1
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Dicks KL, Ball AD, Banfield L, Barrios V, Boufaroua M, Chetoui A, Chuven J, Craig M, Faqeer MYA, Garba HHM, Guedara H, Harouna A, Ivy J, Najjar C, Petretto M, Pusey R, Rabeil T, Riordan P, Senn HV, Taghouti E, Wacher T, Woodfine T, Gilbert T. Genetic diversity in global populations of the critically endangered addax ( Addax nasomaculatus) and its implications for conservation. Evol Appl 2022; 16:111-125. [PMID: 36699120 PMCID: PMC9850015 DOI: 10.1111/eva.13515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Threatened species are frequently patchily distributed across small wild populations, ex situ populations managed with varying levels of intensity and reintroduced populations. Best practice advocates for integrated management across in situ and ex situ populations. Wild addax (Addax nasomaculatus) now number fewer than 100 individuals, yet 1000 of addax remain in ex situ populations, which can provide addax for reintroductions, as has been the case in Tunisia since the mid-1980s. However, integrated management requires genetic data to ascertain the relationships between wild and ex situ populations that have incomplete knowledge of founder origins, management histories, and pedigrees. We undertook a global assessment of genetic diversity across wild, ex situ and reintroduced populations in Tunisia to assist conservation planning for this Critically Endangered species. We show that the remnant wild populations retain more mitochondrial haplotypes that are more diverse than the entirety of the ex situ populations across Europe, North America and the United Arab Emirates, and the reintroduced Tunisian population. Additionally, 1704 SNPs revealed that whilst population structure within the ex situ population is minimal, each population carries unique diversity. Finally, we show that careful selection of founders and subsequent genetic management is vital to ensure genetic diversity is provided to, and minimize drift and inbreeding within reintroductions. Our results highlight a vital need to conserve the last remaining wild addax population, and we provide a genetic foundation for determining integrated conservation strategies to prevent extinction and optimize future reintroductions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kara L. Dicks
- RZSS WildGenes, Royal Zoological Society of ScotlandEdinburghUK
| | - Alex D. Ball
- RZSS WildGenes, Royal Zoological Society of ScotlandEdinburghUK
| | - Lisa Banfield
- Life Sciences DepartmentAl Ain ZooAl AinUnited Arab Emirates
| | | | | | | | - Justin Chuven
- Terrestrial & Marine Biodiversity Management Sector, Environment Agency – Abu DhabiAbu DhabiUnited Arab Emirates
| | - Mark Craig
- Life Sciences DepartmentAl Ain ZooAl AinUnited Arab Emirates
| | | | | | | | - Abdoulaye Harouna
- SaharaConservationSaint Maur des FossésFrance,Noé au NigerRéserve Naturelle Nationale de Termit et Tin‐ToummaNiger
| | - Jamie Ivy
- San Diego Zoo Wildlife AllianceSan DiegoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Chawki Najjar
- Conservation Biology, Marwell WildlifeWinchesterUK,Association Tunisienne de la Vie SauvageTunisTunisia
| | | | - Ricardo Pusey
- Terrestrial & Marine Biodiversity Management Sector, Environment Agency – Abu DhabiAbu DhabiUnited Arab Emirates
| | | | - Philip Riordan
- Conservation Biology, Marwell WildlifeWinchesterUK,School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Environmental and Life SciencesUniversity of SouthamptonSouthamptonUK
| | - Helen V. Senn
- RZSS WildGenes, Royal Zoological Society of ScotlandEdinburghUK
| | | | - Tim Wacher
- Conservation & Policy, Zoological Society of LondonLondonUK
| | - Tim Woodfine
- Conservation Biology, Marwell WildlifeWinchesterUK,School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Environmental and Life SciencesUniversity of SouthamptonSouthamptonUK
| | - Tania Gilbert
- Conservation Biology, Marwell WildlifeWinchesterUK,School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Environmental and Life SciencesUniversity of SouthamptonSouthamptonUK
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2
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Hauser S, Galla SJ, Putnam AS, Steeves TE, Latch EK. Comparing genome-based estimates of relatedness for use in pedigree-based conservation management. Mol Ecol Resour 2022; 22:2546-2558. [PMID: 35510790 DOI: 10.1111/1755-0998.13630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Researchers have long debated which estimator of relatedness best captures the degree of relationship between two individuals. In the genomics era, this debate continues, with relatedness estimates being sensitive to the methods used to generate markers, marker quality, and levels of diversity in sampled individuals. Here, we compare six commonly used genome-based relatedness estimators (kinship genetic distance (KGD), Wang Maximum Likelihood (TrioML), Queller and Goodnight (Rxy ), Kinship INference for Genome-wide association studies (KING-robust), and Pairwise Relatedness (RAB ), allele-sharing co-ancestry (AS)) across five species bred in captivity-including three birds and two mammals-with varying degrees of reliable pedigree data, using reduced-representation and whole genome resequencing data. Genome-based relatedness estimates varied widely across estimators, sequencing methods, and species, yet the most consistent results for known first order relationships were found using Rxy , RAB , and AS. However, AS was found to be less consistently correlated with known pedigree relatedness than either Rxy or RAB . Our combined results indicate there is not a single genome-based estimator that is ideal across different species and data types. To determine the most appropriate genome-based relatedness estimator for each new dataset, we recommend assessing the relative: (1) correlation of candidate estimators with known relationships in the pedigree and (2) precision of candidate estimators with known first-order relationships. These recommendations are broadly applicable to conservation breeding programs, particularly where genome-based estimates of relatedness can complement and complete poorly pedigreed populations. Given a growing interest in the application of wild pedigrees, our results are also applicable to in-situ wildlife management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Hauser
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA.,Embark Veterinary, Inc., Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Stephanie J Galla
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Canterbury, New Zealand.,Department of Biological Sciences, Boise State University, Boise, Idaho, USA
| | - Andrea S Putnam
- Department of Exhibit-Curators, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Tammy E Steeves
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Canterbury, New Zealand
| | - Emily K Latch
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
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3
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Gooley RM, Dicks KL, Ferrie GM, Lacy RC, Ballou JD, Callicrate T, Senn H, Koepfli KP, Edwards CW, Pukazhenthi BS. Applying genomics to metapopulation management in North American insurance populations of southern sable antelope (Hippotragus niger niger) and addra gazelle (Nanger dama ruficollis). Glob Ecol Conserv 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2021.e01969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
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4
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Perrin-Stowe TIN, Ishida Y, Terrill EE, Beetem D, Ryder OA, Novakofski JE, Mateus-Pinilla NE, Roca AL. Variation in the PRNP gene of Pere David’s deer (Elaphurus davidianus) may impact genetic vulnerability to chronic wasting disease. CONSERV GENET 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s10592-021-01419-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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5
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New developments in the field of genomic technologies and their relevance to conservation management. CONSERV GENET 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s10592-021-01415-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
AbstractRecent technological advances in the field of genomics offer conservation managers and practitioners new tools to explore for conservation applications. Many of these tools are well developed and used by other life science fields, while others are still in development. Considering these technological possibilities, choosing the right tool(s) from the toolbox is crucial and can pose a challenging task. With this in mind, we strive to inspire, inform and illuminate managers and practitioners on how conservation efforts can benefit from the current genomic and biotechnological revolution. With inspirational case studies we show how new technologies can help resolve some of the main conservation challenges, while also informing how implementable the different technologies are. We here focus specifically on small population management, highlight the potential for genetic rescue, and discuss the opportunities in the field of gene editing to help with adaptation to changing environments. In addition, we delineate potential applications of gene drives for controlling invasive species. We illuminate that the genomic toolbox offers added benefit to conservation efforts, but also comes with limitations for the use of these novel emerging techniques.
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6
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Galla SJ, Brown L, Couch-Lewis Ngāi Tahu Te Hapū O Ngāti Wheke Ngāti Waewae Y, Cubrinovska I, Eason D, Gooley RM, Hamilton JA, Heath JA, Hauser SS, Latch EK, Matocq MD, Richardson A, Wold JR, Hogg CJ, Santure AW, Steeves TE. The relevance of pedigrees in the conservation genomics era. Mol Ecol 2021; 31:41-54. [PMID: 34553796 PMCID: PMC9298073 DOI: 10.1111/mec.16192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Revised: 09/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Over the past 50 years conservation genetics has developed a substantive toolbox to inform species management. One of the most long‐standing tools available to manage genetics—the pedigree—has been widely used to characterize diversity and maximize evolutionary potential in threatened populations. Now, with the ability to use high throughput sequencing to estimate relatedness, inbreeding, and genome‐wide functional diversity, some have asked whether it is warranted for conservation biologists to continue collecting and collating pedigrees for species management. In this perspective, we argue that pedigrees remain a relevant tool, and when combined with genomic data, create an invaluable resource for conservation genomic management. Genomic data can address pedigree pitfalls (e.g., founder relatedness, missing data, uncertainty), and in return robust pedigrees allow for more nuanced research design, including well‐informed sampling strategies and quantitative analyses (e.g., heritability, linkage) to better inform genomic inquiry. We further contend that building and maintaining pedigrees provides an opportunity to strengthen trusted relationships among conservation researchers, practitioners, Indigenous Peoples, and Local Communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie J Galla
- Department of Biological Sciences, Boise State University, Boise, Idaho, USA.,School of Biological Sciences, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand
| | - Liz Brown
- New Zealand Department of Conservation, Twizel, Canterbury, New Zealand
| | | | - Ilina Cubrinovska
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand
| | - Daryl Eason
- New Zealand Department of Conservation, Invercargill, Southland, New Zealand
| | - Rebecca M Gooley
- Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation, Front Royal, Maryland, USA.,Center for Species Survival, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, National Zoological Park, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Jill A Hamilton
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota, USA
| | - Julie A Heath
- Department of Biological Sciences, Boise State University, Boise, Idaho, USA
| | - Samantha S Hauser
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Emily K Latch
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Marjorie D Matocq
- Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Science, Program in Ecology, Evolution and Conservation Biology, University of Nevada Reno, Reno, Nevada, USA
| | - Anne Richardson
- The Isaac Conservation and Wildlife Trust, Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand
| | - Jana R Wold
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand
| | - Carolyn J Hogg
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Anna W Santure
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Tammy E Steeves
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand
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7
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Hoban S, Bruford MW, Funk WC, Galbusera P, Griffith MP, Grueber CE, Heuertz M, Hunter ME, Hvilsom C, Stroil BK, Kershaw F, Khoury CK, Laikre L, Lopes-Fernandes M, MacDonald AJ, Mergeay J, Meek M, Mittan C, Mukassabi TA, O'Brien D, Ogden R, Palma-Silva C, Ramakrishnan U, Segelbacher G, Shaw RE, Sjögren-Gulve P, Veličković N, Vernesi C. Global Commitments to Conserving and Monitoring Genetic Diversity Are Now Necessary and Feasible. Bioscience 2021; 71:964-976. [PMID: 34475806 PMCID: PMC8407967 DOI: 10.1093/biosci/biab054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Global conservation policy and action have largely neglected protecting and monitoring genetic diversity—one of the three main pillars of biodiversity. Genetic diversity (diversity within species) underlies species’ adaptation and survival, ecosystem resilience, and societal innovation. The low priority given to genetic diversity has largely been due to knowledge gaps in key areas, including the importance of genetic diversity and the trends in genetic diversity change; the perceived high expense and low availability and the scattered nature of genetic data; and complicated concepts and information that are inaccessible to policymakers. However, numerous recent advances in knowledge, technology, databases, practice, and capacity have now set the stage for better integration of genetic diversity in policy instruments and conservation efforts. We review these developments and explore how they can support improved consideration of genetic diversity in global conservation policy commitments and enable countries to monitor, report on, and take action to maintain or restore genetic diversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean Hoban
- The Morton Arboretum, Center for Tree Science, Lisle, Illinois, United States
| | | | - W Chris Funk
- Department of Biology, Graduate Degree Program in Ecology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, United States
| | - Peter Galbusera
- Royal Zoological Society of Antwerp, Centre for Research and Conservation, Antwerp, Belgium
| | | | - Catherine E Grueber
- University of Sydney's School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Myriam Heuertz
- INRAE, and the University of Bordeaux, Biogeco, Cestas, France
| | - Margaret E Hunter
- US Geological Survey's Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, Gainesville, Florida, United States
| | | | - Belma Kalamujic Stroil
- University of Sarajevo Institute for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Laboratory for Molecular Genetics of Natural Resources, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Francine Kershaw
- Natural Resources Defense Council, New York, New York, United States
| | - Colin K Khoury
- International Center for Tropical Agriculture, Cali, Colombia
| | - Linda Laikre
- Department of Zoology, Division of Population Genetics, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Anna J MacDonald
- Australian National University, John Curtin School of Medical Research and Research School of Biology, Canberra, Australia
| | - Joachim Mergeay
- Research Institute for Nature and Forest, Geraardsbergen, Belgium
| | - Mariah Meek
- Michigan State University Department of Integrative Biology, AgBio Research, Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior Program, East Lansing, Michigan, United States
| | - Cinnamon Mittan
- Cornell University's Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Ithaca, New York, United States
| | - Tarek A Mukassabi
- University of Benghazi Department of Botany, Faculty of Sciences, Benghazi, Libya
| | | | - Rob Ogden
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and with the Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | | | - Uma Ramakrishnan
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, National Centre for Biological Sciences, Bangalore, India
| | - Gernot Segelbacher
- Chair of wildlife ecology and management, University Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Robyn E Shaw
- Department of Environmental and Conservation Sciences, Murdoch University, Perth, Australia
| | - Per Sjögren-Gulve
- Wildlife Analysis Unit, Swedish Environmental Protection Agency, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Nevena Veličković
- University of Novi Sad's Faculty of Sciences, Department of Biology and Ecology, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Cristiano Vernesi
- Forest Ecology and Biogeochemical Fluxes Unit, Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach, San Michele all' Adige, Italy
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8
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Hempel E, Westbury MV, Grau JH, Trinks A, Paijmans JLA, Kliver S, Barlow A, Mayer F, Müller J, Chen L, Koepfli KP, Hofreiter M, Bibi F. Diversity and Paleodemography of the Addax ( Addax nasomaculatus), a Saharan Antelope on the Verge of Extinction. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12081236. [PMID: 34440410 PMCID: PMC8394336 DOI: 10.3390/genes12081236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2021] [Revised: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the 19th century, the addax (Addax nasomaculatus) has lost approximately 99% of its former range. Along with its close relatives, the blue antelope (Hippotragus leucophaeus) and the scimitar-horned oryx (Oryx dammah), the addax may be the third large African mammal species to go extinct in the wild in recent times. Despite this, the evolutionary history of this critically endangered species remains virtually unknown. To gain insight into the population history of the addax, we used hybridization capture to generate ten complete mitochondrial genomes from historical samples and assembled a nuclear genome. We found that both mitochondrial and nuclear diversity are low compared to other African bovids. Analysis of mitochondrial genomes revealed a most recent common ancestor ~32 kya (95% CI 11–58 kya) and weak phylogeographic structure, indicating that the addax likely existed as a highly mobile, panmictic population across its Sahelo–Saharan range in the past. PSMC analysis revealed a continuous decline in effective population size since ~2 Ma, with short intermediate increases at ~500 and ~44 kya. Our results suggest that the addax went through a major bottleneck in the Late Pleistocene, remaining at low population size prior to the human disturbances of the last few centuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Hempel
- Evolutionary Adaptive Genomics, Institute of Biochemistry and Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Potsdam, Karl-Liebknecht-Straße 24-25, 14476 Potsdam, Germany; (J.H.G.); (M.H.)
- Museum für Naturkunde, Berlin, Leibniz Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity Science, Invalidenstraße 43, 10115 Berlin, Germany; (F.M.); (J.M.); (F.B.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Michael V. Westbury
- Evolutionary Adaptive Genomics, Institute of Biochemistry and Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Potsdam, Karl-Liebknecht-Straße 24-25, 14476 Potsdam, Germany; (J.H.G.); (M.H.)
- Section for Evolutionary Genomics, The GLOBE Institute, University of Copenhagen, Øster Voldgade 5-7, 1350 Copenhagen, Denmark;
| | - José H. Grau
- Evolutionary Adaptive Genomics, Institute of Biochemistry and Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Potsdam, Karl-Liebknecht-Straße 24-25, 14476 Potsdam, Germany; (J.H.G.); (M.H.)
- Museum für Naturkunde, Berlin, Leibniz Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity Science, Invalidenstraße 43, 10115 Berlin, Germany; (F.M.); (J.M.); (F.B.)
| | - Alexandra Trinks
- Evolutionary Adaptive Genomics, Institute of Biochemistry and Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Potsdam, Karl-Liebknecht-Straße 24-25, 14476 Potsdam, Germany; (J.H.G.); (M.H.)
- Institute of Pathology, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany;
| | - Johanna L. A. Paijmans
- Evolutionary Adaptive Genomics, Institute of Biochemistry and Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Potsdam, Karl-Liebknecht-Straße 24-25, 14476 Potsdam, Germany; (J.H.G.); (M.H.)
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EJ, UK;
| | - Sergei Kliver
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology SB RAS, 8/2 Acad. Lavrentiev Ave, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia;
| | - Axel Barlow
- Evolutionary Adaptive Genomics, Institute of Biochemistry and Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Potsdam, Karl-Liebknecht-Straße 24-25, 14476 Potsdam, Germany; (J.H.G.); (M.H.)
- School of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent University, Clifton Lane, Nottingham NG11 8NS, UK;
| | - Frieder Mayer
- Museum für Naturkunde, Berlin, Leibniz Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity Science, Invalidenstraße 43, 10115 Berlin, Germany; (F.M.); (J.M.); (F.B.)
| | - Johannes Müller
- Museum für Naturkunde, Berlin, Leibniz Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity Science, Invalidenstraße 43, 10115 Berlin, Germany; (F.M.); (J.M.); (F.B.)
| | - Lei Chen
- School of Ecology and Environment, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an 710072, China;
| | - Klaus-Peter Koepfli
- Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation, George Mason University, Front Royal, VA 22630, USA;
- Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Center for Species Survival, National Zoological Park, Front Royal, VA 22630, USA
- Computer Technologies Laboratory, ITMO University, 197101 Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Michael Hofreiter
- Evolutionary Adaptive Genomics, Institute of Biochemistry and Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Potsdam, Karl-Liebknecht-Straße 24-25, 14476 Potsdam, Germany; (J.H.G.); (M.H.)
| | - Faysal Bibi
- Museum für Naturkunde, Berlin, Leibniz Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity Science, Invalidenstraße 43, 10115 Berlin, Germany; (F.M.); (J.M.); (F.B.)
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9
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Pukazhenthi B, Songsasen N, Brown J, Comizzoli P, Crosier A, Hagedorn M, Gratwicke B, Pitt W, Monfort S. David E. Wildt-An Inspiring Leader in the Conservation of Wild Species. J Hered 2021; 111:414-416. [PMID: 32543659 DOI: 10.1093/jhered/esaa013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Budhan Pukazhenthi
- Center for Species Survival, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Front Royal, VA
| | - Nucharin Songsasen
- Center for Species Survival, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Front Royal, VA
| | - Janine Brown
- Center for Species Survival, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Front Royal, VA
| | - Pierre Comizzoli
- Center for Species Survival, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Washington, DC
| | - Adrienne Crosier
- Center for Species Survival, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Front Royal, VA
| | - Mary Hagedorn
- Center for Species Survival, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute/Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology, Kaneohe, HI
| | - Brian Gratwicke
- Center for Species Survival, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Front Royal, VA
| | - William Pitt
- Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Front Royal, VA
| | - Steven Monfort
- Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, Washington, DC
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10
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Iglesias Pastrana C, Navas González FJ, Ruiz Aguilera MJ, Dávila García JA, Delgado Bermejo JV, Abelló MT. White-naped mangabeys' viable insurance population within European Zoo Network. Sci Rep 2021; 11:674. [PMID: 33436901 PMCID: PMC7804940 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-80281-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The success and viability of an ex-situ conservation program lie in the establishment and potential maintenance of a demographically and genetically viable insurance population. Such population reserve may support reintroduction and reinforcement activities of wild populations. White-naped mangabeys are endangered restricted-range African primates which have experienced a dramatic population decrease in their natural habitats over the last few decades. Since 2001, some European zoos singularly monitor an ex-situ population aiming to seek the recovery of the current wild population. The aim of the present paper is to evaluate the genetic status and population demographics of European zoo-captive white-naped mangabeys based on pedigree data. The captive population is gradually growing and preserves specific reproductive and demographic parameters linked to the species. The intensive management program that is implemented has brought about the minimization of inbreeding and average relatedness levels, thus maintaining high levels of genetic diversity despite the existence of fragmented populations. This finding suggests white-naped mangabey ex-situ preservation actions may be a good example of multifaceted conservation throughout studbook management which could be used as a model for other ex-situ live-animal populations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - María Teresa Abelló
- White-naped mangabey EEP Coordination (EAZA: European Association of Zoos & Aquariums), Parc Zoològic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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11
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Gooley RM, Tamazian G, Castañeda‐Rico S, Murphy KR, Dobrynin P, Ferrie GM, Haefele H, Maldonado JE, Wildt DE, Pukazhenthi BS, Edwards CW, Koepfli K. Comparison of genomic diversity and structure of sable antelope ( Hippotragus niger) in zoos, conservation centers, and private ranches in North America. Evol Appl 2020; 13:2143-2154. [PMID: 32908610 PMCID: PMC7463370 DOI: 10.1111/eva.12976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2019] [Revised: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 04/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
As we enter the sixth mass extinction, many species that are no longer self-sustaining in their natural habitat will require ex situ management. Zoos have finite resources for ex situ management, and there is a need for holistic conservation programs between the public and private sector. Ex situ populations of sable antelope, Hippotragus niger, have existed in zoos and privately owned ranches in North America since the 1910s. Unknown founder representation and relatedness has made the genetic management of this species challenging within zoos, while populations on privately owned ranches are managed independently and retain minimal-to-no pedigree history. Consequences of such challenges include an increased risk of inbreeding and a loss of genetic diversity. Here, we developed and applied a customized targeted sequence capture panel based on 5,000 genomewide single-nucleotide polymorphisms to investigate the genomic diversity present in these uniquely managed populations. We genotyped 111 sable antelope: 23 from zoos, 43 from a single conservation center, and 45 from ranches. We found significantly higher genetic diversity and significantly lower inbreeding in herds housed in zoos and conservation centers, when compared to those in privately owned ranches, likely due to genetic-based breeding recommendations implemented in the former populations. Genetic clustering was strong among all three populations, possibly as a result of genetic drift. We propose that the North American ex situ population of sable antelope would benefit from a metapopulation management system, to halt genetic drift, reduce the occurrence of inbreeding, and enable sustainable population sizes to be managed ex situ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca M. Gooley
- Smithsonian‐Mason School of ConservationFront RoyalVAUSA
- Center for Species Survival, Smithsonian Conservation Biology InstituteNational Zoological ParkWashingtonDCUSA
| | - Gaik Tamazian
- Theodosius Dobzhansky Center for Genome BioinformaticsSaint Petersburg State UniversitySt. PetersburgRussian Federation
| | - Susette Castañeda‐Rico
- Smithsonian‐Mason School of ConservationFront RoyalVAUSA
- Center for Conservation GenomicsSmithsonian Conservation Biology InstituteNational Zoological ParkWashingtonDCUSA
| | - Katherine R. Murphy
- Laboratories of Analytical BiologyNational Museum of Natural HistorySmithsonian InstitutionWashingtonDCUSA
| | - Pavel Dobrynin
- Computer Technologies LaboratoryITMO UniversitySt. PetersburgRussian Federation
| | - Gina M. Ferrie
- Animals, Science and EnvironmentDisney’s Animal KingdomLake Buena VistaFLUSA
| | | | - Jesús E. Maldonado
- Center for Conservation GenomicsSmithsonian Conservation Biology InstituteNational Zoological ParkWashingtonDCUSA
| | - David E. Wildt
- Center for Species Survival, Smithsonian Conservation Biology InstituteNational Zoological ParkWashingtonDCUSA
| | - Budhan S. Pukazhenthi
- Center for Species Survival, Smithsonian Conservation Biology InstituteNational Zoological ParkWashingtonDCUSA
| | - Cody W. Edwards
- Smithsonian‐Mason School of ConservationFront RoyalVAUSA
- Department of BiologyGeorge Mason UniversityFairfaxVAUSA
| | - Klaus‐Peter Koepfli
- Center for Species Survival, Smithsonian Conservation Biology InstituteNational Zoological ParkWashingtonDCUSA
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12
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Latch EK. Integrating genomics into conservation management. Mol Ecol Resour 2020; 20:1455-1457. [PMID: 32416033 DOI: 10.1111/1755-0998.13188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Revised: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Captive populations play a vital role in conservation, supporting both in situ and ex situ conservation projects. A healthy, self-sustaining captive population serves as valuable insurance against extinctions and a source of individuals for reintroduction into the wild. Genetic and genomic data can advance conservation and management across a range of scenarios. Although expanding, genomic data do not exist for most captive populations and there remain few examples of how these data can be integrated directly into conservation efforts. In this issue of Molecular Ecology Resources, Humble et al. (2020) present a chromosomal-level genome assembly for the extinct-in-the-wild scimitar-horned oryx (Oryx dammah), and resequencing data to survey genetic variation across captive populations. These data are exciting for reintroduction planning by offering guidance for selecting source populations to maximize global genetic variation and valuable resources for effective post-release monitoring. The genomic resources generated also are valuable tools with the power to yield novel and important insights into the evolution of scimitar-horned oryx and other antelope species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily K Latch
- Behavioral and Molecular Ecology Research Group, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, USA
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13
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Humble E, Dobrynin P, Senn H, Chuven J, Scott AF, Mohr DW, Dudchenko O, Omer AD, Colaric Z, Lieberman Aiden E, Al Dhaheri SS, Wildt D, Oliaji S, Tamazian G, Pukazhenthi B, Ogden R, Koepfli KP. Chromosomal-level genome assembly of the scimitar-horned oryx: Insights into diversity and demography of a species extinct in the wild. Mol Ecol Resour 2020; 20:1668-1681. [PMID: 32365406 DOI: 10.1111/1755-0998.13181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2019] [Revised: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 04/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Captive populations provide a valuable insurance against extinctions in the wild. However, they are also vulnerable to the negative impacts of inbreeding, selection and drift. Genetic information is therefore considered a critical aspect of conservation management. Recent developments in sequencing technologies have the potential to improve the outcomes of management programmes; however, the transfer of these approaches to applied conservation has been slow. The scimitar-horned oryx (Oryx dammah) is a North African antelope that has been extinct in the wild since the early 1980s and is the focus of a large-scale and long-term reintroduction project. To enable the selection of suitable founder individuals, facilitate post-release monitoring and improve captive breeding management, comprehensive genomic resources are required. Here, we used 10X Chromium sequencing together with Hi-C contact mapping to develop a chromosomal-level genome assembly for the species. The resulting assembly contained 29 chromosomes with a scaffold N50 of 100.4 Mb, and displayed strong chromosomal synteny with the cattle genome. Using resequencing data from six additional individuals, we demonstrated relatively high genetic diversity in the scimitar-horned oryx compared to other mammals, despite it having experienced a strong founding event in captivity. Additionally, the level of diversity across populations varied according to management strategy. Finally, we uncovered a dynamic demographic history that coincided with periods of climate variation during the Pleistocene. Overall, our study provides a clear example of how genomic data can uncover valuable insights into captive populations and contributes important resources to guide future management decisions of an endangered species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Humble
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and the Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Pavel Dobrynin
- Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Center for Species Survival, National Zoological Park, Front Royal, VA, USA.,Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Center for Species Survival, National Zoological Park, Washington, DC, USA.,Theodosius Dobzhansky Center for Genome Bioinformatics, St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Helen Senn
- RZSS WildGenes Laboratory, Conservation Department, Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Justin Chuven
- Terrestrial & Marine Biodiversity Sector, Environment Agency, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Alan F Scott
- Genetic Resources Core Facility, McKusick-Nathans Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - David W Mohr
- Genetic Resources Core Facility, McKusick-Nathans Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Olga Dudchenko
- The Center for Genome Architecture, Department of Molecular and Human Genetics Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.,Department of Computer Science, Department of Computational and Applied Mathematics, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA.,Center for Theoretical and Biological Physics, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Arina D Omer
- The Center for Genome Architecture, Department of Molecular and Human Genetics Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.,Department of Computer Science, Department of Computational and Applied Mathematics, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Zane Colaric
- The Center for Genome Architecture, Department of Molecular and Human Genetics Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.,Department of Computer Science, Department of Computational and Applied Mathematics, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Erez Lieberman Aiden
- The Center for Genome Architecture, Department of Molecular and Human Genetics Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.,Department of Computer Science, Department of Computational and Applied Mathematics, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA.,Center for Theoretical and Biological Physics, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA.,Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | | | - David Wildt
- Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Center for Species Survival, National Zoological Park, Front Royal, VA, USA.,Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Center for Species Survival, National Zoological Park, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Shireen Oliaji
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and the Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Gaik Tamazian
- Computer Technologies Laboratory, ITMO University, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Budhan Pukazhenthi
- Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Center for Species Survival, National Zoological Park, Front Royal, VA, USA.,Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Center for Species Survival, National Zoological Park, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Rob Ogden
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and the Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Klaus-Peter Koepfli
- Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Center for Species Survival, National Zoological Park, Front Royal, VA, USA.,Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Center for Species Survival, National Zoological Park, Washington, DC, USA
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14
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Galla SJ, Moraga R, Brown L, Cleland S, Hoeppner MP, Maloney RF, Richardson A, Slater L, Santure AW, Steeves TE. A comparison of pedigree, genetic and genomic estimates of relatedness for informing pairing decisions in two critically endangered birds: Implications for conservation breeding programmes worldwide. Evol Appl 2020; 13:991-1008. [PMID: 32431748 PMCID: PMC7232769 DOI: 10.1111/eva.12916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2019] [Revised: 12/27/2019] [Accepted: 01/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Conservation management strategies for many highly threatened species include conservation breeding to prevent extinction and enhance recovery. Pairing decisions for these conservation breeding programmes can be informed by pedigree data to minimize relatedness between individuals in an effort to avoid inbreeding, maximize diversity and maintain evolutionary potential. However, conservation breeding programmes struggle to use this approach when pedigrees are shallow or incomplete. While genetic data (i.e., microsatellites) can be used to estimate relatedness to inform pairing decisions, emerging evidence indicates this approach may lack precision in genetically depauperate species, and more effective estimates will likely be obtained from genomic data (i.e., thousands of genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphisms, or SNPs). Here, we compare relatedness estimates and subsequent pairing decisions using pedigrees, microsatellites and SNPs from whole-genome resequencing approaches in two critically endangered birds endemic to New Zealand: kakī/black stilt (Himantopus novaezelandiae) and kākāriki karaka/orange-fronted parakeet (Cyanoramphus malherbi). Our findings indicate that SNPs provide more precise estimates of relatedness than microsatellites when assessing empirical parent-offspring and full sibling relationships. Further, our results show that relatedness estimates and subsequent pairing recommendations using PMx are most similar between pedigree- and SNP-based approaches. These combined results indicate that in lieu of robust pedigrees, SNPs are an effective tool for informing pairing decisions, which has important implications for many poorly pedigreed conservation breeding programmes worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie J. Galla
- School of Biological SciencesUniversity of CanterburyChristchurchNew Zealand
| | - Roger Moraga
- Tea Break Bioinformatics, LtdPalmerston NorthNew Zealand
| | - Liz Brown
- New Zealand Department of ConservationTwizelNew Zealand
| | | | - Marc P. Hoeppner
- Institute for Clinical Molecular BiologyChristian‐Albrechts‐University KielKielGermany
| | | | - Anne Richardson
- The Isaac Conservation and Wildlife TrustChristchurchNew Zealand
| | - Lyndon Slater
- New Zealand Department of ConservationRangioraNew Zealand
| | - Anna W. Santure
- School of Biological SciencesUniversity of AucklandAucklandNew Zealand
| | - Tammy E. Steeves
- School of Biological SciencesUniversity of CanterburyChristchurchNew Zealand
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