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Hogg CJ. Translating genomic advances into biodiversity conservation. Nat Rev Genet 2024; 25:362-373. [PMID: 38012268 DOI: 10.1038/s41576-023-00671-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
A key action of the new Global Biodiversity Framework is the maintenance of genetic diversity in all species to safeguard their adaptive potential. To achieve this goal, a translational mindset, which aims to convert results of basic research into direct practical benefits, needs to be applied to biodiversity conservation. Despite much discussion on the value of genomics to conservation, a disconnect between those generating genomic resources and those applying it to biodiversity management remains. As global efforts to generate reference genomes for non-model species increase, investment into practical biodiversity applications is critically important. Applications such as understanding population and multispecies diversity and longitudinal monitoring need support alongside education for policymakers on integrating the data into evidence-based decisions. Without such investment, the opportunity to revolutionize global biodiversity conservation using genomics will not be fully realized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolyn J Hogg
- School of Life & Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
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2
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Hogg CJ, Silver L, McLennan EA, Belov K. Koala Genome Survey: An Open Data Resource to Improve Conservation Planning. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:genes14030546. [PMID: 36980819 PMCID: PMC10048327 DOI: 10.3390/genes14030546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Genome sequencing is a powerful tool that can inform the management of threatened species. Koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus) are a globally recognized species that captured the hearts and minds of the world during the 2019/2020 Australian megafires. In 2022, koalas were listed as ‘Endangered’ in Queensland, New South Wales, and the Australian Capital Territory. Populations have declined because of various threats such as land clearing, habitat fragmentation, and disease, all of which are exacerbated by climate change. Here, we present the Koala Genome Survey, an open data resource that was developed after the Australian megafires. A systematic review conducted in 2020 demonstrated that our understanding of genomic diversity within koala populations was scant, with only a handful of SNP studies conducted. Interrogating data showed that only 6 of 49 New South Wales areas of regional koala significance had meaningful genome-wide data, with only 7 locations in Queensland with SNP data and 4 locations in Victoria. In 2021, we launched the Koala Genome Survey to generate resequenced genomes across the Australian east coast. We have publicly released 430 koala genomes (average coverage: 32.25X, range: 11.3–66.8X) on the Amazon Web Services Open Data platform to accelerate research that can inform current and future conservation planning.
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3
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Farquharson KA, McLennan EA, Cheng Y, Alexander L, Fox S, Lee AV, Belov K, Hogg CJ. Restoring faith in conservation action: Maintaining wild genetic diversity through the Tasmanian devil insurance program. iScience 2022; 25:104474. [PMID: 35754729 PMCID: PMC9218385 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.104474] [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: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Conservation breeding programs aim to maintain 90% wild genetic diversity, but rarely assess functional diversity. Here, we compare both genome-wide and functional diversity (in over 500 genes) of Tasmanian devils (Sarcophilus harrisii) within the insurance metapopulation and across the species’ range (64,519 km2). Populations have declined by 80% since 1996 due to a contagious cancer, devil facial tumor disease (DFTD). However, predicted local extinctions have not occurred. Recent suggestions of selection for “resistance” alleles in the wild precipitated concerns that insurance population devils may be unsuitable for translocations. Using 830 wild samples collected at 31 locations between 2012 and 2021, and 553 insurance metapopulation devils, we show that the insurance metapopulation is representative of current wild genetic diversity. Allele frequencies at DFTD-associated loci were not substantially different between captive and wild devils. Methods presented here are valuable for others investigating evolutionary potential in threatened species, particularly ones under significant selective pressures. Developed target capture to assess functional diversity at over 500 genes Fine-scale structure exists in the genetically depauperate Tasmanian devil Insurance metapopulation is representative of wild genetic diversity Allele frequencies at disease-associated loci were similar in captivity to the wild
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Elspeth A McLennan
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Yuanyuan Cheng
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Lauren Alexander
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Samantha Fox
- Save the Tasmanian Devil Program, NRE Tasmania, Hobart, Tas 7001, Australia.,Toledo Zoo, 2605 Broadway, Toledo, OH 43609, USA
| | - Andrew V Lee
- Save the Tasmanian Devil Program, NRE Tasmania, Hobart, Tas 7001, Australia.,Toledo Zoo, 2605 Broadway, Toledo, OH 43609, USA
| | - Katherine Belov
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Carolyn J Hogg
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.,San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, PO BOX 120551, San Diego, CA 92112, USA
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4
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Wright AL, Anson JR, Leo V, Wright BR, Newsome TM, Grueber CE. Urban restoration of common species: population genetics of reintroduced native bush rats
Rattus fuscipes
in Sydney, Australia. Anim Conserv 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/acv.12787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- A. L. Wright
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science The University of Sydney Sydney NSW Australia
| | - J. R. Anson
- Australian Wildlife Conservancy Perth WA Australia
| | - V. Leo
- Australian Wildlife Conservancy Perth WA Australia
| | - B. R. Wright
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science The University of Sydney Sydney NSW Australia
- Sydney School of Veterinary Sciences The University of Sydney Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney Sydney NSW Australia
| | - T. M. Newsome
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science The University of Sydney Sydney NSW Australia
| | - C. E. Grueber
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science The University of Sydney Sydney NSW Australia
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5
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McLennan EA, Belov K, Hogg CJ, Grueber CE. How much is enough? Sampling intensity influences estimates of reproductive variance in an introduced population. ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS : A PUBLICATION OF THE ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2022; 32:e02462. [PMID: 34614257 DOI: 10.1002/eap.2462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Conservation introductions to islands and fenced enclosures are increasing as in situ mitigations fail to keep pace with population declines. Few studies consider the potential loss of genetic diversity and increased inbreeding if released individuals breed disproportionately. As funding is limited and post-release monitoring expensive for conservation programs, understanding how sampling effort influences estimates of reproductive variance is useful. To investigate this relationship, we used a well-studied population of Tasmanian devils (Sarcophilus harrisii) introduced to Maria Island, Tasmania, Australia. Pedigree reconstruction based on molecular data revealed high variance in number of offspring per breeder and high proportions of unsuccessful individuals. Computational subsampling of 20%, 40%, 60%, and 80% of observed offspring resulted in inaccurate estimates of reproductive variance compared to the pedigree reconstructed with all sampled individuals. With decreased sampling effort, the proportion of inferred unsuccessful individuals was overestimated and the variance in number of offspring per breeder was underestimated. To accurately estimate reproductive variance, we recommend sampling as many individuals as logistically possible during the early stages of population establishment. Further, we recommend careful selection of colonizing individuals as they may be disproportionately represented in subsequent generations. Within the conservation management context, our results highlight important considerations for sample collection and post-release monitoring during population establishment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elspeth A McLennan
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - Katherine Belov
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - Carolyn J Hogg
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - Catherine E Grueber
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
- San Diego Zoo Global, PO BOX 120551, San Diego, California, 92112, USA
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6
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Metapopulation management of a critically endangered marsupial in the age of genomics. Glob Ecol Conserv 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2021.e01869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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Foster Y, Dutoit L, Grosser S, Dussex N, Foster BJ, Dodds KG, Brauning R, Van Stijn T, Robertson F, McEwan JC, Jacobs JME, Robertson BC. Genomic signatures of inbreeding in a critically endangered parrot, the kākāpō. G3 (BETHESDA, MD.) 2021; 11:jkab307. [PMID: 34542587 PMCID: PMC8527487 DOI: 10.1093/g3journal/jkab307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Events of inbreeding are inevitable in critically endangered species. Reduced population sizes and unique life-history traits can increase the severity of inbreeding, leading to declines in fitness and increased risk of extinction. Here, we investigate levels of inbreeding in a critically endangered flightless parrot, the kākāpō (Strigops habroptilus), wherein a highly inbred island population and one individual from the mainland of New Zealand founded the entire extant population. Genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS), and a genotype calling approach using a chromosome-level genome assembly, identified a filtered set of 12,241 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) among 161 kākāpō, which together encompass the total genetic potential of the extant population. Multiple molecular-based estimates of inbreeding were compared, including genome-wide estimates of heterozygosity (FH), the diagonal elements of a genomic-relatedness matrix (FGRM), and runs of homozygosity (RoH, FRoH). In addition, we compared levels of inbreeding in chicks from a recent breeding season to examine if inbreeding is associated with offspring survival. The density of SNPs generated with GBS was sufficient to identify chromosomes that were largely homozygous with RoH distributed in similar patterns to other inbred species. Measures of inbreeding were largely correlated and differed significantly between descendants of the two founding populations. However, neither inbreeding nor ancestry was found to be associated with reduced survivorship in chicks, owing to unexpected mortality in chicks exhibiting low levels of inbreeding. Our study highlights important considerations for estimating inbreeding in critically endangered species, such as the impacts of small population sizes and admixture between diverse lineages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasmin Foster
- Department of Zoology, University of Otago, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
| | - Ludovic Dutoit
- Department of Zoology, University of Otago, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
| | - Stefanie Grosser
- Department of Zoology, University of Otago, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
| | - Nicolas Dussex
- Centre for Palaeogenetics, SE-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Bioinformatics and Genetics, Swedish Museum of Natural History, SE-104 05 Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Zoology, Stockholm University, SE-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Brodie J Foster
- Department of Zoology, University of Otago, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
| | - Ken G Dodds
- AgResearch Invermay Agricultural Centre, Mosgiel 9053, New Zealand
| | - Rudiger Brauning
- AgResearch Invermay Agricultural Centre, Mosgiel 9053, New Zealand
| | - Tracey Van Stijn
- AgResearch Invermay Agricultural Centre, Mosgiel 9053, New Zealand
| | - Fiona Robertson
- Department of Zoology, University of Otago, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
| | - John C McEwan
- AgResearch Invermay Agricultural Centre, Mosgiel 9053, New Zealand
| | | | - Bruce C Robertson
- Department of Zoology, University of Otago, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
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Duntsch L, Whibley A, Brekke P, Ewen JG, Santure AW. Genomic data of different resolutions reveal consistent inbreeding estimates but contrasting homozygosity landscapes for the threatened Aotearoa New Zealand hihi. Mol Ecol 2021; 30:6006-6020. [PMID: 34242449 DOI: 10.1111/mec.16068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Inbreeding can lead to a loss of heterozygosity in a population and when combined with genetic drift may reduce the adaptive potential of a species. However, there is uncertainty about whether resequencing data can provide accurate and consistent inbreeding estimates. Here, we performed an in-depth inbreeding analysis for hihi (Notiomystis cincta), an endemic and nationally vulnerable passerine bird of Aotearoa New Zealand. We first focused on subsampling variants from a reference genome male, and found that low-density data sets tend to miss runs of homozygosity (ROH) in some places and overestimate ROH length in others, resulting in contrasting homozygosity landscapes. Low-coverage resequencing and 50 K SNP array densities can yield comparable inbreeding results to high-coverage resequencing approaches, but the results for all data sets are highly dependent on the software settings employed. Second, we extended our analysis to 10 hihi where low-coverage whole genome resequencing, RAD-seq and SNP array genotypes are available. We inferred ROH and individual inbreeding to evaluate the relative effects of sequencing depth versus SNP density on estimating inbreeding coefficients and found that high rates of missingness downwardly bias both the number and length of ROH. In summary, when using genomic data to evaluate inbreeding, studies must consider that ROH estimates are heavily dependent on analysis parameters, data set density and individual sequencing depth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Duntsch
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Annabel Whibley
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Patricia Brekke
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, London, UK
| | - John G Ewen
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, London, UK
| | - Anna W Santure
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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Mathur S, DeWoody JA. Genetic load has potential in large populations but is realized in small inbred populations. Evol Appl 2021; 14:1540-1557. [PMID: 34178103 PMCID: PMC8210801 DOI: 10.1111/eva.13216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Revised: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Populations with higher genetic diversity and larger effective sizes have greater evolutionary capacity (i.e., adaptive potential) to respond to ecological stressors. We are interested in how the variation captured in protein-coding genes fluctuates relative to overall genomic diversity and whether smaller populations suffer greater costs due to their genetic load of deleterious mutations compared with larger populations. We analyzed individual whole-genome sequences (N = 74) from three different populations of Montezuma quail (Cyrtonyx montezumae), a small ground-dwelling bird that is sustainably harvested in some portions of its range but is of conservation concern elsewhere. Our historical demographic results indicate that Montezuma quail populations in the United States exhibit low levels of genomic diversity due in large part to long-term declines in effective population sizes over nearly a million years. The smaller and more isolated Texas population is significantly more inbred than the large Arizona and the intermediate-sized New Mexico populations we surveyed. The Texas gene pool has a significantly smaller proportion of strongly deleterious variants segregating in the population compared with the larger Arizona gene pool. Our results demonstrate that even in small populations, highly deleterious mutations are effectively purged and/or lost due to drift. However, we find that in small populations the realized genetic load is elevated because of inbreeding coupled with a higher frequency of slightly deleterious mutations that are manifested in homozygotes. Overall, our study illustrates how population genomics can be used to proactively assess both neutral and functional aspects of contemporary genetic diversity in a conservation framework while simultaneously considering deeper demographic histories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samarth Mathur
- Department of Biological SciencesPurdue UniversityWest LafayetteIndianaUSA
- Present address:
Department of Evolution, Ecology and Organismal BiologyThe Ohio State UniversityColumbusOhioUSA
| | - J. Andrew DeWoody
- Department of Biological SciencesPurdue UniversityWest LafayetteIndianaUSA
- Department of Forestry and Natural ResourcesPurdue UniversityWest LafayetteIndianaUSA
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10
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Genomics for conservation: a case study of behavioral genes in the Tasmanian devil. CONSERV GENET 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s10592-021-01354-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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11
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Prioritising source populations for supplementing genetic diversity of reintroduced southern brown bandicoots Isoodon obesulus obesulus. CONSERV GENET 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s10592-021-01341-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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12
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Wright BR, Farquharson KA, McLennan EA, Belov K, Hogg CJ, Grueber CE. A demonstration of conservation genomics for threatened species management. Mol Ecol Resour 2020; 20:1526-1541. [DOI: 10.1111/1755-0998.13211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2019] [Revised: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Belinda R. Wright
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences Faculty of Science The University of Sydney Sydney NSW Australia
| | - Katherine A. Farquharson
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences Faculty of Science The University of Sydney Sydney NSW Australia
| | - Elspeth A. McLennan
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences Faculty of Science The University of Sydney Sydney NSW Australia
| | - Katherine Belov
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences Faculty of Science The University of Sydney Sydney NSW Australia
| | - Carolyn J. Hogg
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences Faculty of Science The University of Sydney Sydney NSW Australia
| | - Catherine E. Grueber
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences Faculty of Science The University of Sydney Sydney NSW Australia
- San Diego Zoo Global San Diego CA 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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Ball S, Hand N, Willman F, Durrant C, Uller T, Claus K, Mergeay J, Bauwens D, Garner TWJ. Genetic and demographic vulnerability of adder populations: Results of a genetic study in mainland Britain. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0231809. [PMID: 32310990 PMCID: PMC7170227 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0231809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic factors are often overlooked in conservation planning, despite their importance in small isolated populations. We used mitochondrial and microsatellite markers to investigate population genetics of the adder (Vipera berus) in southern Britain, where numbers are declining. We found no evidence for loss of heterozygosity in any of the populations studied. Genetic diversity was comparable across sites, in line with published levels for mainland Europe. However, further analysis revealed a striking level of relatedness. Genetic networks constructed from inferred first degree relationships suggested a high proportion of individuals to be related at a level equivalent to that of half-siblings, with rare inferred full-sib dyads. These patterns of relatedness can be attributed to the high philopatry and low vagility of adders, which creates high local relatedness, in combination with the polyandrous breeding system in the adder, which may offset the risk of inbreeding in closed populations. We suggest that reliance on standard genetic indicators of inbreeding and diversity may underestimate demographic and genetic factors that make adder populations vulnerable to extirpation. We stress the importance of an integrated genetic and demographic approach in the conservation of adders, and other taxa of similar ecology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Ball
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London (ZSL), London, England, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | - Nigel Hand
- Central Ecology, Ledbury, Herefordshire, England, United Kingdom
| | - Faye Willman
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London (ZSL), London, England, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher Durrant
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London (ZSL), London, England, United Kingdom
- Royal Veterinary College, London, England, United Kingdom
| | - Tobias Uller
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford, England, United Kingdom
- Department of Biology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Katja Claus
- Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Joachim Mergeay
- Research Institute for Nature and Forest (INBO), Geraardsbergen, Belgium
| | - Dirk Bauwens
- Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Trenton W. J. Garner
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London (ZSL), London, England, United Kingdom
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McLennan EA, Grueber CE, Wise P, Belov K, Hogg CJ. Mixing genetically differentiated populations successfully boosts diversity of an endangered carnivore. Anim Conserv 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/acv.12589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- E. A. McLennan
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences University of Sydney Sydney NSW Australia
| | - C. E. Grueber
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences University of Sydney Sydney NSW Australia
- San Diego Zoo Global San Diego CA USA
| | - P. Wise
- Save the Tasmanian Devil Program, DPIPWE Hobart Tas Australia
| | - K. Belov
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences University of Sydney Sydney NSW Australia
| | - C. J. Hogg
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences University of Sydney Sydney NSW Australia
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Brandies P, Peel E, Hogg CJ, Belov K. The Value of Reference Genomes in the Conservation of Threatened Species. Genes (Basel) 2019; 10:E846. [PMID: 31717707 PMCID: PMC6895880 DOI: 10.3390/genes10110846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2019] [Revised: 10/18/2019] [Accepted: 10/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Conservation initiatives are now more crucial than ever-over a million plant and animal species are at risk of extinction over the coming decades. The genetic management of threatened species held in insurance programs is recommended; however, few are taking advantage of the full range of genomic technologies available today. Less than 1% of the 13505 species currently listed as threated by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) have a published genome. While there has been much discussion in the literature about the importance of genomics for conservation, there are limited examples of how having a reference genome has changed conservation management practice. The Tasmanian devil (Sarcophilus harrisii), is an endangered Australian marsupial, threatened by an infectious clonal cancer devil facial tumor disease (DFTD). Populations have declined by 80% since the disease was first recorded in 1996. A reference genome for this species was published in 2012 and has been crucial for understanding DFTD and the management of the species in the wild. Here we use the Tasmanian devil as an example of how a reference genome has influenced management actions in the conservation of a species.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Katherine Belov
- School of Life & Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia; (P.B.); (E.P.); (C.J.H.)
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18
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Wright B, Farquharson KA, McLennan EA, Belov K, Hogg CJ, Grueber CE. From reference genomes to population genomics: comparing three reference-aligned reduced-representation sequencing pipelines in two wildlife species. BMC Genomics 2019; 20:453. [PMID: 31159724 PMCID: PMC6547446 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-019-5806-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2018] [Accepted: 05/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Recent advances in genomics have greatly increased research opportunities for non-model species. For wildlife, a growing availability of reference genomes means that population genetics is no longer restricted to a small set of anonymous loci. When used in conjunction with a reference genome, reduced-representation sequencing (RRS) provides a cost-effective method for obtaining reliable diversity information for population genetics. Many software tools have been developed to process RRS data, though few studies of non-model species incorporate genome alignment in calling loci. A commonly-used RRS analysis pipeline, Stacks, has this capacity and so it is timely to compare its utility with existing software originally designed for alignment and analysis of whole genome sequencing data. Here we examine population genetic inferences from two species for which reference-aligned reduced-representation data have been collected. Our two study species are a threatened Australian marsupial (Tasmanian devil Sarcophilus harrisii; declining population) and an Arctic-circle migrant bird (pink-footed goose Anser brachyrhynchus; expanding population). Analyses of these data are compared using Stacks versus two widely-used genomics packages, SAMtools and GATK. We also introduce a custom R script to improve the reliability of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) calls in all pipelines and conduct population genetic inferences for non-model species with reference genomes. Results Although we identified orders of magnitude fewer SNPs in our devil dataset than for goose, we found remarkable symmetry between the two species in our assessment of software performance. For both datasets, all three methods were able to delineate population structure, even with varying numbers of loci. For both species, population structure inferences were influenced by the percent of missing data. Conclusions For studies of non-model species with a reference genome, we recommend combining Stacks output with further filtering (as included in our R pipeline) for population genetic studies, paying particular attention to potential impact of missing data thresholds. We recognise SAMtools as a viable alternative for researchers more familiar with this software. We caution against the use of GATK in studies with limited computational resources or time. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12864-019-5806-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Belinda Wright
- Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Sydney, Australia
| | - Katherine A Farquharson
- Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Sydney, Australia
| | - Elspeth A McLennan
- Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Sydney, Australia
| | - Katherine Belov
- Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Sydney, Australia
| | - Carolyn J Hogg
- Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Sydney, Australia
| | - Catherine E Grueber
- Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Sydney, Australia. .,San Diego Zoo Global, San Diego, USA.
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