behavioural Biology Group Freshwater and OCeanic science Unit of reSearch (FOCUS) University of Liège Liège Belgium
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9
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Valbuena-Ureña E, Oromi N, Soler-Membrives A, Carranza S, Amat F, Camarasa S, Denoël M, Guillaume O, Sanuy D, Loyau A, Schmeller DS, Steinfartz S. Jailed in the mountains: Genetic diversity and structure of an endemic newt species across the Pyrenees. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0200214. [PMID: 30071027 PMCID: PMC6071966 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0200214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2018] [Accepted: 06/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The Pyrenees represent a natural laboratory for biogeographic, evolutionary and ecological research of mountain fauna as a result of the high variety of habitats and the profound effect of the glacial and interglacial periods. There is a paucity of studies providing a detailed insight into genetic processes and better knowledge on the patterns of genetic diversity and how they are maintained under high altitude conditions. This is of particular interest when considering the course of past climate conditions and glaciations in a species which is considered site tenacious, with long generation times. Here we analyzed the genetic patterns of diversity and structure of the endemic Pyrenean brook newt (Calotriton asper) along its distribution range, with special emphasis on the distinct habitat types (caves, streams, and lakes), and the altitudinal and geographical ranges, using a total set of 900 individuals from 44 different localities across the Pyrenean mountain range genotyped for 19 microsatellite loci. We found evidence for a negative longitudinal and positive altitudinal gradient of genetic diversity in C. asper populations. The fact that genetic diversity was markedly higher westwards is in accordance with other Pyrenean species. However, the impact of altitudinal gradient on the genetic diversity seems to differ from other species, and mostly from other amphibians. We found that lower altitudes can act as a barrier probably because the lowlands do not provide a suitable habitat for C. asper. Regarding the distinct habitat types, caves had significantly lower values of genetic diversity compared to streams or lakes. The mean FST value was relatively high (0.304) with maximum values as high as 0.771, suggesting a highly structured total population. Indeed, populations were grouped into five subclusters, the eastern populations (cluster 1) remained grouped into two subclusters and the central-western Pyrenees (cluster 2) into three subclusters. The increase of isolation with geographical distance is consistent with the population structure detected. In conclusion, C. asper seems to be adapted to high altitude mountain habitats, and its genetic diversity is higher in the western Pyrenees. In terms of conservation priority, we consider more relevant the populations that represent a reservoir of genetic diversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilio Valbuena-Ureña
- Unitat de Zoologia, Facultat de Biociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès (Barcelona), Catalonia, Spain
- Centre de Fauna Salvatge de Torreferrussa (Catalan Wildlife Service–Forestal Catalana), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Neus Oromi
- Departament de Ciència Animal (Fauna Silvestre), Universitat de Lleida, Lleida, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Anna Soler-Membrives
- Unitat de Zoologia, Facultat de Biociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès (Barcelona), Catalonia, Spain
- * E-mail: (ASM); (SS)
| | - Salvador Carranza
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology (CSIC-Universitat Pompeu Fabra), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Fèlix Amat
- Àrea d’Herpetologia, Museu de Granollers, Ciències Naturals, Granollers, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Sebastià Camarasa
- Departament de Ciència Animal (Fauna Silvestre), Universitat de Lleida, Lleida, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Mathieu Denoël
- Laboratory of Fish and Amphibian Ethology, Behavioural Biology Group, Freshwater and OCeanic science Unit of reSearch (FOCUS), University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Olivier Guillaume
- Station d'Ecologie Théorique et Expérimentale CNRS-Université de Toulouse, Moulis, France
| | - Delfí Sanuy
- Departament de Ciència Animal (Fauna Silvestre), Universitat de Lleida, Lleida, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Adeline Loyau
- Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research–UFZ, Department of Conservation Biology, Leipzig, Germany
- EcoLab, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, INPT, UPS, Toulouse, France
| | - Dirk S. Schmeller
- Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research–UFZ, Department of Conservation Biology, Leipzig, Germany
- EcoLab, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, INPT, UPS, Toulouse, France
| | - Sebastian Steinfartz
- Zoological Institute, Department of Evolutionary Biology, Unit of Molecular Ecology, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
- * E-mail: (ASM); (SS)
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10
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Perl RGB, Geffen E, Malka Y, Barocas A, Renan S, Vences M, Gafny S. Population genetic analysis of the recently rediscovered Hula painted frog (Latonia nigriventer) reveals high genetic diversity and low inbreeding. Sci Rep 2018; 8:5588. [PMID: 29615810 PMCID: PMC5882862 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-23587-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2017] [Accepted: 03/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
After its recent rediscovery, the Hula painted frog (Latonia nigriventer) has remained one of the world's rarest and least understood amphibian species. Together with its apparently low dispersal capability and highly disturbed niche, the low abundance of this living fossil calls for urgent conservation measures. We used 18 newly developed microsatellite loci and four different models to calculate the effective population size (Ne) of a total of 125 Hula painted frog individuals sampled at a single location. We compare the Ne estimates to the estimates of potentially reproducing adults in this population (Nad) determined through a capture-recapture study on 118 adult Hula painted frogs captured at the same site. Surprisingly, our data suggests that, despite Nad estimates of only ~234-244 and Ne estimates of ~16.6-35.8, the species appears to maintain a very high genetic diversity (HO = 0.771) and low inbreeding coefficient (FIS = -0.018). This puzzling outcome could perhaps be explained by the hypotheses of either genetic rescue from one or more unknown Hula painted frog populations nearby or by recent admixture of genetically divergent subpopulations. Independent of which scenario is correct, the original locations of these populations still remain to be determined.
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Affiliation(s)
- R G Bina Perl
- Division of Evolutionary Biology, Zoological Institute, Braunschweig University of Technology, Mendelssohnstr. 4, 38106, Braunschweig, Germany. .,School of Marine Sciences, Ruppin Academic Center, Michmoret 40297, Israel.
| | - Eli Geffen
- School of Zoology, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Yoram Malka
- Israel Nature and Parks Authority, 3 Am Ve'Olamo Street, Jerusalem 95463, Israel
| | - Adi Barocas
- San Diego Zoo's Institute for Conservation Research, 15600 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA 92027, USA.,Wildlife Conservation Research Unit, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Recanati-Kaplan Centre, Tubney House, Abingdon Road, Tubney, Oxfordshire OX13 5QL, UK
| | - Sharon Renan
- School of Zoology, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Miguel Vences
- Division of Evolutionary Biology, Zoological Institute, Braunschweig University of Technology, Mendelssohnstr. 4, 38106, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Sarig Gafny
- School of Marine Sciences, Ruppin Academic Center, Michmoret 40297, Israel
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11
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Post-epizootic salamander persistence in a disease-free refugium suggests poor dispersal ability of Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans. Sci Rep 2018; 8:3800. [PMID: 29491409 PMCID: PMC5830533 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-22225-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2017] [Accepted: 02/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Lack of disease spill-over between adjacent populations has been associated with habitat fragmentation and the absence of population connectivity. We here present a case which describes the absence of the spill-over of the chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans (Bsal) between two connected subpopulations of fire salamanders (Salamandra salamandra). Based on neutrally evolving microsatellite loci, both subpopulations were shown to form a single genetic cluster, suggesting a shared origin and/or recent gene flow. Alpine newts (Ichthyosaura alpestris) and fire salamanders were found in the landscape matrix between the two sites, which are also connected by a stream and separated by no obvious physical barriers. Performing a laboratory trial using alpine newts, we confirmed that Bsal is unable to disperse autonomously. Vector-mediated dispersal may have been impeded by a combination of sub-optimal connectivity, limited dispersal ability of infected hosts and a lack of suitable dispersers following the rapid, Bsal-driven collapse of susceptible hosts at the source site. Although the exact cause remains unclear, the aggregate evidence suggests that Bsal may be a poorer disperser than previously hypothesized. The lack of Bsal dispersal between neighbouring salamander populations opens perspectives for disease management and stresses the necessity of implementing biosecurity measures preventing human-mediated spread.
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Valbuena-Ureña E, Soler-Membrives A, Steinfartz S, Alonso M, Carbonell F, Larios-Martín R, Obon E, Carranza S. Getting off to a good start? Genetic evaluation of the ex situ conservation project of the Critically Endangered Montseny brook newt ( Calotriton arnoldi). PeerJ 2017. [PMID: 28626615 PMCID: PMC5472038 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.3447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Ex situ management strategies play an important role in the conservation of threatened species when the wild survival of the species cannot be ensured. Molecular markers have become an outstanding tool for the evaluation and management of captive breeding programs. Two main genetic objectives should be prioritized when planning breeding programs: the maintenance of maximum neutral genetic diversity, and to obtain “self-sustaining” captive populations. In this study, we use 24 microsatellite loci to analyze and evaluate the genetic representativity of the initial phases of the captive breeding program of the Montseny brook newt, Calotriton arnoldi, an Iberian endemic listed as Critically Endangered. The results show that the initial captive stock has 74–78% of the alleles present in the wild populations, and captures roughly 93–95% of their total genetic diversity as observed in a previous study on wild newts, although it does not reach the desired 97.5%. Moreover, the percentage of unrelatedness among individuals does not exceed 95%. Therefore, we conclude that the genetic diversity of the captive stock should be improved by incorporating genetic material from unrelated wild newts. In recognition of the previously described significant genetic and morphological differentiation between eastern and western wild populations of C. arnoldi, we suggest maintaining two distinct breeding lines, and we do not recommend outbreeding between these lines. Our comparisons of genetic diversity estimates between real and distinct sample-sized simulated populations corroborated that a minimum of 20 individuals are needed for each captive population, in order to match the level of genetic diversity present in the wild populations. Thus, the current initial stock should be reinforced by adding wild specimens. The captive stock and subsequent cohorts should be monitored in order to preserve genetic variation. In order to avoid genetic adaptation to captivity, occasionally incorporating previously genotyped individuals from the wild into the captive populations is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilio Valbuena-Ureña
- Unitat de Zoologia, Facultat de Biociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.,Centre de Fauna Salvatge de Torreferrussa, Catalan Wildlife Service -Forestal Catalana, Santa Perpètua de la Mogoda, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Anna Soler-Membrives
- Unitat de Zoologia, Facultat de Biociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Sebastian Steinfartz
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Zoological Institute, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Mònica Alonso
- Centre de Fauna Salvatge de Torreferrussa, Catalan Wildlife Service -Forestal Catalana, Santa Perpètua de la Mogoda, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Francesc Carbonell
- Centre de Fauna Salvatge de Torreferrussa, Catalan Wildlife Service -Forestal Catalana, Santa Perpètua de la Mogoda, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Raquel Larios-Martín
- Centre de Fauna Salvatge de Torreferrussa, Catalan Wildlife Service -Forestal Catalana, Santa Perpètua de la Mogoda, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Elena Obon
- Centre de Fauna Salvatge de Torreferrussa, Catalan Wildlife Service -Forestal Catalana, Santa Perpètua de la Mogoda, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Salvador Carranza
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology, CSIC-Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
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