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Bustillo‐de la Rosa D, Barrero A, Traba J, García JT, Morales MB, Vázquez‐Domínguez E. Landscape features influencing gene flow and connectivity of an endangered passerine. Ecol Evol 2024; 14:e11078. [PMID: 38756688 PMCID: PMC11097005 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.11078] [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: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Dispersal of individuals and gene flow are crucial aspects to maintain genetic diversity and viability of populations, especially in the case of threatened species. Landscape composition and structure may facilitate or limit individual movement within and among populations. We used a landscape genetics approach to assess the connectivity patterns of the threatened Dupont's lark (Chersophilus duponti subsp. duponti), considering their genetic patterns and the landscape features associated with its gene flow in Spain. We analysed the genetic relatedness based on 11 species-specific polymorphic microsatellites on 416 Dupont's lark individuals sampled across peninsular Spain between 2017 and 2019, covering most of the European distribution of the species. To assess the relationship between the landscape composition and the species gene flow, we estimated genetic distance at the individual level (Dps). Next, we built a set of environmental surfaces from two time periods (years 1990 and 2018), based on factors such as land use and topography, influencing individuals' movement. We then obtained resistance surfaces from an optimization process on landscape variables. Landscape genetics analyses were done for single and composite surface models for each year separately. Our findings from both time points show that scatter or mosaic-structured vegetation composed by low agricultural and tree cover and high presence of sclerophyllous shrubs favoured Dupont's lark dispersal, while dense and continuous tree cover, as well as areas of intensive agriculture, were limiting factors. Our results suggest the importance of steppe habitat patches for the species' establishment and dispersal. In addition, our results provide key information to develop conservation measures, including conserving and restoring steppe habitats as scattered and/or mosaic-structured vegetation that could warrant the connectivity and persistence of Dupont's lark populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Bustillo‐de la Rosa
- Terrestrial Ecology Group (TEG‐UAM). Department of EcologyUniversidad Autónoma de MadridMadridSpain
- Centro de Investigación en Biodiversidad y Cambio Global (CIBC‐UAM)Universidad Autónoma de MadridMadridSpain
| | - Adrián Barrero
- Terrestrial Ecology Group (TEG‐UAM). Department of EcologyUniversidad Autónoma de MadridMadridSpain
- Centro de Investigación en Biodiversidad y Cambio Global (CIBC‐UAM)Universidad Autónoma de MadridMadridSpain
| | - Juan Traba
- Terrestrial Ecology Group (TEG‐UAM). Department of EcologyUniversidad Autónoma de MadridMadridSpain
- Centro de Investigación en Biodiversidad y Cambio Global (CIBC‐UAM)Universidad Autónoma de MadridMadridSpain
| | - Jesús T. García
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC, CSIC‐UCLM)Ciudad RealSpain
| | - Manuel B. Morales
- Terrestrial Ecology Group (TEG‐UAM). Department of EcologyUniversidad Autónoma de MadridMadridSpain
- Centro de Investigación en Biodiversidad y Cambio Global (CIBC‐UAM)Universidad Autónoma de MadridMadridSpain
| | - Ella Vázquez‐Domínguez
- Departamento de Ecología de la Biodiversidad, Instituto de EcologíaUniversidad Nacional Autónoma de MéxicoCiudad de MéxicoMexico
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Theodorakis CW, Meyer MA, Okay O, Yakan SD, Schramm KW. Contamination acts as a genotype-dependent barrier to gene flow, causing genetic erosion and fine-grained population subdivision in Mussels from the Strait of Istanbul. ECOTOXICOLOGY (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2024; 33:47-65. [PMID: 38182932 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-023-02725-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
This study provides evidence of fine-grained genetic structuring in Mediterranean mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) from the Strait of Istanbul, caused by barriers to gene flow via contaminant-mediated selection. In this study, mitochondrial D-loop sequences were analyzed in mussels from 8 localities, all less than 30 kilometers apart, with differing contaminant loads. The results were: 1) Intra-population genetic differentiation (ΦST) between sites with high and low contaminant loads was high (up to 0.459), even at distances of only a few kilometers. 2) Genetic diversity was negatively correlated with the contaminant load ("genetic erosion"). 3) There was evidence of selection, based on haplotype frequencies and neutrality tests (Tajima's D), with purifying selection at the most contaminated site and balancing selection at the least contaminated. 4) Genetic distance was not correlated with geographic distance (no isolation-by-distance), but was correlated with contaminant load at each site. 5) Population dendrograms and Bayesian estimators of migration indicated that gene flow between sites was affected by contamination. For the dendrograms of the sampling sites, the clades clustered according to contaminant load more than geographic distance. Overall, these results suggest that 1) contamination may serve as a genotype-dependent dispersal barrier (i.e., contamination may not affect total number of migrants, just the relative proportions of the haplotypes in the established immigrants), leading strong population differentiation over short distances, and 2) genetic erosion may occur by a combination of selection and altered patterns of haplotype-specific gene flow. These effects may be more pronounced in the Strait of Istanbul than in other locations because of the riverine nature and strong, uni-directional current of the strait.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher W Theodorakis
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, Edwardsville, IL, 62026-1099, USA.
- Department of Biological Sciences, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, Edwardsville, IL, 62026-1651, USA.
| | - Mary-Ann Meyer
- Department of Biological Sciences, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, Edwardsville, IL, 62026-1651, USA
| | - Oya Okay
- Faculty of Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering, Istanbul Technical University, Maslak, Sarıyer, 34469, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Sevil Deniz Yakan
- Faculty of Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering, Istanbul Technical University, Maslak, Sarıyer, 34469, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Karl-Werner Schramm
- Molecular EXposomics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Ingolstädter Landstraße 1, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany
- Department für Biowissenschaften, TUM, Wissenschaftszentrum Weihenstephan für Ernährung, Landnutzung und Umwelt, Weihenstephaner Steig 23, 85350, Freising, Germany
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Shafer CL. A greater yellowstone ecosystem grizzly bear case study: genetic reassessment for managers. CONSERV GENET RESOUR 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s12686-022-01262-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
AbstractThere are five grizzly bear (Ursus arctos horribilis) populations in the lower 48 states of the United States. My goal in this Commentary was to ascertain whether genetic diversity is being lost from the isolated GYE grizzly bear population and to better understand any viability implications. I reviewed the scientific literature, including two key genetic studies that the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) relied upon for their 2007 and current 2017 GYE grizzly bear genetics policy. I discovered that some studies reveal a loss of heterozygosity in the GYE bear population, both historically and in recent decades. Some had a statistically significant depletion rate. My review took place periodically between 2010 and 2021 and indicates that the genome of the GYE grizzly bear population is too small for long-term adaptation. The paper includes a discussion about evolutionary adaptation which invokes time frames rarely considered by nature conservation planners. I also examined genetic statements in the USFWS’s 2017 GYE grizzly bear delisting regulations and highlighted those that seem incongruent with current scientific thought. If this paper is read by some scientists, land managers, administrators, environmentalists, and others with some genetics background, they will better understand some USFWS decisions and policy statements. This case study illustrates that land management agencies can provide a one-sided treatment of some science when writing regulations about genetics.
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McGrath K, Eriksen AB, García-Martínez D, Galbany J, Gómez-Robles A, Massey JS, Fatica LM, Glowacka H, Arbenz-Smith K, Muvunyi R, Stoinski TS, Cranfield MR, Gilardi K, Shalukoma C, de Merode E, Gilissen E, Tocheri MW, McFarlin SC, Heuzé Y. Facial asymmetry tracks genetic diversity among Gorilla subspecies. Proc Biol Sci 2022; 289:20212564. [PMID: 35193404 PMCID: PMC8864355 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2021.2564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Mountain gorillas are particularly inbred compared to other gorillas and even the most inbred human populations. As mountain gorilla skeletal material accumulated during the 1970s, researchers noted their pronounced facial asymmetry and hypothesized that it reflects a population-wide chewing side preference. However, asymmetry has also been linked to environmental and genetic stress in experimental models. Here, we examine facial asymmetry in 114 crania from three Gorilla subspecies using 3D geometric morphometrics. We measure fluctuating asymmetry (FA), defined as random deviations from perfect symmetry, and population-specific patterns of directional asymmetry (DA). Mountain gorillas, with a current population size of about 1000 individuals, have the highest degree of facial FA (explaining 17% of total facial shape variation), followed by Grauer gorillas (9%) and western lowland gorillas (6%), despite the latter experiencing the greatest ecological and dietary variability. DA, while significant in all three taxa, explains relatively less shape variation than FA does. Facial asymmetry correlates neither with tooth wear asymmetry nor increases with age in a mountain gorilla subsample, undermining the hypothesis that facial asymmetry is driven by chewing side preference. An examination of temporal trends shows that stress-induced developmental instability has increased over the last 100 years in these endangered apes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate McGrath
- State University of New York, College at Oneonta, Oneonta, NY 13820, USA,Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, MC, PACEA, UMR 5199, 33615, Pessac, France,Center for the Advanced Study of Human Paleobiology, Department of Anthropology, The George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, USA,Department of Anthropology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | | | - Daniel García-Martínez
- Physical Anthropology Unit, Department of Biodiversity, Ecology, and Evolution, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jordi Galbany
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, MC, PACEA, UMR 5199, 33615, Pessac, France,Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychobiology, University of Barcelona, Passeig de la Vall d'Hebron 171, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Aida Gómez-Robles
- Department of Anthropology, University College London, 14 Taviton St, London WC1H 0BW, UK
| | - Jason S. Massey
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Lawrence M. Fatica
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, MC, PACEA, UMR 5199, 33615, Pessac, France,Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Halszka Glowacka
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix 85004, USA
| | - Keely Arbenz-Smith
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Richard Muvunyi
- Department of Tourism and Conservation, Rwanda Development Board, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Tara S. Stoinski
- The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International, Atlanta, GA 30315, USA
| | - Michael R. Cranfield
- Gorilla Doctors (MGVP, Inc.), Karen C. Drayer Wildlife Health Center, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Kirsten Gilardi
- Gorilla Doctors (MGVP, Inc.), Karen C. Drayer Wildlife Health Center, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Chantal Shalukoma
- Institut Congolais pour la Conservation de la Nature, Virunga National Park, Rumangabo, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Emmanuel de Merode
- Institut Congolais pour la Conservation de la Nature, Virunga National Park, Rumangabo, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Emmanuel Gilissen
- Department of African Zoology, Royal Museum for Central Africa, Tervuren, Belgium,Laboratory of Histology and Neuropathology, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Matthew W. Tocheri
- Department of Anthropology, Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada P7B 5E1,Human Origins Program, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC 20013, USA,Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Australian Biodiversity and Heritage, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales 2522, Australia
| | - Shannon C. McFarlin
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, MC, PACEA, UMR 5199, 33615, Pessac, France,Human Origins Program, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC 20013, USA
| | - Yann Heuzé
- State University of New York, College at Oneonta, Oneonta, NY 13820, USA
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García-Antón A, Traba J. Population viability analysis of the endangered Dupont's Lark Chersophilus duponti in Spain. Sci Rep 2021; 11:19947. [PMID: 34620920 PMCID: PMC8497488 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-99125-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Steppe lands in Europe are critically affected by habitat loss and fragmentation, and hold over 50% of IUCN Red List bird species in Europe. Dupont's Lark is a threatened steppe-specialist passerine whose European geographic range is restricted to Spain, with less than 2000 pairs and an annual population decline of - 3.9%. Its strongly fragmented habitat leads to a metapopulation structure in the Iberian Peninsula that includes 24 populations and 100 subpopulations. We present an updated Population Viability Analysis based on the latest scientific knowledge regarding distribution, population trends, breeding biology and connectivity. Our results predict metapopulation extinction in 2-3 decades, through a centripetal contraction process from the periphery to the core. The probability of extinction in 20 years was 84.2%, which supports its relisting to Endangered in Spain following IUCN criteria. We carried out a sensitivity analysis showing that some parameters, especially productivity and survival of adults and juveniles, help to increase metapopulation viability. Simulation of management scenarios showed that habitat restoration in a subset of key subpopulations had a positive effect on the overall metapopulation persistence. Translocations of a limited number of individuals from source to recipient locations may help to rescue the most endangered subpopulations without reducing the global time to extinction of the metapopulation. In addition, we identified the most critical areas for action, where local populations of the species are prone to extinction. This work suggests that the viability of the Dupont's Lark metapopulation could be improved and its risk of extinction reduced if urgent and localized conservation measures are applied. In the short-term, habitat loss and fragmentation due to ploughing, reforestation and infrastructures implementation in Dupont's Lark habitat must be avoided. Habitat restoration and translocations could help to avoid imminent extinction of critical subpopulations. Restoration of extensive grazing is recommended as the most effective way to achieve the long-term conservation of Dupont's Lark in Spain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander García-Antón
- Terrestrial Ecology Group (TEG-UAM), Department of Ecology, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, C/ Darwin, 2., 28049, Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan Traba
- Terrestrial Ecology Group (TEG-UAM), Department of Ecology, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, C/ Darwin, 2., 28049, Madrid, Spain.
- Centro de Investigación en Biodiversidad Y Cambio Global, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (CIBC-UAM), C/ Darwin, 2., 28049, Madrid, Spain.
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Hoban S, Bruford MW, Funk WC, Galbusera P, Griffith MP, Grueber CE, Heuertz M, Hunter ME, Hvilsom C, Stroil BK, Kershaw F, Khoury CK, Laikre L, Lopes-Fernandes M, MacDonald AJ, Mergeay J, Meek M, Mittan C, Mukassabi TA, O'Brien D, Ogden R, Palma-Silva C, Ramakrishnan U, Segelbacher G, Shaw RE, Sjögren-Gulve P, Veličković N, Vernesi C. Global Commitments to Conserving and Monitoring Genetic Diversity Are Now Necessary and Feasible. Bioscience 2021; 71:964-976. [PMID: 34475806 PMCID: PMC8407967 DOI: 10.1093/biosci/biab054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Global conservation policy and action have largely neglected protecting and monitoring genetic diversity—one of the three main pillars of biodiversity. Genetic diversity (diversity within species) underlies species’ adaptation and survival, ecosystem resilience, and societal innovation. The low priority given to genetic diversity has largely been due to knowledge gaps in key areas, including the importance of genetic diversity and the trends in genetic diversity change; the perceived high expense and low availability and the scattered nature of genetic data; and complicated concepts and information that are inaccessible to policymakers. However, numerous recent advances in knowledge, technology, databases, practice, and capacity have now set the stage for better integration of genetic diversity in policy instruments and conservation efforts. We review these developments and explore how they can support improved consideration of genetic diversity in global conservation policy commitments and enable countries to monitor, report on, and take action to maintain or restore genetic diversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean Hoban
- The Morton Arboretum, Center for Tree Science, Lisle, Illinois, United States
| | | | - W Chris Funk
- Department of Biology, Graduate Degree Program in Ecology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, United States
| | - Peter Galbusera
- Royal Zoological Society of Antwerp, Centre for Research and Conservation, Antwerp, Belgium
| | | | - Catherine E Grueber
- University of Sydney's School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Myriam Heuertz
- INRAE, and the University of Bordeaux, Biogeco, Cestas, France
| | - Margaret E Hunter
- US Geological Survey's Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, Gainesville, Florida, United States
| | | | - Belma Kalamujic Stroil
- University of Sarajevo Institute for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Laboratory for Molecular Genetics of Natural Resources, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Francine Kershaw
- Natural Resources Defense Council, New York, New York, United States
| | - Colin K Khoury
- International Center for Tropical Agriculture, Cali, Colombia
| | - Linda Laikre
- Department of Zoology, Division of Population Genetics, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Anna J MacDonald
- Australian National University, John Curtin School of Medical Research and Research School of Biology, Canberra, Australia
| | - Joachim Mergeay
- Research Institute for Nature and Forest, Geraardsbergen, Belgium
| | - Mariah Meek
- Michigan State University Department of Integrative Biology, AgBio Research, Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior Program, East Lansing, Michigan, United States
| | - Cinnamon Mittan
- Cornell University's Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Ithaca, New York, United States
| | - Tarek A Mukassabi
- University of Benghazi Department of Botany, Faculty of Sciences, Benghazi, Libya
| | | | - Rob Ogden
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and with the Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | | | - Uma Ramakrishnan
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, National Centre for Biological Sciences, Bangalore, India
| | - Gernot Segelbacher
- Chair of wildlife ecology and management, University Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Robyn E Shaw
- Department of Environmental and Conservation Sciences, Murdoch University, Perth, Australia
| | - Per Sjögren-Gulve
- Wildlife Analysis Unit, Swedish Environmental Protection Agency, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Nevena Veličković
- University of Novi Sad's Faculty of Sciences, Department of Biology and Ecology, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Cristiano Vernesi
- Forest Ecology and Biogeochemical Fluxes Unit, Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach, San Michele all' Adige, Italy
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García-Antón A, Garza V, Traba J. Connectivity in Spanish metapopulation of Dupont's lark may be maintained by dispersal over medium-distance range and stepping stones. PeerJ 2021; 9:e11925. [PMID: 34466286 PMCID: PMC8380426 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.11925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Dupont’s Lark is an endangered bird, whose fragmented distribution in Europe is entirely restricted to Spain. This lark, suffering pronounced population decline and range contraction, inhabits steppes that have long been used for grazing sheep and are now threatened by rural abandonment and land use changes. Thus, for conservation of the lark, increasing knowledge about the connectivity of the Spanish metapopulation and identifying the most important connectivity nodes are crucial. Methods The study was carried out in Spain, using over 16,000 Dupont’s Lark georeferenced observations. We used distance buffers to define populations and subpopulations, based on the available scientific information. We identified potential stepping stones using a MaxEnt probability of presence model. Connectivity was assessed using Conefor software, using the centroid of each subpopulation and stepping stone as nodes. Each node was assigned a quantitative attribute based on total habitat area, within-node habitat quality and internal fragmentation. We evaluated different connectivity scenarios by potential movement thresholds (5–20–100 km) and presence or absence of stepping stones in the network. Results Dupont’s Lark Iberian metapopulation comprises 24 populations and 100 subpopulations, plus 294 potential stepping stones. Movement thresholds and stepping stones had a strong influence in the potential network connectivity. The most important nodes are located in the core of the metapopulation, which shows connectivity among subpopulations in the different indices and scenarios evaluated. Peripheral populations are more isolated and require stepping stones or medium (20 km) or long (100 km) potential movement thresholds to join the network. Discussion Metapopulation connectivity may be greater than expected, thanks to stepping stones and potential medium-distance movements. Connectivity is crucial for conservation and can be increased by preserving or improving adequate habitat in the most important nodes. Given the current species decline, steppe habitat should be urgently protected from land use changes and agriculture intensification, at least in the critical subpopulations and stepping stones. Long-term conservation of steppe lands and Dupont’s Lark in Spain requires the recovery of traditional grazing and more research on juvenile dispersion. Meanwhile, the conservation of potentially critical stepping stones should be incorporated to management plans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander García-Antón
- Terrestrial Ecology Group (TEG-UAM), Department of Ecology, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Vicente Garza
- Terrestrial Ecology Group (TEG-UAM), Department of Ecology, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan Traba
- Terrestrial Ecology Group (TEG-UAM), Department of Ecology, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación en Biodiversidad y Cambio Global, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Madrid, Spain
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8
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Fine-scale genetic structure in the critically endangered red-fronted macaw in the absence of geographic and ecological barriers. Sci Rep 2021; 11:556. [PMID: 33436676 PMCID: PMC7804180 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-79575-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Behavioural and socio-cultural traits are recognized in the restriction of gene flow in species with high cognitive capacity and complex societies. This isolation by social barriers has been generally overlooked in threatened species by assuming disrupted gene flow due to population fragmentation and decline. We examine the genetic structure and ecology of the global population of the Critically Endangered red-fronted macaw (Ara rubrogenys), an endemic species to the inter-Andean valleys of Bolivia. We found a fine-scale genetic structuring in four genetic clusters. Genetic diversity was higher in wild compared to captive-bred macaws, but similar to that of captive wild-caught macaws. We found no clear evidence of severe genetic erosion in the population in recent decades, but it was patent in historic times, overlapping with drastic human habitat transformation and macaw persecution over millennia. We found no evidence of geographical and ecological barriers, owing to the high dispersal ability, nesting and foraging habits between genetic clusters. The lack of genetic intermixing despite long-distance foraging and seasonal movements suggests recruitment in natal colonies and other social factors reinforcing philopatry-related genetic structure. Conservation efforts should be specifically focussed on major threats in each genetic cluster as independent conservation units, and also considered in ex-situ management.
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9
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Assessment of the key evolutionary traits that prevent extinctions in human-altered habitats using a spatially explicit individual-based model. Ecol Modell 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2019.108823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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10
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Hierarchical habitat-use by an endangered steppe bird in fragmented landscapes is associated with large connected patches and high food availability. Sci Rep 2019; 9:19010. [PMID: 31831826 PMCID: PMC6908678 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-55467-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2019] [Accepted: 11/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Multidimensional approaches must be employed when addressing habitat use patterns. In this study, we aim to elucidate the hierarchical nature of space use by species inhabiting fragmented landscapes, using the threatened Dupont’s lark (Chersophilus duponti). The intensity of space use by Dupont’s lark was estimated using the Kernel Density Function on territory locations in 2015. We measured descriptors of habitat quality at metapopulation (connectivity and patch size), landscape (land-use types and anthropogenic disturbance) and microhabitat-scale (plant structure and composition, herbivore abundance and food availability) at 37 sampling stations. We fitted a Partial Least Squares Regression (PLSR) which yielded two components, accounting for 81% of total variance. Metapopulation-scale factors had the greatest explanatory power (32%), followed by microhabitat (17%) landscape (10%) and spatial predictors (3.6%). Connectivity and patch size were key factors explaining habitat use, and wind farms had a negative effect. At microhabitat-scale, space use was positively associated with Coleoptera, Orthoptera, Araneae and Diptera biomass, but negatively with Formicidae and Blattodea biomass, the cover of Stipa spp, Koeleria vallesiana and moss. This research highlights the hierarchical nature of habitat use in fragmented landscapes. Therefore, conservation measures should ensure connectivity, guarantee a minimum patch size, and improve habitat quality within patches.
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11
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Okamiya H, Kusano T. Effects of landscape features on gene flow among urban frog populations. Ecol Res 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/1440-1703.12011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hisanori Okamiya
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Sciences Tokyo Metropolitan University Hachioji‐shi Tokyo Japan
| | - Tamotsu Kusano
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Sciences Tokyo Metropolitan University Hachioji‐shi Tokyo Japan
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13
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García Antón A, Garza V, Hernández Justribó J, Traba J. Factors affecting Dupont´s lark distribution and range regression in Spain. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0211549. [PMID: 30768612 PMCID: PMC6377091 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0211549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2018] [Accepted: 01/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
In this work, we analyse factors explaining the distribution and range regression of Dupont’s lark in Spain, the only European country in which this threatened alaudid is present. Dupont’s lark is an extremely elusive and scarce species, distributed across a reduced and strongly fragmented range, showing a metapopulational structure with unknown dispersive and connective mechanisms. We used maximum entropy modelling (Maxent) on nearly 15,000 Dupont’s lark observations (1985–2015) to assess the probability of presence at a 1 km resolution across its European range. Moreover, we tested the probability of extinction by comparing pre- and post-2000 observations by means of a GLM over a subset of cells with presence-absence data. We obtained strong model fitting (AUC = 0.919), in which species occurrence was explained by low values of plant productivity (NDVI), climate (high temperature range and medium annual precipitation), land use (increasing with sclerophyllous scrubland), flat topography and human disturbance (associated with low human population density). The species also tolerates dry farming, but not other farm types or forest cover. The probability map identified two main regions known as the species' core areas: the steppes of the Iberian System and the Ebro Valley. The North Plateau is characterised by a dispersed structure of small and very fragmented patches of suitable habitat, while a succession of discontinuous probability patches form an Eastern Corridor connecting the central core areas to the southernmost populations. Finally, the model identified small and isolated patches of high probability of presence along the eastern coastline. The species tends to occur in the best available areas but, at the same time, the model revealed a large area of suitable but unoccupied habitat. Our results correct the previous estimation of occupation area from 1,480 to 1,010.78 km2, a reduction of 26.22%. The current distribution of Dupont’s lark is almost completely covered by Important Bird Areas (IBAs), highlighting their importance for bird conservation, but only 44.89% is included in Natura 2000 Special Protection Areas (SPAs). A comparison of pre- and post-2000 periods revealed a range contraction of 44%. Probability of extinction increased with higher temperature range and lower annual precipitation, and with decreases in population density, which suggests that this species is extremely vulnerable to both climate change and rural abandonment, due to its dependence on traditional grazing. These results suggest the need for a re-evaluation of the conservation status of Dupont’s lark in Spain. They urge the preservation of not only current extant populations, but also the unoccupied suitable areas that could be critical for metapopulation structure, and the development of policies addressing the preservation of traditional grazing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander García Antón
- Terrestrial Ecology Group (TEG-UAM), Department of Ecology, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, C/ Darwin, Madrid, Spain
| | - Vicente Garza
- Terrestrial Ecology Group (TEG-UAM), Department of Ecology, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, C/ Darwin, Madrid, Spain
- C/ Vía Límite, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Juan Traba
- Terrestrial Ecology Group (TEG-UAM), Department of Ecology, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, C/ Darwin, Madrid, Spain
- * E-mail:
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14
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Knotek A, Kolář F. Different low-competition island habitats in Central Europe harbour similar levels of genetic diversity in relict populations of Galium pusillum agg. (Rubiaceae). Biol J Linn Soc Lond 2018. [DOI: 10.1093/biolinnean/bly126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Adam Knotek
- Department of Botany, Charles University, Benátská, CZ Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Filip Kolář
- Department of Botany, Charles University, Benátská, CZ Prague, Czech Republic
- Department of Botany, University of Innsbruck, Sternwartestrasse, AT Innsbruck, Austria
- Institute of Botany, The Czech Academy of Sciences, Zámek, CZ Průhonice, Czech Republic
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15
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Row JR, Doherty KE, Cross TB, Schwartz MK, Oyler‐McCance SJ, Naugle DE, Knick ST, Fedy BC. Quantifying functional connectivity: The role of breeding habitat, abundance, and landscape features on range-wide gene flow in sage-grouse. Evol Appl 2018; 11:1305-1321. [PMID: 30151042 PMCID: PMC6099827 DOI: 10.1111/eva.12627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2017] [Accepted: 02/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Functional connectivity, quantified using landscape genetics, can inform conservation through the identification of factors linking genetic structure to landscape mechanisms. We used breeding habitat metrics, landscape attributes, and indices of grouse abundance, to compare fit between structural connectivity and genetic differentiation within five long-established Sage-Grouse Management Zones (MZ) I-V using microsatellite genotypes from 6,844 greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) collected across their 10.7 million-km2 range. We estimated structural connectivity using a circuit theory-based approach where we built resistance surfaces using thresholds dividing the landscape into "habitat" and "nonhabitat" and nodes were clusters of sage-grouse leks (where feather samples were collected using noninvasive techniques). As hypothesized, MZ-specific habitat metrics were the best predictors of differentiation. To our surprise, inclusion of grouse abundance-corrected indices did not greatly improve model fit in most MZs. Functional connectivity of breeding habitat was reduced when probability of lek occurrence dropped below 0.25 (MZs I, IV) and 0.5 (II), thresholds lower than those previously identified as required for the formation of breeding leks, which suggests that individuals are willing to travel through undesirable habitat. The individual MZ landscape results suggested terrain roughness and steepness shaped functional connectivity across all MZs. Across respective MZs, sagebrush availability (<10%-30%; II, IV, V), tree canopy cover (>10%; I, II, IV), and cultivation (>25%; I, II, IV, V) each reduced movement beyond their respective thresholds. Model validations confirmed variation in predictive ability across MZs with top resistance surfaces better predicting gene flow than geographic distance alone, especially in cases of low and high differentiation among lek groups. The resultant resistance maps we produced spatially depict the strength and redundancy of range-wide gene flow and can help direct conservation actions to maintain and restore functional connectivity for sage-grouse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey R. Row
- School of Environment, Resources and SustainabilityUniversity of WaterlooWaterlooONCanada
| | | | - Todd B. Cross
- Rocky Mountain Research StationUSDA Forest ServiceNational Genomics Center for Wildlife and Fish ConservationMissoulaMTUSA
- College of Forestry and ConservationUniversity of MontanaMissoulaMTUSA
| | - Michael K. Schwartz
- Rocky Mountain Research StationUSDA Forest ServiceNational Genomics Center for Wildlife and Fish ConservationMissoulaMTUSA
| | | | - Dave E. Naugle
- College of Forestry and ConservationUniversity of MontanaMissoulaMTUSA
| | - Steven T. Knick
- Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science CenterU.S. Geological SurveyBoiseIDUSA
- Present address:
2140 White Pine Pl.BoiseID83706USA
| | - Bradley C. Fedy
- School of Environment, Resources and SustainabilityUniversity of WaterlooWaterlooONCanada
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16
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Alvarado-Serrano DF, Van Etten ML, Chang SM, Baucom RS. The relative contribution of natural landscapes and human-mediated factors on the connectivity of a noxious invasive weed. Heredity (Edinb) 2018; 122:29-40. [PMID: 29967398 DOI: 10.1038/s41437-018-0106-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2018] [Revised: 05/16/2018] [Accepted: 05/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Examining how the landscape may influence gene flow is at the forefront of understanding population differentiation and adaptation. Such understanding is crucial in light of ongoing environmental changes and the elevated risk of ecosystems alteration. In particular, knowledge of how humans may influence population structure is imperative to allow for informed decisions in management and conservation as well as to gain a better understanding of anthropogenic impacts on the interplay between gene flow, genetic drift, and selection. Here, we use genome-wide molecular markers to characterize the population genetic structure and connectivity of Ipomoea purpurea (Convolvulaceae), a noxious invasive weed. We, likewise, assess the interaction between natural and human-driven influences on genetic differentiation among populations. Our analyses find that human population density is an important predictor of pairwise population differentiation, suggesting that the agricultural and/or horticultural trade may be involved in maintaining some level of connectivity across distant agricultural fields. Climatic variation appears as an additional predictor of genetic connectivity in this species. We discuss the implications of these results and highlight future research needed to disentangle the mechanistic processes underlying population connectivity of weeds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego F Alvarado-Serrano
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Michigan, 1105 North University, 2020E Biological Science Building, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-1085, USA.
| | - Megan L Van Etten
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Michigan, 1105 North University, 2020E Biological Science Building, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-1085, USA
| | - Shu-Mei Chang
- Department of Plant Biology, University of Georgia, Rm 3613; 2502 Miller Plant Sciences, Athens, GA, 30602-7271, USA
| | - Regina S Baucom
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Michigan, 1105 North University, 2020E Biological Science Building, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-1085, USA
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17
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Lee SR, Choi JE, Lee BY, Yu JN, Lim CE. Genetic diversity and structure of an endangered medicinal herb: implications for conservation. AOB PLANTS 2018; 10:ply021. [PMID: 29692882 PMCID: PMC5909456 DOI: 10.1093/aobpla/ply021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2017] [Accepted: 03/28/2018] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Human-driven habitat fragmentation leads to spatial isolation of endangered plant species increasing extinction risk. Understanding genetic variability and population structure of rare and isolated plant species is of great importance for assessing extinction risk and setting up conservation plans. Aconitum austrokoreense, an endangered and endemic species in Korea, is a perennial herb commonly used for medicinal purposes. We used five nuclear microsatellites and one chloroplast marker to investigate genetic diversity and population structure for 479 individuals of A. austrokoreense from seven populations throughout South Korea. A multivariate approach, discriminant analysis of principal components analysis, revealed broad-scale spatial patterns of A. austrokoreense populations across three major mountains that were composed of seven genetically distinct subgroups. High pairwise FST values (mean FST = 0.35; highest FST = 0.55) suggested significant differentiation among populations. Overall within population genetic variation was low. Based on Mantel test, there was significant correlation between geographical and genetic distances indicating pattern of isolation by distance. Our results suggest that A. austrokoreense populations may have undergone recent population bottlenecks. Given the limited dispersal ability of the species and ongoing habitat fragmentation, population isolation may further be exacerbated leading to increased extinction risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soo-Rang Lee
- Multidisciplinary Genome Institute, Life Science Hall, Hallym University, Hallymdaehak-gil, Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do, South Korea
| | - Ji-Eun Choi
- National Institute of Biological Resources, Seo-gu, Incheon, South Korea
| | - Byoung-Yoon Lee
- National Institute of Biological Resources, Seo-gu, Incheon, South Korea
| | - Jeong-Nam Yu
- Nakdonggang National Institute of Biological Resources, Donam, Sangju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea
| | - Chae Eun Lim
- National Institute of Biological Resources, Seo-gu, Incheon, South Korea
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18
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Casas-Marce M, Marmesat E, Soriano L, Martínez-Cruz B, Lucena-Perez M, Nocete F, Rodríguez-Hidalgo A, Canals A, Nadal J, Detry C, Bernáldez-Sánchez E, Fernández-Rodríguez C, Pérez-Ripoll M, Stiller M, Hofreiter M, Rodríguez A, Revilla E, Delibes M, Godoy JA. Spatiotemporal Dynamics of Genetic Variation in the Iberian Lynx along Its Path to Extinction Reconstructed with Ancient DNA. Mol Biol Evol 2018; 34:2893-2907. [PMID: 28962023 PMCID: PMC5850336 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msx222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
There is the tendency to assume that endangered species have been both genetically and demographically healthier in the past, so that any genetic erosion observed today was caused by their recent decline. The Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus) suffered a dramatic and continuous decline during the 20th century, and now shows extremely low genome- and species-wide genetic diversity among other signs of genomic erosion. We analyze ancient (N = 10), historical (N = 245), and contemporary (N = 172) samples with microsatellite and mitogenome data to reconstruct the species' demography and investigate patterns of genetic variation across space and time. Iberian lynx populations transitioned from low but significantly higher genetic diversity than today and shallow geographical differentiation millennia ago, through a structured metapopulation with varying levels of diversity during the last centuries, to two extremely genetically depauperate and differentiated remnant populations by 2002. The historical subpopulations show varying extents of genetic drift in relation to their recent size and time in isolation, but these do not predict whether the populations persisted or went finally extinct. In conclusion, current genetic patterns were mainly shaped by genetic drift, supporting the current admixture of the two genetic pools and calling for a comprehensive genetic management of the ongoing conservation program. This study illustrates how a retrospective analysis of demographic and genetic patterns of endangered species can shed light onto their evolutionary history and this, in turn, can inform conservation actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mireia Casas-Marce
- Department of Integrative Ecology, Doñana Biological Station (EBD) Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Sevilla, Spain
| | - Elena Marmesat
- Department of Integrative Ecology, Doñana Biological Station (EBD) Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Sevilla, Spain
| | - Laura Soriano
- Department of Integrative Ecology, Doñana Biological Station (EBD) Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Sevilla, Spain
| | - Begoña Martínez-Cruz
- Department of Integrative Ecology, Doñana Biological Station (EBD) Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Sevilla, Spain
| | - Maria Lucena-Perez
- Department of Integrative Ecology, Doñana Biological Station (EBD) Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Sevilla, Spain
| | - Francisco Nocete
- Grupo de Investigación MIDAS, Departamento Historia I (Prehistoria), Universidad de Huelva, Huelva, Spain
| | - Antonio Rodríguez-Hidalgo
- Department of Prehistory, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain.,IDEA (Instituto de Evolución en África), Madrid, Spain.,Equipo de Investigación Primeros Pobladores de Extremadura, Casa de la Cultura Rodríguez Moñino, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Antoni Canals
- Equipo de Investigación Primeros Pobladores de Extremadura, Casa de la Cultura Rodríguez Moñino, Cáceres, Spain.,IPHES, Institut Català de Paleoecologia Humana i Evolució Social (Catalan Institute of Human Paleoecology and Social Evolution), Tarragona, Spain.,Area de Prehistoria (Department of Prehistory), Universitat Rovira i Virgili (URV), Tarragona, Spain
| | - Jordi Nadal
- SERP, Departament de Prehistòria, Història Antiga i Arqueologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Cleia Detry
- UNIARQ - Centro de Arqueologia da Faculdade de Letras da Universidade de Lisboa, Alameda da Universidade, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Eloísa Bernáldez-Sánchez
- Laboratorio de Paleobiología, Instituto Andaluz del Patrimonio Histórico, Consejería de Cultura de la Junta de Andalucía, Seville, Spain
| | | | - Manuel Pérez-Ripoll
- Prehistory and Archaeology Department, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Mathias Stiller
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA
| | - Michael Hofreiter
- Evolutionary Adaptive Genomics, Institute of Biochemistry and Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Life Sciences, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Alejandro Rodríguez
- Department of Conservation Biology, Doñana Biological Station (EBD), Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Sevilla, Spain
| | - Eloy Revilla
- Department of Conservation Biology, Doñana Biological Station (EBD), Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Sevilla, Spain
| | - Miguel Delibes
- Department of Conservation Biology, Doñana Biological Station (EBD), Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Sevilla, Spain
| | - José A Godoy
- Department of Integrative Ecology, Doñana Biological Station (EBD) Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Sevilla, Spain
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19
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Gómez-Catasús J, Garza V, Traba J. Wind farms affect the occurrence, abundance and population trends of small passerine birds: The case of the Dupont's lark. J Appl Ecol 2018. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2664.13107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Vicente Garza
- Department of Ecology; Universidad Autónoma de Madrid; Madrid Spain
- C/ Vía Límite; 29 E-28029 Madrid Spain
| | - Juan Traba
- Department of Ecology; Universidad Autónoma de Madrid; Madrid Spain
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20
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Baas P, van der Valk T, Vigilant L, Ngobobo U, Binyinyi E, Nishuli R, Caillaud D, Guschanski K. Population-level assessment of genetic diversity and habitat fragmentation in critically endangered Grauer's gorillas. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGY 2018; 165:565-575. [PMID: 29313894 DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.23393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2017] [Revised: 11/27/2017] [Accepted: 12/13/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The critically endangered Grauer's gorilla (Gorilla beringei graueri) has experienced an estimated 77% population decline within a single generation. Although crucial for informed conservation decisions, there is no clear understanding about population structure and distribution of genetic diversity across the species' highly fragmented range. We fill this gap by studying several core and peripheral Grauer's gorilla populations throughout their distribution range. MATERIALS AND METHODS We generated genetic profiles for a sampling of an unstudied population of Grauer's gorillas from within the species' core range at 13 autosomal microsatellite loci and combined them with previously published and newly generated data from four other Grauer's gorilla populations, two mountain gorilla populations, and one western lowland gorilla population. RESULTS In agreement with previous studies, the genetic diversity of Grauer's gorillas is intermediate, falling between western lowland and mountain gorillas. Among Grauer's gorilla populations, we observe lower genetic diversity and high differentiation in peripheral compared with central populations, indicating a strong effect of genetic drift and limited gene flow among small, isolated forest fragments. DISCUSSION Although genetically less diverse, peripheral populations are frequently essential for the long-term persistence of a species and migration between peripheral and core populations may significantly enrich the overall species genetic diversity. Thus, in addition to central Grauer's gorilla populations from the core of the distribution range that clearly deserve conservation attention, we argue that conservation strategies aiming to ensure long-term species viability should include preserving peripheral populations and enhancing habitat connectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pauline Baas
- Department of Ecology and Genetics, Evolutionary Biology Centre, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Tom van der Valk
- Department of Ecology and Genetics, Evolutionary Biology Centre, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Linda Vigilant
- Primatology Department, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Deutscher Platz 6, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Urbain Ngobobo
- Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International, 800 Cherokee Avenue, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Escobar Binyinyi
- Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International, 800 Cherokee Avenue, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Radar Nishuli
- Institut Congolais pour la Conservation de la Nature, N4, Réserve de Faune à Okapis, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Damien Caillaud
- Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International, 800 Cherokee Avenue, Atlanta, Georgia.,Department of Anthropology, University of California, Davis, One Shields Ave, Davis, California
| | - Katerina Guschanski
- Department of Ecology and Genetics, Evolutionary Biology Centre, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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21
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Čas M, Kobler A, de Groot M. Evaluating the spatiotemporal indicators of the population decline of a threatened large forest grouse. EUR J WILDLIFE RES 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s10344-017-1099-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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22
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Slow motion extinction: inbreeding, introgression, and loss in the critically endangered mangrove finch (Camarhynchus heliobates). CONSERV GENET 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s10592-016-0890-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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23
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24
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Kierepka EM, Anderson SJ, Swihart RK, Rhodes OE. Evaluating the influence of life-history characteristics on genetic structure: a comparison of small mammals inhabiting complex agricultural landscapes. Ecol Evol 2016; 6:6376-96. [PMID: 27648250 PMCID: PMC5016657 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.2269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2015] [Revised: 05/15/2016] [Accepted: 05/31/2016] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Conversion of formerly continuous native habitats into highly fragmented landscapes can lead to numerous negative demographic and genetic impacts on native taxa that ultimately reduce population viability. In response to concerns over biodiversity loss, numerous investigators have proposed that traits such as body size and ecological specialization influence the sensitivity of species to habitat fragmentation. In this study, we examined how differences in body size and ecological specialization of two rodents (eastern chipmunk; Tamias striatus and white‐footed mouse; Peromyscus leucopus) impact their genetic connectivity within the highly fragmented landscape of the Upper Wabash River Basin (UWB), Indiana, and evaluated whether landscape configuration and complexity influenced patterns of genetic structure similarly between these two species. The more specialized chipmunk exhibited dramatically more genetic structure across the UWB than white‐footed mice, with genetic differentiation being correlated with geographic distance, configuration of intervening habitats, and complexity of forested habitats within sampling sites. In contrast, the generalist white‐footed mouse resembled a panmictic population across the UWB, and no landscape factors were found to influence gene flow. Despite the extensive previous work in abundance and occupancy within the UWB, no landscape factor that influenced occupancy or abundance was correlated with genetic differentiation in either species. The difference in predictors of occupancy, abundance, and gene flow suggests that species‐specific responses to fragmentation are scale dependent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth M Kierepka
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory University of Georgia PO Drawer E Aiken South Carolina 29802
| | - Sara J Anderson
- Biosciences Department Minnesota State University Moorhead 1104 7th Ave Moorhead Minnesota 56563
| | - Robert K Swihart
- Department of Forestry and Natural Resources Purdue University 715 W. State Street West Lafayette Indiana 47907
| | - Olin E Rhodes
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory University of Georgia PO Drawer E Aiken South Carolina 29802
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25
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Ellingson RA, Krug PJ. Reduced genetic diversity and increased reproductive isolation follow population-level loss of larval dispersal in a marine gastropod. Evolution 2015; 70:18-37. [PMID: 26635309 DOI: 10.1111/evo.12830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2014] [Accepted: 11/17/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Population-level consequences of dispersal ability remain poorly understood, especially for marine animals in which dispersal is typically considered a species-level trait governed by oceanographic transport of microscopic larvae. Transitions from dispersive (planktotrophic) to nondispersive, aplanktonic larvae are predicted to reduce connectivity, genetic diversity within populations, and the spatial scale at which reproductive isolation evolves. However, larval dimorphism within a species is rare, precluding population-level tests. We show the sea slug Costasiella ocellifera expresses both larval morphs in Florida and the Caribbean, regions with divergent mitochondrial lineages. Planktotrophy predominated at 11 sites, 10 of which formed a highly connected and genetically diverse Caribbean metapopulation. Four populations expressed mainly aplanktonic development and had markedly reduced connectivity, and lower genetic diversity at one mitochondrial and six nuclear loci. Aplanktonic dams showed partial postzygotic isolation in most interpopulation crosses, regardless of genetic or geographic distance to the sire's source, suggesting that outbreeding depression affects fragmented populations. Dams from genetically isolated and neighboring populations also exhibited premating isolation, consistent with reinforcement contingent on historical interaction. By increasing self-recruitment and genetic drift, the loss of dispersal may thus initiate a feedback loop resulting in the evolution of reproductive isolation over small spatial scales in the sea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan A Ellingson
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State University, 5151 State University Dr., Los Angeles, California, 90032-8201
| | - Patrick J Krug
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State University, 5151 State University Dr., Los Angeles, California, 90032-8201.
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26
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Graciá E, Ortego J, Godoy JA, Pérez-García JM, Blanco G, del Mar Delgado M, Penteriani V, Almodóvar I, Botella F, Sánchez-Zapata JA. Genetic Signatures of Demographic Changes in an Avian Top Predator during the Last Century: Bottlenecks and Expansions of the Eurasian Eagle Owl in the Iberian Peninsula. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0133954. [PMID: 26230922 PMCID: PMC4521928 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0133954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2015] [Accepted: 07/03/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The study of the demographic history of species can help to understand the negative impact of recent population declines in organisms of conservation concern. Here, we use neutral molecular markers to explore the genetic consequences of the recent population decline and posterior recovery of the Eurasian eagle owl (Bubo bubo) in the Iberian Peninsula. During the last century, the species was the object of extermination programs, suffering direct persecution by hunters until the 70's. Moreover, during the last decades the eagle owl was severely impacted by increased mortality due to electrocution and the decline of its main prey species, the European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus). In recent times, the decrease of direct persecution and the implementation of some conservation schemes have allowed the species' demographic recovery. Yet, it remains unknown to which extent the past population decline and the later expansion have influenced the current species' pattern of genetic diversity. We used eight microsatellite markers to genotype 235 eagle owls from ten Spanish subpopulations and analyse the presence of genetic signatures attributable to the recent population fluctuations experienced by the species. We found moderate levels of differentiation among the studied subpopulations and Bayesian analyses revealed the existence of three genetic clusters that grouped subpopulations from central, south-western and south-eastern Spain. The observed genetic structure could have resulted from recent human-induced population fragmentation, a patchy distribution of prey populations and/or the philopatric behaviour and habitat selection of the species. We detected an old population bottleneck, which occurred approximately 10,000 years ago, and significant signatures of recent demographic expansions. However, we did not find genetic signatures for a recent bottleneck, which may indicate that population declines were not severe enough to leave detectable signals on the species genetic makeup or that such signals have been eroded by the rapid demographic recovery experienced by the species in recent years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Graciá
- Ecology Area, Department of Applied Biology, Miguel Hernández University, Elche, Spain
| | - Joaquín Ortego
- Genetic and Cultural Biodiversity Group, Hunting Resources Research Institute, CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ciudad Real, Spain
- Department of Integrative Ecology, Doñana Biological Station, CSIC, Seville, Spain
| | - José Antonio Godoy
- Department of Integrative Ecology, Doñana Biological Station, CSIC, Seville, Spain
| | | | - Guillermo Blanco
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology, National Museum of Natural History, CSIC, Madrid, Spain
| | - María del Mar Delgado
- Department of Biosciences, Metapopulation Research Group, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Research Unit of Biodiversity, UMIB, UO-CSIC-PA, Oviedo University, Campus de Mieres, Mieres, Spain
| | - Vincenzo Penteriani
- Research Unit of Biodiversity, UMIB, UO-CSIC-PA, Oviedo University, Campus de Mieres, Mieres, Spain
- Department of Conservation Biology, Doñana Biological Station, CSIC, Seville, Spain
| | - Irene Almodóvar
- Ecology Area, Department of Applied Biology, Miguel Hernández University, Elche, Spain
| | - Francisco Botella
- Ecology Area, Department of Applied Biology, Miguel Hernández University, Elche, Spain
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Ortego J, Aguirre MP, Noguerales V, Cordero PJ. Consequences of extensive habitat fragmentation in landscape-level patterns of genetic diversity and structure in the Mediterranean esparto grasshopper. Evol Appl 2015; 8:621-32. [PMID: 26136826 PMCID: PMC4479516 DOI: 10.1111/eva.12273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2015] [Accepted: 04/27/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Anthropogenic habitat fragmentation has altered the distribution and population sizes in many organisms worldwide. For this reason, understanding the demographic and genetic consequences of this process is necessary to predict the fate of populations and establish management practices aimed to ensure their viability. In this study, we analyse whether the spatial configuration of remnant semi-natural habitat patches within a chronically fragmented landscape has shaped the patterns of genetic diversity and structure in the habitat-specialist esparto grasshopper (Ramburiella hispanica). In particular, we predict that agricultural lands constitute barriers to gene flow and hypothesize that fragmentation has restricted interpopulation dispersal and reduced local levels of genetic diversity. Our results confirmed the expectation that isolation and habitat fragmentation have reduced the genetic diversity of local populations. Landscape genetic analyses based on circuit theory showed that agricultural land offers ∽1000 times more resistance to gene flow than semi-natural habitats, indicating that patterns of dispersal are constrained by the spatial configuration of remnant patches of suitable habitat. Overall, this study shows that semi-natural habitat patches act as corridors for interpopulation gene flow and should be preserved due to the disproportionately large ecological function that they provide considering their insignificant area within these human-modified landscapes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joaquín Ortego
- Department of Integrative Ecology, Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD-CSIC) Seville, Spain
| | - María P Aguirre
- Grupo de Investigación de la Biodiversidad Genética y Cultural, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos - IREC (CSIC, UCLM, JCCM) Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Víctor Noguerales
- Grupo de Investigación de la Biodiversidad Genética y Cultural, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos - IREC (CSIC, UCLM, JCCM) Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Pedro J Cordero
- Grupo de Investigación de la Biodiversidad Genética y Cultural, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos - IREC (CSIC, UCLM, JCCM) Ciudad Real, Spain
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28
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Fünfstück T, Vigilant L. The geographic distribution of genetic diversity within gorillas. Am J Primatol 2015; 77:974-985. [DOI: 10.1002/ajp.22427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2015] [Revised: 04/23/2015] [Accepted: 04/26/2015] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Linda Vigilant
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology; Leipzig Germany
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29
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Christie MR, Knowles LL. Habitat corridors facilitate genetic resilience irrespective of species dispersal abilities or population sizes. Evol Appl 2015; 8:454-63. [PMID: 26029259 PMCID: PMC4430769 DOI: 10.1111/eva.12255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2014] [Accepted: 02/16/2015] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Corridors are frequently proposed to connect patches of habitat that have become isolated due to human-mediated alterations to the landscape. While it is understood that corridors can facilitate dispersal between patches, it remains unknown whether corridors can mitigate the negative genetic effects for entire communities modified by habitat fragmentation. These negative genetic effects, which include reduced genetic diversity, limit the potential for populations to respond to selective agents such as disease epidemics and global climate change. We provide clear evidence from a forward-time, agent-based model (ABM) that corridors can facilitate genetic resilience in fragmented habitats across a broad range of species dispersal abilities and population sizes. Our results demonstrate that even modest increases in corridor width decreased the genetic differentiation between patches and increased the genetic diversity and effective population size within patches. Furthermore, we document a trade-off between corridor quality and corridor design whereby populations connected by high-quality habitat (i.e., low corridor mortality) are more resilient to suboptimal corridor design (e.g., long and narrow corridors). The ABM also revealed that species interactions can play a greater role than corridor design in shaping the genetic responses of populations to corridors. These results demonstrate how corridors can provide long-term conservation benefits that extend beyond targeted taxa and scale up to entire communities irrespective of species dispersal abilities or population sizes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark R Christie
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Michigan Ann Arbor, MI, USA ; Department of Biological Sciences & Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Purdue University West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - L Lacey Knowles
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Michigan Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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30
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Keller D, Holderegger R, van Strien MJ, Bolliger J. How to make landscape genetics beneficial for conservation management? CONSERV GENET 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/s10592-014-0684-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
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