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Huang TK, Feng X, Derbridge JJ, Libby K, Diffendorfer JE, Thogmartin WE, McCracken G, Medellin R, López-Hoffman L. Potential for spatial coexistence of a transboundary migratory species and wind energy development. Sci Rep 2024; 14:17050. [PMID: 39048593 PMCID: PMC11269593 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-66490-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Global expansion in wind energy development is a notable achievement of the international community's effort to reduce carbon emissions during energy production. However, the increasing number of wind turbines have unintended consequences for migratory birds and bats. Wind turbine curtailment and other mitigation strategies can reduce fatalities, but improved spatial and temporal data are needed to identify the most effective way for wind energy development and volant migratory species to coexist. Mexican free-tailed bats (Tadarida brasiliensis mexicana) account for a large proportion of known bat fatalities at wind facilities in the southwestern US. We examined the geographic concordance between existing wind energy generation facilities, areas of high wind potential amenable for future deployment of wind facilities, and seasonally suitable habitat for these bats. We used ecological niche modeling to determine species distribution during each of 4 seasons. We used a multi-criteria GIS-based approach to produce a wind turbine siting suitability map. We identified seasonal locations with highest and lowest potential for the species' probability of occurrence, providing a potential explanation for the higher observed fatalities during fall migration. Thirty percent of 33,606 wind turbines within the southwestern US occurred in highly suitable areas for Mexican free-tailed bats, primarily in west Texas. There is also broad spatial overlap between areas of high wind potential and areas of suitable habitat for Mexican free-tailed bats. Because of this high degree of overlap, our results indicate that post-construction strategies, such as curtailing the timing of operations and deterrents, would be more effective for bat conservation than strategic siting of new wind energy installations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ta-Ken Huang
- Department of Water Resources and Environmental Engineering, Tamkang University, No.151, Yingzhuan Rd., Tamsui Dist., New Taipei City, 251301, Taiwan
- School of Natural Resources and the Environment, The University of Arizona, 1064 East Lowell Street, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA
| | - Xiao Feng
- Department of Geography, Florida State University, 113 Collegiate Loop, PO Box 3062190, Tallahassee, FL, USA
| | - Jonathan J Derbridge
- School of Natural Resources and the Environment, The University of Arizona, 1064 East Lowell Street, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA
| | - Kaitlin Libby
- School of Natural Resources and the Environment, The University of Arizona, 1064 East Lowell Street, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA
| | - Jay E Diffendorfer
- US Geological Survey, Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center, P.O. Box 25046, DFC, MS980, Denver, CO, 80225, USA.
| | - Wayne E Thogmartin
- US Geological Survey, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, 2630 Fanta Reed Road, La Crosse, WI, 54603, USA
| | - Gary McCracken
- Ecology & Evolutionary Biology Department, The University of Tennessee, 569 Dabney Hall, 1416 Circle Dr, Knoxville, TN, 37996, USA
| | - Rodrigo Medellin
- Institute of Ecology, National Autonomous University of Mexico, University City, Coyoacán, 04510, Mexico City, CDMX, Mexico
| | - Laura López-Hoffman
- School of Natural Resources and the Environment, The University of Arizona, 1064 East Lowell Street, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA
- Udall Center for Studies in Public Policy, The University of Arizona, 803 E 1St Street, Tucson, AZ, 85719, USA
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Fritts SR, Guest EE, Weaver SP, Hale AM, Morton BP, Hein CD. Experimental trials of species-specific bat flight responses to an ultrasonic deterrent. PeerJ 2024; 12:e16718. [PMID: 38188150 PMCID: PMC10771094 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.16718] [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: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Unintended consequences of increasing wind energy production include bat mortalities from wind turbine blade strikes. Ultrasonic deterrents (UDs) have been developed to reduce bat mortalities at wind turbines. Our goal was to experimentally assess the species-specific effectiveness of three emission treatments from the UD developed by NRG Systems. We conducted trials in a flight cage measuring approximately 60 m × 10 m × 4.4 m (length × width × height) from July 2020 to May 2021 in San Marcos, Texas, USA. A single UD was placed at either end of the flight cage, and we randomly selected one for each night of field trials. Trials focused on a red bat species group (Lasiurus borealis and Lasiurus blossevillii; n = 46) and four species: cave myotis (Myotis velifer; n = 57), Brazilian free-tailed bats (Tadarida brasiliensis; n = 73), evening bats (Nycteceius humeralis; n = 53), and tricolored bats (Perimyotis subflavus; n = 17). The trials occurred during three treatment emissions: low (emissions from subarrays at 20, 26, and 32 kHz), high (emissions from subarrays at 38, 44, and 50 kHz), and combined (all six emission frequencies). We placed one wild-captured bat into the flight cage for each trial, which consisted of an acclimation period, a control period with the UD powered off, and the three emission treatments (order randomly selected), each interspersed with a control period. We tracked bat flight using four thermal cameras placed outside the flight cage. We quantified the effectiveness of each treatment by comparing the distances each bat flew from the UD during each treatment vs. the control period using quantile regression. Additionally, we conducted an exploratory analysis of differences between sex and season and sex within season using analysis of variance. Broadly, UDs were effective at altering the bats' flight paths as they flew farther from the UD during treatments than during controls; however, results varied by species, sex, season, and sex within season. For the red bat group, bats flew farther from the UD during all treatments than during the control period at all percentiles (p < 0.001), and treatments were comparable in effectiveness. For cave myotis, all percentile distances were farther from the UD during each of the treatments than during the control, except the 90th percentile distance during high, and low was most effective. For evening bats and Brazilian free-tailed bats, results were inconsistent, but high and low were most effective, respectively. For tricolored bats, combined and low were significant at the 10th-75th percentiles, high was significant at all percentiles, and combined was most effective. Results suggest UDs may be an effective means of reducing bat mortalities due to wind turbine blade strikes. We recommend that continued research on UDs focus on low emission treatments, which have decreased sound attenuation and demonstrated effectiveness across the bat species evaluated in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Emma Elizabeth Guest
- Department of Biology, Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas, United States
- Bowman, San Marcos, Texas, United States
| | | | - Amanda Marie Hale
- Department of Biology, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, Texas, United States
- Western EcoSystems Technology, Inc., Cheyenne, Wyoming, United States
| | | | - Cris Daniel Hein
- National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Arvada, Colorado, United States
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LiCari ST, Hale AM, Weaver SP, Fritts S, Katzner T, Nelson DM, Williams DA. Understanding fatality patterns and sex ratios of Brazilian free-tailed bats ( Tadarida brasiliensis) at wind energy facilities in western California and Texas. PeerJ 2023; 11:e16580. [PMID: 38084143 PMCID: PMC10710772 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.16580] [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: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Operation of wind turbines has resulted in collision fatalities for several bat species, and one proven method to reduce these fatalities is to limit wind turbine blade rotation (i.e., curtail turbines) when fatalities are expected to be highest. Implementation of curtailment can potentially be optimized by targeting times when females are most at risk, as the proportion of females limits the growth and stability of many bat populations. The Brazilian free-tailed bat (Tadarida brasiliensis) is the most common bat fatality at wind energy facilities in California and Texas, and yet there are few available data on the sex ratios of the carcasses that are found. Understanding the sex ratios of fatalities in California and Texas could aid in planning population conservation strategies such as informed curtailment. Methods We used PCR to determine the sex of bat carcasses collected from wind energy facilities during post-construction monitoring (PCM) studies in California and Texas. In California, we received samples from two locations within the Altamont Pass Wind Resource Area in Alameda County: Golden Hills (GH) (n = 212) and Golden Hills North (GHN) (n = 312). In Texas, we received samples from three wind energy facilities: Los Mirasoles (LM) (Hidalgo County and Starr County) (n = 252), Los Vientos (LV) (Starr County) (n = 568), and Wind Farm A (WFA) (San Patricio County and Bee County) (n = 393). Results In California, the sex ratios of fatalities did not differ from 50:50, and the sex ratio remained stable over the survey years, but the seasonal timing of peak fatalities was inconsistent. In 2017 and 2018, fatalities peaked between September and October, whereas in 2019 and 2020 fatalities peaked between May and June. In Texas, sex ratios of fatalities varied between locations, with Los Vientos being female-skewed and Wind Farm A being male-skewed. The sex ratio of fatalities was also inconsistent over time. Lastly, for each location in Texas with multiple years studied, we observed a decrease in the proportion of female fatalities over time. Discussion We observed unexpected variation in the seasonal timing of peak fatalities in California and differences in the sex ratio of fatalities across time and facility location in Texas. In Texas, proximity to different roost types (bridge or cave) likely influenced the sex ratio of fatalities at wind energy facilities. Due to the inconsistencies in the timing of peak female fatalities, we were unable to determine an optimum curtailment period; however, there may be location-specific trends that warrant future investigation. More research should be done over the entirety of the bat active season to better understand these trends in Texas. In addition, standardization of PCM studies could assist future research efforts, enhance current monitoring efforts, and facilitate research on post-construction monitoring studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah T. LiCari
- Department of Biology, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, Texas, United States
| | - Amanda M. Hale
- Department of Biology, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, Texas, United States
- Western EcoSystems Technology, Inc, Cheyenne, Wyoming, United States
| | - Sara P. Weaver
- Bowman Consulting Group, San Marcos, Texas, United States
| | - Sarah Fritts
- Department of Biology, Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas, United States
| | - Todd Katzner
- U.S. Geological Survey, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, Boise, Idaho, United States
| | - David M. Nelson
- University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, Appalachian Laboratory, Frostburg, Maryland, United States
| | - Dean A. Williams
- Department of Biology, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, Texas, United States
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Pinzari CA, Bellinger MR, Price D, Bonaccorso FJ. Genetic diversity, structure, and effective population size of an endangered, endemic hoary bat, 'ōpe'ape'a, across the Hawaiian Islands. PeerJ 2023; 11:e14365. [PMID: 36718450 PMCID: PMC9884036 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.14365] [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: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Island bat species are disproportionately at risk of extinction, and Hawai'i's only native terrestrial land mammal, the Hawaiian hoary bat (Lasiurus semotus) locally known as 'ōpe'ape'a, is no exception. To effectively manage this bat species with an archipelago-wide distribution, it is important to determine the population size on each island and connectivity between islands. We used 18 nuclear microsatellite loci and one mitochondrial gene from 339 individuals collected from 1988-2020 to evaluate genetic diversity, population structure and estimate effective population size on the Islands of Hawai'i, Maui, O'ahu, and Kaua'i. Genetic differentiation occurred between Hawai'i and Maui, both of which were differentiated from O'ahu and Kaua'i. The population on Maui presents the greatest per-island genetic diversity, consistent with their hypothesized status as the original founding population. A signature of isolation by distance was detected between islands, with contemporary migration analyses indicating limited gene flow in recent generations, and male-biased sex dispersal within Maui. Historical and long-term estimates of genetic effective population sizes were generally larger than contemporary estimates, although estimates of contemporary genetic effective population size lacked upper bounds in confidence intervals for Hawai'i and Kaua'i. Contemporary genetic effective population sizes were smaller on O'ahu and Maui. We also detected evidence of past bottlenecks on all islands with the exception of Hawai'i. Our study provides population-level estimates for the genetic diversity and geographic structure of 'ōpe'ape'a, that could be used by agencies tasked with wildlife conservation in Hawai'i.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corinna A. Pinzari
- Tropical Conservation Biology and Environmental Science Graduate Program, University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo, Hilo, Hawaiʻi, United States of America,Hawaiʻi Cooperative Studies Unit, University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo, Hawaiʻi National Park, Hawaiʻi, United States of America
| | - M. Renee Bellinger
- Tropical Conservation Biology and Environmental Science Graduate Program, University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo, Hilo, Hawaiʻi, United States of America,Hawaiʻi Cooperative Studies Unit, University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo, Hawaiʻi National Park, Hawaiʻi, United States of America,Pacific Island Ecosystems Research Center, U.S. Geological Survey, Hawaiʻi National Park, Hawaiʻi, United States of America
| | - Donald Price
- Tropical Conservation Biology and Environmental Science Graduate Program, University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo, Hilo, Hawaiʻi, United States of America,School of Life Sciences, University of Nevada - Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV, United States of America
| | - Frank J. Bonaccorso
- Pacific Island Ecosystems Research Center, U.S. Geological Survey, Hawaiʻi National Park, Hawaiʻi, United States of America
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Lance RF, Guan X, Swift JF, Edwards CE, Lindsay DL, Britzke ER. Multifaceted DNA Metabarcoding of Guano to Uncover Multiple Classes of Ecological Data in Two Different Bat Communities. Evol Appl 2022; 15:1189-1200. [PMID: 35899252 PMCID: PMC9309442 DOI: 10.1111/eva.13425] [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: 01/13/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA contained in animal scat provides a wealth of information about the animal, and DNA metabarcoding of scat collections can provide key information about animal populations and communities. Next‐generation DNA sequencing technologies and DNA metabarcoding provide an efficient means for obtaining information available in scat samples. We used multifaceted DNA metabarcoding (MDM) of noninvasively collected bat guano pellets from a Myotis lucifugus colony on Fort Drum Military Installation, New York, USA, and from two mixed‐species bat roosts on Fort Huachuca Military Installation, Arizona, USA, to identify attributes such as bat species composition, sex ratios, diet, and the presence of pathogens and parasites. We successfully identified bat species for nearly 98% of samples from Fort Drum and 90% of samples from Fort Huachuca, and identified the sex for 84% and 67% of samples from these same locations, respectively. Species and sex identification matched expectations based on prior censuses of bat populations utilizing those roosts, though samples from some species were more or less common than anticipated within Fort Huachuca roosts. Nearly 62% of guano samples from Fort Drum contained DNA from Pseudogymnoascus destructans, where bats with wing damage from White‐nose Syndrome were commonly observed. Putative dietary items were detected in a majority of samples from insectivorous bats on Fort Drum (81%) and Fort Huachuca (63%). A minority of guano samples identified as the nectarivorous Leptonycteris yerbabuenae (28%) provided DNA sequences from putative forage plant species. Finally, DNA sequences from both putative ecto‐ and endoparasite taxa were detected in 35% and 56% of samples from Fort Drum and Fort Huachuca, respectively. This study demonstrates that the combination of noninvasive sampling, DNA metabarcoding, and sample and locus multiplexing provide a wide array of data that are otherwise difficult to obtain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard F. Lance
- Environmental Laboratory US Army Engineer Research & Development Center 3909 Halls Ferry Road Vicksburg MS 39180 USA
| | - Xin Guan
- Bennett Aerospace 3909 Halls Ferry Road Vicksburg MS 39180 USA
- Moderna, Inc Cambridge MA USA
| | - Joel F. Swift
- Center for Conservation and Sustainable Development Missouri Botanical Garden 4344 Shaw Blvd St. Louis MO 63110 USA
- Department of Biology St. Louis University St. Louis MO USA
| | - Christine E. Edwards
- Center for Conservation and Sustainable Development Missouri Botanical Garden 4344 Shaw Blvd St. Louis MO 63110 USA
| | - Denise L. Lindsay
- Environmental Laboratory US Army Engineer Research & Development Center 3909 Halls Ferry Road Vicksburg MS 39180 USA
| | - Eric R. Britzke
- Environmental Laboratory US Army Engineer Research & Development Center 3909 Halls Ferry Road Vicksburg MS 39180 USA
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An Updated Review of Hypotheses Regarding Bat Attraction to Wind Turbines. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12030343. [PMID: 35158666 PMCID: PMC8833423 DOI: 10.3390/ani12030343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Patterns of bat activity and mortalities at wind energy facilities suggest that bats are attracted to wind turbines based on bat behavioral responses to wind turbines. For example, current monitoring efforts suggest that bat activity increases post-wind turbine construction, with bats making multiple passes near wind turbines. We separated the attraction hypothesis into five previously proposed explanations of bat interactions at or near wind turbines, including attraction based on noise, roost sites, foraging and water, mating behavior, and lights, and one new hypothesis regarding olfaction, and provide a state of the knowledge in 2022. Our review indicates that future research should prioritize attraction based on social behaviors, such as mating and scent-marking, as this aspect of the attraction hypothesis has many postulates and remains the most unclear. Relatively more data regarding attraction to wind turbines based on lighting and noise emission exist, and these data indicate that these are unlikely attractants. Analyzing attraction at the species-level should be prioritized because of differences in foraging, flight, and social behavior among bat species. Lastly, research assessing bat attraction at various scales, such as the turbine or facility scale, is lacking, which could provide important insights for both wind turbine siting decisions and bat mortality minimization strategies. Identifying the causes of bat interactions with wind turbines is critical for developing effective impact minimization strategies.
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Hale AM, Hein CD, Straw BR. Acoustic and Genetic Data Can Reduce Uncertainty Regarding Populations of Migratory Tree-Roosting Bats Impacted by Wind Energy. Animals (Basel) 2021; 12:81. [PMID: 35011186 PMCID: PMC8749617 DOI: 10.3390/ani12010081] [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: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Wind turbine-related mortality may pose a population-level threat for migratory tree-roosting bats, such as the hoary bat (Lasiurus cinereus) in North America. These species are dispersed within their range, making it impractical to estimate census populations size using traditional survey methods. Nonetheless, understanding population size and trends is essential for evaluating and mitigating risk from wind turbine mortality. Using various sampling techniques, including systematic acoustic sampling and genetic analyses, we argue that building a weight of evidence regarding bat population status and trends is possible to (1) assess the sustainability of mortality associated with wind turbines; (2) determine the level of mitigation required; and (3) evaluate the effectiveness of mitigation measures to ensure population viability for these species. Long-term, systematic data collection remains the most viable option for reducing uncertainty regarding population trends for migratory tree-roosting bats. We recommend collecting acoustic data using the statistically robust North American Bat Monitoring Program (NABat) protocols and that genetic diversity is monitored at repeated time intervals to show species trends. There are no short-term actions to resolve these population-level questions; however, we discuss opportunities for relatively short-term investments that will lead to long-term success in reducing uncertainty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda M. Hale
- Department of Biology, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, TX 76129, USA
| | - Cris D. Hein
- National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Arvada, CO 80007, USA;
| | - Bethany R. Straw
- Fort Collins Science Center, U. S. Geological Survey, Fort Collins, CO 80526, USA;
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Cryan PM, Gorresen PM, Straw BR, Thao S(S, DeGeorge E. Influencing Activity of Bats by Dimly Lighting Wind Turbine Surfaces with Ultraviolet Light. Animals (Basel) 2021; 12:ani12010009. [PMID: 35011115 PMCID: PMC8744972 DOI: 10.3390/ani12010009] [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: 10/28/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Bats often fly near wind turbines. The fatalities associated with this behavior continue to be an issue for wind energy development and wildlife conservation. We tested an experimental method intended to reduce bat fatalities at the wind turbines. We assumed that bats navigate over long distances at night by dim-light vision and might be dissuaded from approaching artificially lit structures. For over a year, we experimentally lit wind turbines at night with dim, flickering ultraviolet (UV) light while measuring the presence and activity of bats, birds, and insects with thermal-imaging cameras. We detected no statistical differences in the activity of the bats, insects, or birds at a test turbine when lit with UV light compared with that of unlit nights. Additional experiments to test this or other possible bat-deterrence methods may benefit from considering subtle measures of animal response that can provide useful information on the possible behavioral effects of fatality-reduction experiments. Abstract Wind energy producers need deployable devices for wind turbines that prevent bat fatalities. Based on the speculation that bats approach turbines after visually mistaking them for trees, we tested a potential light-based deterrence method. It is likely that the affected bats see ultraviolet (UV) light at low intensities. Here, we present the results of a multi-month experiment to cast dim, flickering UV light across wind turbine surfaces at night. Our objectives were to refine and test a practical system for dimly UV-illuminating turbines while testing whether the experimental UV treatment influenced the activity of bats, birds, and insects. We mounted upward-facing UV light arrays on turbines and used thermal-imaging cameras to quantify the presence and activity of night-flying animals. The results demonstrated that the turbines can be lit to the highest reaches of the blades with “invisible” UV light, and the animal responses to such experimental treatment can be concurrently monitored. The UV treatment did not significantly change nighttime bat, insect, or bird activity at the wind turbine. Our findings show how observing flying animals with thermal cameras at night can help test emerging technologies intended to variably affect their behaviors around wind turbines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul M. Cryan
- U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), Fort Collins Science Center, Fort Collins, CO 80526, USA;
- Correspondence:
| | - Paulo M. Gorresen
- Hawaii Cooperative Studies Unit, University of Hawaii at Hilo, Hilo, HI 96720, USA;
- USGS Pacific Island Ecosystems Science Center, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hilo, HI 96718, USA
| | - Bethany R. Straw
- U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), Fort Collins Science Center, Fort Collins, CO 80526, USA;
| | - Syhoune (Simon) Thao
- U.S. Department of Energy, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, National Wind Technology Center, Boulder, CO 80007, USA; (S.T.); (E.D.)
| | - Elise DeGeorge
- U.S. Department of Energy, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, National Wind Technology Center, Boulder, CO 80007, USA; (S.T.); (E.D.)
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Cornman RS, Fike JA, Oyler-McCance SJ, Cryan PM. Historical effective population size of North American hoary bat ( Lasiurus cinereus) and challenges to estimating trends in contemporary effective breeding population size from archived samples. PeerJ 2021; 9:e11285. [PMID: 33976981 PMCID: PMC8061578 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.11285] [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: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Hoary bats (Lasiurus cinereus) are among the bat species most commonly killed by wind turbine strikes in the midwestern United States. The impact of this mortality on species census size is not understood, due in part to the difficulty of estimating population size for this highly migratory and elusive species. Genetic effective population size (Ne) could provide an index of changing census population size if other factors affecting Ne are stable. Methods We used the NeEstimator package to derive effective breeding population size (Nb) estimates for two temporally spaced cohorts: 93 hoary bats collected in 2009-2010 and an additional 93 collected in 2017-2018. We sequenced restriction-site associated polymorphisms and generated a de novo genome assembly to guide the removal of sex-linked and multi-copy loci, as well as identify physically linked markers. Results Analysis of the reference genome with psmc suggested at least a doubling of Ne in the last 100,000 years, likely exceeding Ne = 10,000 in the Holocene. Allele and genotype frequency analyses confirmed that the two cohorts were comparable, although some samples had unusually high or low observed heterozygosities. Additionally, the older cohort had lower mean coverage and greater variability in coverage, and batch effects of sampling locality were observed that were consistent with sample degradation. We therefore excluded samples with low coverage or outlier heterozygosity, as well as loci with sequence coverage far from the mode value, from the final data set. Prior to excluding these outliers, contemporary Nb estimates were significantly higher in the more recent cohort, but this finding was driven by high values for the 2018 sample year and low values for all other years. In the reduced data set, Nb did not differ significantly between cohorts. We found base substitutions to be strongly biased toward cytosine to thymine or the complement, and further partitioning loci by substitution type had a strong effect on Nb estimates. Minor allele frequency and base quality bias thresholds also had strong effects on Nb estimates. Instability of Nb with respect to common data filtering parameters and empirically identified factors prevented robust comparison of the two cohorts. Given that confidence intervals frequently included infinity as the stringency of data filtering increased, contemporary trends in Nb of North American hoary bats may not be tractable with the linkage disequilibrium method, at least using the protocol employed here.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert S Cornman
- U.S. Geological Survey, Fort Collins Science Center, Fort Collins, CO, United States of America
| | - Jennifer A Fike
- U.S. Geological Survey, Fort Collins Science Center, Fort Collins, CO, United States of America
| | - Sara J Oyler-McCance
- U.S. Geological Survey, Fort Collins Science Center, Fort Collins, CO, United States of America
| | - Paul M Cryan
- U.S. Geological Survey, Fort Collins Science Center, Fort Collins, CO, United States of America
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Weaver SP, Jones AK, Hein CD, Castro-Arellano I. Estimating bat fatality at a Texas wind energy facility: implications transcending the United States–Mexico border. J Mammal 2020. [DOI: 10.1093/jmammal/gyaa132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Wind energy development causes bat fatalities. Despite emphasis on understanding and reducing these impacts, few data are available for the southwest region of the United States and northern Mexico. We monitored bat fatalities for a full year (March 2017–March 2018) at a wind energy facility in south Texas near the United States–Mexico border. We established search plots of 100-m radius at eight randomly selected turbines (of 255) and searched the roads and pads at an additional 92 turbines. We conducted weekly searches from spring through fall and bimonthly during winter. We used GenEst (Generalized Mortality Estimator) to estimate bat fatalities corrected for searcher efficiency, carcass removal, and density-weighted proportion of area searched. We found 205 bats during standardized searches, the majority of which were Brazilian free-tailed bats (Tadarida brasiliensis, 76%). The corrected fatality estimates were 16 bats/megawatt/year (95% confidence interval [CI]: 12 – 30 bats/megawatt/year) across all species. Species composition at our site is similar to that of northern Mexico, an area of expanding wind energy development with no published studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara P Weaver
- Bowman Consulting Group, Ltd, San Marcos, TX, USA
- Biology Department, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX, USA
| | | | - Cris D Hein
- National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Golden, CO, USA
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Chipps AS, Hale AM, Weaver SP, Williams DA. Genetic diversity, population structure, and effective population size in two yellow bat species in south Texas. PeerJ 2020; 8:e10348. [PMID: 33240657 PMCID: PMC7680031 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.10348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
There are increasing concerns regarding bat mortality at wind energy facilities, especially as installed capacity continues to grow. In North America, wind energy development has recently expanded into the Lower Rio Grande Valley in south Texas where bat species had not previously been exposed to wind turbines. Our study sought to characterize genetic diversity, population structure, and effective population size in Dasypterus ega and D. intermedius, two tree-roosting yellow bats native to this region and for which little is known about their population biology and seasonal movements. There was no evidence of population substructure in either species. Genetic diversity at mitochondrial and microsatellite loci was lower in these yellow bat taxa than in previously studied migratory tree bat species in North America, which may be due to the non-migratory nature of these species at our study site, the fact that our study site is located at a geographic range end for both taxa, and possibly weak ascertainment bias at microsatellite loci. Historical effective population size (NEF) was large for both species, while current estimates of Ne had upper 95% confidence limits that encompassed infinity. We found evidence of strong mitochondrial differentiation between the two putative subspecies of D. intermedius (D. i. floridanus and D. i. intermedius) which are sympatric in this region of Texas, yet little differentiation using microsatellite loci. We suggest this pattern is due to secondary contact and hybridization and possibly incomplete lineage sorting at microsatellite loci. We also found evidence of some hybridization between D. ega and D. intermedius in this region of Texas. We recommend that our data serve as a starting point for the long-term genetic monitoring of these species in order to better understand the impacts of wind-related mortality on these populations over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Austin S. Chipps
- Department of Biology, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, TX, United States of America
| | - Amanda M. Hale
- Department of Biology, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, TX, United States of America
| | - Sara P. Weaver
- Biology Department, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX, United States of America
- Bowman Consulting Group, San Marcos, TX, United States of America
| | - Dean A. Williams
- Department of Biology, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, TX, United States of America
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Guan X, Britzke ER, Piaggio AJ, Bergman DL, Van Pelt L, Lance RF. Genetic assays for guano-based identification of species and sex in bats of the United States and Canada. J Mammal 2020. [DOI: 10.1093/jmammal/gyaa059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Bat guano is a noninvasive, data-rich genetic resource. However, the constituent bat DNA is relatively scant, degraded, and complexed with polymerase chain reaction inhibitors. It also is comingled with a rich pool of nontarget DNA from microbes, parasites, and dietary items. We designed and tested new DNA assays for bat species identification (COX1-Bat) and sex identification (XGXYC) for use with guano and other challenging samples. We reviewed previously published assays that can be used with guano samples to obtain the same species and sex data, and attempted to validate these assays for species in which they had not previously been tested. Our results demonstrate that guano-derived DNA can be used successfully to 1) identify nearly all US and Canadian bats at the species level, or to one of three Myotis species clusters, and 2) identify the sex of at least 23 US and Canadian bat species. Our newly developed assays, and validation of previously published assays, for guano-based identification of species and sex in bats, significantly enhance the power of noninvasive sampling and genetic analysis for bat studies, management, and conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Guan
- Bennett Aerospace, Vicksburg, MS, USA
| | - Eric R Britzke
- Environmental Laboratory, US Army Engineer Research & Development Center, Vicksburg, MS, USA
| | - Antoinette J Piaggio
- National Wildlife Research Center, Wildlife Services, Animal Plant and Health Inspection Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - David L Bergman
- Wildlife Services, Animal Plant and Health Inspection Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Lolita Van Pelt
- Wildlife Services, Animal Plant and Health Inspection Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Richard F Lance
- Environmental Laboratory, US Army Engineer Research & Development Center, Vicksburg, MS, USA
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13
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Genetic Approaches Are Necessary to Accurately Understand Bat-Wind Turbine Impacts. DIVERSITY 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/d12060236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Bats are killed at wind energy facilities worldwide and we must improve our understanding of why this is happening and implement effective strategies to minimize impacts. To this end, we need accurate assessments of which individuals from which bat species are being killed at individual wind projects and at regional and range-wide scales. Traditional fatality searches have relied on physical characteristics to ascertain species and sex of bat carcasses collected at wind turbines; however, the resulting data can be incomplete and inaccurate. In contrast, the use of readily available and low-cost molecular methods improves both the quality and quantity of available data. We applied such methods to a bat fatality dataset (n = 439 bats) from far-south Texas, USA. Using DNA barcoding, we increased accurate species identification from 83% to 97%, and discovered the presence of 2 bat species outside of their known geographic ranges. Using a PCR-based approach to determine sex, the number of carcasses with correct sex assignment increased from 35% to 94%, and we documented a female-biased sex ratio for all species combined and for Dasypterus ega. We recommend that molecular methods be used during future survey efforts to accurately assess the impacts of wind energy on bats.
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Ammerman LK, Lee DN, Jones BA, Holt MP, Harrison SJ, Decker SK. High Frequency of Multiple Paternity in Eastern Red Bats, Lasiurus borealis, Based on Microsatellite Analysis. J Hered 2019; 110:675-683. [PMID: 31283818 DOI: 10.1093/jhered/esz044] [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: 12/07/2018] [Accepted: 07/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Most species of bats give birth to only 1 pup each year, although Eastern red bats (Lasiurus borealis) can produce up to 5 pups per litter. Offspring in a single litter have been documented to be at different stages of development, suggesting that multiple paternity occurs. We tested the null hypothesis of genetic monogamy in red bats using 6 autosomal microsatellites and 1 X-linked microsatellite from 31 parent/offspring groups for a total of 128 bats. We sampled both pregnant females and mothers with pups that were obtained from bats submitted to departments of health in Oklahoma and Texas for rabies testing. Multiple paternity was assessed using a maximum-likelihood approach, hypothesis testing, and X-linked locus exclusion. The mean polymorphic information content of our markers was high (0.8819) and combined non-exclusion probability was low (0.00027). Results from the maximum-likelihood approach showed that 22 out of 31 (71%) parent/offspring groups consisted of half siblings, hypothesis testing rejected full sibship in 61% of parent/offspring groups, and X-linked locus exclusion suggested multiple paternity in at least 12 parent/offspring groups, rejecting our hypothesis of genetic monogamy. This frequency of multiple paternity is the highest reported thus far for any bat species. High levels of multiple paternity have the potential to impact interpretations of genetic estimates of effective population size in this species. Further, multiple paternity might be an adaptive strategy to allow for increased genetic variation and large litter size, which would be beneficial to a species threatened by population declines from wind turbines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loren K Ammerman
- Department of Biology, ASU Station #10890, Angelo State University, San Angelo, TX
| | - Dana N Lee
- Department of Agriculture, Biology, and Health Sciences, West Gore Boulevard, Cameron University, Lawton, OK
| | - Brittney A Jones
- Department of Agriculture, Biology, and Health Sciences, West Gore Boulevard, Cameron University, Lawton, OK
| | - Morgan P Holt
- Department of Agriculture, Biology, and Health Sciences, West Gore Boulevard, Cameron University, Lawton, OK
| | - Samuel J Harrison
- Department of Biology, ASU Station #10890, Angelo State University, San Angelo, TX
| | - Sydney K Decker
- Department of Biology, ASU Station #10890, Angelo State University, San Angelo, TX
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15
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Strah R, Kunej T. Molecular sexing assays in 114 mammalian species: In silico sequence reanalysis and a unified graphical visualization of diagnostic tests. Ecol Evol 2019; 9:5018-5028. [PMID: 31031962 PMCID: PMC6476764 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.5093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2018] [Revised: 01/29/2019] [Accepted: 03/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Molecular-based methods for identifying sex in mammals have a wide range of applications, from embryo manipulation to ecological studies. Various sex-specific or homologous genes can be used for this purpose, PCR amplification being a common method. Over the years, the number of reported tests and the range of tested species have increased greatly. The aim of the present analysis was to retrieve PCR-based sexing assays for a range of mammalian species, gathering the gene sequences from either the articles or online databases, and visualize the molecular design in a uniform manner. For nucleotide alignment and diagnostic test visualization, the following genomic databases and tools were used: NCBI, Ensembl Nucleotide BLAST, ClustalW2, and NEBcutter V2.0. In the 45 gathered articles, 59 different diagnostic tests based on eight different PCR-based methods were developed for 114 mammalian species. Most commonly used genes for the analysis were ZFX, ZFY, AMELX, and AMELY. The tests were most commonly based on sex-specific insertions and deletions (SSIndels) and sex-specific sequence polymorphisms (SSSP). This review provides an overview of PCR-based sexing methods developed for mammals. This information will facilitate more efficient development of novel molecular sexing assays and reuse of previously developed tests. Development of many novel and improvement of previously developed tests is also expected with the rapid increase in the quantity and quality of available genetic information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebeka Strah
- Biotechnical Faculty, Department of Animal ScienceUniversity of LjubljanaDomzaleSlovenia
| | - Tanja Kunej
- Biotechnical Faculty, Department of Animal ScienceUniversity of LjubljanaDomzaleSlovenia
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16
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Nelson DM, Nagel J, Trott R, Campbell CJ, Pruitt L, Good RE, Iskali G, Gugger PF. Carcass age and searcher identity affect morphological assessment of sex of bats. J Wildl Manage 2018. [DOI: 10.1002/jwmg.21544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- David M. Nelson
- University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science; Appalachian Laboratory; Frostburg MD 21532 USA
| | - Juliet Nagel
- University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science; Appalachian Laboratory; Frostburg MD 21532 USA
| | - Regina Trott
- University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science; Appalachian Laboratory; Frostburg MD 21532 USA
| | - Caitlin J. Campbell
- University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science; Appalachian Laboratory; Frostburg MD 21532 USA
| | - Lori Pruitt
- US Fish and Wildlife Service; Bloomington IN 47403 USA
| | - Rhett E. Good
- Western EcoSystems Technology, Inc.; Bloomington IN 47404 USA
| | - Goniela Iskali
- Western EcoSystems Technology, Inc.; Bloomington IN 47404 USA
| | - Paul F. Gugger
- University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science; Appalachian Laboratory; Frostburg MD 21532 USA
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17
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Swift JF, Lance RF, Guan X, Britzke ER, Lindsay DL, Edwards CE. Multifaceted DNA metabarcoding: Validation of a noninvasive, next-generation approach to studying bat populations. Evol Appl 2018; 11:1120-1138. [PMID: 30026801 PMCID: PMC6050187 DOI: 10.1111/eva.12644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2017] [Revised: 04/12/2018] [Accepted: 04/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
As multiple species of bats are currently experiencing dramatic declines in populations due to white-nose syndrome (WNS) and other factors, conservation managers have an urgent need for data on the ecology and overall status of populations of once-common bat species. Standard approaches to obtain data on bat populations often involve capture and handling, requiring extensive expertise and unavoidably resulting in stress to the bats. New methods to rapidly obtain critical data are needed that minimize both the stress on bats and the spread of WNS. Guano provides a noninvasive source of DNA that includes information from the bat, but also dietary items, parasites, and pathogens. DNA metabarcoding is a high-throughput, DNA-based identification technique to assess the biodiversity of environmental or fecal samples. We investigated the use of multifaceted DNA metabarcoding (MDM), a technique combining next-generation DNA sequencing (NGS), DNA barcodes, and bioinformatic analysis, to simultaneously collect data on multiple parameters of interest (bat species composition, individual genotype, sex ratios, diet, parasites, and presence of WNS) from fecal samples using a single NGS run. We tested the accuracy of each MDM assay using samples in which these parameters were previously determined using conventional approaches. We found that assays for bat species identification, insect diet, parasite diversity, and genotype were both sensitive and accurate, the assay to detect WNS was highly sensitive but requires careful sample processing steps to ensure the reliability of results, while assays for nectivorous diet and sex showed lower sensitivity. MDM was able to quantify multiple data classes from fecal samples simultaneously, and results were consistent whether we included assays for a single data class or multiple data classes. Overall, MDM is a useful approach that employs noninvasive sampling and a customizable suite of assays to gain important and largely accurate information on bat ecology and population dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel F. Swift
- Center for Conservation and Sustainable DevelopmentMissouri Botanical GardenSt. LouisMissouri
| | - Richard F. Lance
- Environmental LaboratoryUS Army Engineer Research and Development CenterVicksburgMississippi
| | - Xin Guan
- Bennett AerospaceCaryNorth Carolina
| | - Eric R. Britzke
- Environmental LaboratoryUS Army Engineer Research and Development CenterVicksburgMississippi
| | - Denise L. Lindsay
- Environmental LaboratoryUS Army Engineer Research and Development CenterVicksburgMississippi
| | - Christine E. Edwards
- Center for Conservation and Sustainable DevelopmentMissouri Botanical GardenSt. LouisMissouri
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18
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Korstian JM, Chumchal MM, Bennett VJ, Hale AM. Mercury contamination in bats from the central United States. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2018; 37:160-165. [PMID: 28792083 DOI: 10.1002/etc.3940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2017] [Revised: 05/04/2017] [Accepted: 08/07/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is a highly toxic metal that has detrimental effects on wildlife. We surveyed Hg concentrations in 10 species of bats collected at wind farms in the central United States and found contamination in all species. Mercury concentration in fur was highly variable both within and between species (range: 1.08-10.52 µg/g). Despite the distance between sites (up to 1200 km), only 2 of the 5 species sampled at multiple locations had fur Hg concentrations that differed between sites. Mercury concentrations observed in the present study all fell within the previously reported ranges for bats collected from the northeastern United States and Canada, although many of the bats we sampled had lower maximum Hg concentrations. Juvenile bats had lower concentrations of Hg in fur compared with adult bats, and we found no significant effect of sex on Hg concentrations in fur. For a subset of 2 species, we also measured Hg concentration in muscle tissue; concentrations were much higher in fur than in muscle, and Hg concentrations in the 2 tissue types were weakly correlated. Abundant wind farms and ongoing postconstruction fatality surveys offer an underutilized opportunity to obtain tissue samples that can be used to assess Hg contamination in bats. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;37:160-165. © 2018 SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Victoria J Bennett
- School of Geology, Energy and the Environment, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, Texas, USA
| | - Amanda M Hale
- Biology Department, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, Texas, USA
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19
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Literman R, Radhakrishnan S, Tamplin J, Burke R, Dresser C, Valenzuela N. Development of sexing primers in Glyptemys insculpta and Apalone spinifera turtles uncovers an XX/XY sex-determining system in the critically-endangered bog turtle Glyptemys muhlenbergii. CONSERV GENET RESOUR 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s12686-017-0711-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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20
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Sovic MG, Carstens BC, Gibbs HL. Genetic diversity in migratory bats: Results from RADseq data for three tree bat species at an Ohio windfarm. PeerJ 2016; 4:e1647. [PMID: 26824001 PMCID: PMC4730867 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.1647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2015] [Accepted: 01/11/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Genetic analyses can identify the scale at which wildlife species are impacted by human activities, and provide demographic information useful for management. Here, we use thousands of nuclear DNA genetic loci to assess whether genetic structure occurs within Lasiurus cinereus (Hoary Bat), L. borealis (Red Bat), and Lasionycteris noctivagans (Silver-Haired Bat) bats found at a wind turbine site in Ohio, and to also estimate demographic parameters in each of these three groups. Our specific goals are to: 1) demonstrate the feasibility of isolating RADseq loci from these tree bat species, 2) test for genetic structure within each species, including any structure that may be associated with time (migration period), and 3) use coalescent-based modeling approaches to estimate genetically-effective population sizes and patterns of population size changes over evolutionary timescales. Thousands of loci were successfully genotyped for each species, demonstrating the value of RADseq for generating polymorphic loci for population genetic analyses in these bats. There was no evidence for genetic differentiation between groups of samples collected at different times throughout spring and fall migration, suggesting that individuals from each species found at the wind facility are from single panmictic populations. Estimates of present-day effective population sizes varied across species, but were consistently large, on the order of 105–106. All populations show evidence of expansions that date to the Pleistocene. These results, along with recent work also suggesting limited genetic structure in bats across North America, argue that additional biomarker systems such as stable-isotopes or trace elements should be investigated as alternative and/or complementary approaches to genetics for sourcing individuals collected at single wind farm sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael G Sovic
- Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States; Ohio Biodiversity Conservation Partnership, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States
| | - Bryan C Carstens
- Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology, The Ohio State University , Columbus, OH , United States
| | - H Lisle Gibbs
- Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States; Ohio Biodiversity Conservation Partnership, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States
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21
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Using DNA barcoding to improve bat carcass identification at wind farms in the United States. CONSERV GENET RESOUR 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s12686-015-0509-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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22
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Korstian JM, Schildt AJ, Bennett VJ, Williams DA, Hale AM. A method for PCR-based identification of bat species from fecal samples. CONSERV GENET RESOUR 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s12686-015-0488-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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23
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Korstian JM, Hale AM, Williams DA. Genetic diversity, historic population size, and population structure in 2 North American tree bats. J Mammal 2015. [DOI: 10.1093/jmammal/gyv101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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24
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Literman R, Badenhorst D, Valenzuela N. qPCR-based molecular sexing by copy number variation in rRNA genes and its utility for sex identification in soft-shell turtles. Methods Ecol Evol 2014. [DOI: 10.1111/2041-210x.12228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Robert Literman
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Organismal Biology; Iowa State University; 251 Bessey Hall Ames IA 50011 USA
| | - Daleen Badenhorst
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Organismal Biology; Iowa State University; 251 Bessey Hall Ames IA 50011 USA
| | - Nicole Valenzuela
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Organismal Biology; Iowa State University; 251 Bessey Hall Ames IA 50011 USA
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