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Kebede FG, Derks MFL, Dessie T, Hanotte O, Barros CP, Crooijmans RPMA, Komen H, Bastiaansen JWM. Landscape genomics reveals regions associated with adaptive phenotypic and genetic variation in Ethiopian indigenous chickens. BMC Genomics 2024; 25:284. [PMID: 38500079 PMCID: PMC10946127 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-024-10193-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Climate change is a threat to sustainable livestock production and livelihoods in the tropics. It has adverse impacts on feed and water availability, disease prevalence, production, environmental temperature, and biodiversity. Unravelling the drivers of local adaptation and understanding the underlying genetic variation in random mating indigenous livestock populations informs the design of genetic improvement programmes that aim to increase productivity and resilience. In the present study, we combined environmental, genomic, and phenotypic information of Ethiopian indigenous chickens to investigate their environmental adaptability. Through a hybrid sampling strategy, we captured wide biological and ecological variabilities across the country. Our environmental dataset comprised mean values of 34 climatic, vegetation and soil variables collected over a thirty-year period for 260 geolocations. Our biological dataset included whole genome sequences and quantitative measurements (on eight traits) from 513 individuals, representing 26 chicken populations spread along 4 elevational gradients (6-7 populations per gradient). We performed signatures of selection analyses ([Formula: see text] and XP-EHH) to detect footprints of natural selection, and redundancy analyses (RDA) to determine genotype-environment and genotype-phenotype-associations. RDA identified 1909 outlier SNPs linked with six environmental predictors, which have the highest contributions as ecological drivers of adaptive phenotypic variation. The same method detected 2430 outlier SNPs that are associated with five traits. A large overlap has been observed between signatures of selection identified by[Formula: see text]and XP-EHH showing that both methods target similar selective sweep regions. Average genetic differences measured by [Formula: see text] are low between gradients, but XP-EHH signals are the strongest between agroecologies. Genes in the calcium signalling pathway, those associated with the hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) transcription factors, and sports performance (GALNTL6) are under selection in high-altitude populations. Our study underscores the relevance of landscape genomics as a powerful interdisciplinary approach to dissect adaptive phenotypic and genetic variation in random mating indigenous livestock populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fasil Getachew Kebede
- Animal Breeding and Genomics, Wageningen University & Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 1, Wageningen, PB-6708, The Netherlands.
- International Livestock Research Institute, P.O. Box 5689, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
| | - Martijn F L Derks
- Animal Breeding and Genomics, Wageningen University & Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 1, Wageningen, PB-6708, The Netherlands
| | - Tadelle Dessie
- International Livestock Research Institute, P.O. Box 5689, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Olivier Hanotte
- International Livestock Research Institute, P.O. Box 5689, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- School of Life Sciences, The University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Carolina Pita Barros
- Animal Breeding and Genomics, Wageningen University & Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 1, Wageningen, PB-6708, The Netherlands
| | - Richard P M A Crooijmans
- Animal Breeding and Genomics, Wageningen University & Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 1, Wageningen, PB-6708, The Netherlands
| | - Hans Komen
- Animal Breeding and Genomics, Wageningen University & Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 1, Wageningen, PB-6708, The Netherlands
| | - John W M Bastiaansen
- Animal Breeding and Genomics, Wageningen University & Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 1, Wageningen, PB-6708, The Netherlands
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Dang Z, Li J, Liu Y, Song M, Lockhart PJ, Tian Y, Niu M, Wang Q. RADseq-based population genomic analysis and environmental adaptation of rare and endangered recretohalophyte Reaumuria trigyna. THE PLANT GENOME 2024; 17:e20303. [PMID: 36740755 DOI: 10.1002/tpg2.20303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Genetic diversity reflects the survival potential, history, and population dynamics of an organism. It underlies the adaptive potential of populations and their response to environmental change. Reaumuria trigyna is an endemic species in the Eastern Alxa and West Ordos desert regions in China. The species has been considered a good candidate to explore the unique survival strategies of plants that inhabit this area. In this study, we performed population genomic analyses based on restriction-site associated DNA sequencing to understand the genetic diversity, population genetic structure, and differentiation of the species. Analyses of 92,719 high-quality single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) indicated that overall genetic diversity of R. trigyna was low (HO = 0.249 and HE = 0.208). No significant genetic differentiation was observed among the investigated populations. However, a subtle population genetic structure was detected. We suggest that this might be explained by adaptive diversification reinforced by the geographical isolation of populations. Overall, 3513 outlier SNPs were located in 243 gene-coding sequences in the R. trigyna transcriptome. Potential sites under diversifying selection occurred in genes (e.g., AP2/EREBP, E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase, FLS, and 4CL) related to phytohormone regulation and synthesis of secondary metabolites which have roles in adaptation of species. Our genetic analyses provide scientific criteria for evaluating the evolutionary capacity of R. trigyna and the discovery of unique adaptions. Our findings extend knowledge of refugia, environmental adaption, and evolution of germplasm resources that survive in the Ordos area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenhua Dang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Ecology and Resource Use of the Mongolian Plateau & Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Grassland Ecology, School of Ecology and Environment, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, China
| | - Jiabin Li
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Ecology and Resource Use of the Mongolian Plateau & Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Grassland Ecology, School of Ecology and Environment, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, China
| | - Yanan Liu
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Ecology and Resource Use of the Mongolian Plateau & Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Grassland Ecology, School of Ecology and Environment, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, China
| | - Miaomiao Song
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Ecology and Resource Use of the Mongolian Plateau & Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Grassland Ecology, School of Ecology and Environment, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, China
| | - Peter J Lockhart
- School of Natural Sciences, College of Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Yunyun Tian
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Herbage & Endemic Crop Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, China
| | - Miaomiao Niu
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Ecology and Resource Use of the Mongolian Plateau & Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Grassland Ecology, School of Ecology and Environment, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, China
| | - Qinglang Wang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Ecology and Resource Use of the Mongolian Plateau & Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Grassland Ecology, School of Ecology and Environment, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, China
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Medinas D, Ribeiro V, Barbosa S, Valerio F, Marques JT, Rebelo H, Paupério J, Santos S, Mira A. Fine scale genetics reveals the subtle negative effects of roads on an endangered bat. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 869:161705. [PMID: 36682566 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.161705] [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: 04/25/2022] [Revised: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The effective management of species with small and fragmented populations requires an in-depth understanding of how the effects of human-induced habitat disturbance shape the structure and gene flow at fine spatial scales. Identification of putative environmental barriers that affect individual exchange among subpopulations is imperative to prevent extinction risks. Here, we investigated how landscape affects the gene flow and relatedness structure of a population of the endangered lesser horseshoe bat (Rhinolophus hipposideros). We also assessed the effects of sexbiased dispersal on genetic relatedness. We genotyped 287 bat samples collected across southern Portugal and developed resistance surfaces for landscape variables hypothesized to affect gene flow. Then, we used spatially explicit models to fit relatedness distance through the resistance surfaces. We found genetic evidence of sex-biased dispersal and identified a significant fine scale structuring in the relatedness regarding females, the philopatric sex. Males displayed uniform levels of relatedness throughout the landscape. The results indicated less relatedness between the female´ from roosts located on proximity of roads than in roosts away from roads. Also, when analysing the sexes together the relatedness on roosts separated by highway were subtly less related in comparison to those occurring on the same side. Roads seem to be major shapers of the contemporary population structure of females, regardless of being relatively recent structures in the landscape. Furthermore, the relatedness patterns detected suggested that high tree density among roosts and continuity of forest patches in broader surrounding areas, promotes the relatedness among individuals. Landscape heterogeneity among roosts slightly decreases genetic relatedness. Nevertheless, those relationships are still weak, suggesting that population structuring driven by those factors is slowly ongoing. Thus, effective management measures should focus on issues for promoting safe road passages and suitable habitat corridors, allowing for the exchange of individuals and gene flow among lesser horseshoe bat roosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denis Medinas
- CIBIO/InBIO, Research Centre in Biodiversity and Genetic Resources, Pole of Évora, Research Network in Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, University of Évora, Mitra, 7002-554 Évora, Portugal; UBC, Conservation Biology Lab, Department of Biology, University of Évora, Mitra, 7002-554 Évora, Portugal.
| | - Vera Ribeiro
- UBC, Conservation Biology Lab, Department of Biology, University of Évora, Mitra, 7002-554 Évora, Portugal.
| | - Soraia Barbosa
- CIBIO/InBIO-UP, Research Centre in Biodiversity and Genetic Resources, University of Porto, Rua Padre Armando Quintas, 4485-661 Vairão, Portugal.
| | - Francesco Valerio
- UBC, Conservation Biology Lab, Department of Biology, University of Évora, Mitra, 7002-554 Évora, Portugal; MED - Mediterranean Institute for Agriculture, Environment and Development, University of Évora, Mitra, 7002-554 Évora, Portugal; EaRSLab-Earth Remote Sensing Laboratory, University of Évora, 7000-671 Évora, Portugal.
| | - João Tiago Marques
- UBC, Conservation Biology Lab, Department of Biology, University of Évora, Mitra, 7002-554 Évora, Portugal; MED - Mediterranean Institute for Agriculture, Environment and Development, University of Évora, Mitra, 7002-554 Évora, Portugal.
| | - Hugo Rebelo
- CIBIO/InBIO-UP, Research Centre in Biodiversity and Genetic Resources, University of Porto, Rua Padre Armando Quintas, 4485-661 Vairão, Portugal; CEABN-InBIO, Centre for Applied Ecology "Prof. Baeta Neves", Institute of Agronomy, University of Lisbon, Tapada da Ajuda, 1349-017 Lisbon, Portugal.
| | - Joana Paupério
- CIBIO/InBIO-UP, Research Centre in Biodiversity and Genetic Resources, University of Porto, Rua Padre Armando Quintas, 4485-661 Vairão, Portugal.
| | - Sara Santos
- UBC, Conservation Biology Lab, Department of Biology, University of Évora, Mitra, 7002-554 Évora, Portugal; MED - Mediterranean Institute for Agriculture, Environment and Development, University of Évora, Mitra, 7002-554 Évora, Portugal.
| | - António Mira
- UBC, Conservation Biology Lab, Department of Biology, University of Évora, Mitra, 7002-554 Évora, Portugal; MED - Mediterranean Institute for Agriculture, Environment and Development, University of Évora, Mitra, 7002-554 Évora, Portugal.
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The genetic structure and connectivity in two sympatric rodent species with different life histories are similarly affected by land use disturbances. CONSERV GENET 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s10592-022-01485-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
AbstractThe negative impact of habitat fragmentation due to human activities may be different in different species that co-exist in the same area, with consequences on the development of environmental protection plans. Here we aim at understanding the effects produced by different natural and anthropic landscape features on gene flow patterns in two sympatric species with different specializations, one generalist and one specialist, sampled in the same locations. We collected and genotyped 194 wood mice (generalist species) and 199 bank voles (specialist species) from 15 woodlands in a fragmented landscape characterized by different potential barriers to dispersal. Genetic variation and structure were analyzed in the two species, respectively. Effective migration surfaces, isolation-by-resistance (IBR) analysis, and regression with randomization were used to investigate isolation-by-distance (IBD) and the relative importance of land cover elements on gene flow. We observed similar patterns of heterozygosity and IBD for both species, but the bank vole showed higher genetic differences among geographic areas. The IBR analysis suggests that (i) connectivity is reduced in both species by urban areas but more strongly in the specialist bank vole; (ii) cultivated areas act as dispersal corridors in both species; (iii) woodlands appear to be an important factor in increasing connectivity in the bank vole, and less so in the wood mouse. The difference in dispersal abilities between a generalist and specialist species was reflected in the difference in genetic structure, despite extensive habitat changes due to human activities. The negative effects of fragmentation due to the process of urbanization were, at least partially, mitigated by another human product, i.e., cultivated terrains subdivided by hedgerows, and this was true for both species.
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Landscape genetics of an endangered salt marsh endemic: Identifying population continuity and barriers to dispersal. CONSERV GENET 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s10592-022-01446-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
AbstractPreserving the genetic diversity of endangered species is fundamental to their conservation and requires an understanding of genetic structure. In turn, identification of landscape features that impede gene flow can facilitate management to mitigate such obstacles and help with identifying isolated populations. We conducted a landscape genetic study of the endangered salt marsh harvest mouse (Reithrodontomys raviventris), a species endemic to the coastal marshes of the San Francisco Estuary of California. We collected and genotyped > 500 samples from across the marshes of Suisun Bay which contain the largest remaining tracts of habitat for the species. Cluster analyses and a population tree identified three geographically discrete populations. Next, we conducted landscape genetic analyses at two scales (the entire study area and across the Northern Marshes) where we tested 65 univariate models of landscape features and used the best supported to test multivariable analyses. Our analysis of the entire study area indicated that open water and elevation (> 2 m) constrained gene flow. Analysis of the Northern Marshes, where low elevation marsh habitat is more continuous, indicated that geographic distance was the only significant predictor of genetic distance at this scale. The identification of a large, connected population across Northern Marshes achieves a number of recovery targets for this stronghold of the species. The identification of landscape features that act as barriers to dispersal enables the identification of isolated and vulnerable populations more broadly across the species range, thus aiding conservation prioritization.
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Zimmerman SJ, Aldridge CL, Hooten MB, Oyler-McCance SJ. Scale-dependent influence of the sagebrush community on genetic connectivity of the sagebrush obligate Gunnison sage-grouse. Mol Ecol 2022; 31:3267-3285. [PMID: 35501946 PMCID: PMC9325045 DOI: 10.1111/mec.16470] [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: 01/07/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Habitat fragmentation and degradation impacts an organism's ability to navigate the landscape, ultimately resulting in decreased gene flow and increased extinction risk. Understanding how landscape composition impacts gene flow (i.e., connectivity) and interacts with scale is essential to conservation decision‐making. We used a landscape genetics approach implementing a recently developed statistical model based on the generalized Wishart probability distribution to identify the primary landscape features affecting gene flow and estimate the degree to which each component influences connectivity for Gunnison sage‐grouse (Centrocercus minimus). We were interested in two spatial scales: among distinct populations rangewide and among leks (i.e., breeding grounds) within the largest population, Gunnison Basin. Populations and leks are nested within a landscape fragmented by rough terrain and anthropogenic features, although requisite sagebrush habitat is more contiguous within populations. Our best fit models for each scale confirm the importance of sagebrush habitat in connectivity, although the important sagebrush characteristics differ. For Gunnison Basin, taller shrubs and higher quality nesting habitat were the primary drivers of connectivity, while more sagebrush cover and less conifer cover facilitated connectivity rangewide. Our findings support previous assumptions that Gunnison sage‐grouse range contraction is largely the result of habitat loss and degradation. Importantly, we report direct estimates of resistance for landscape components that can be used to create resistance surfaces for prioritization of specific locations for conservation or management (i.e., habitat preservation, restoration, or development) or as we demonstrated, can be combined with simulation techniques to predict impacts to connectivity from potential management actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shawna J Zimmerman
- U.S. Geological Survey, Fort Collins Science Center, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Cameron L Aldridge
- U.S. Geological Survey, Fort Collins Science Center, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Mevin B Hooten
- Department of Statistics and Data Sciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Sara J Oyler-McCance
- U.S. Geological Survey, Fort Collins Science Center, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
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7
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Landscape genetic connectivity in European wildcat (Felis silvestris silvestris): a matter of food, shelters and demographic status of populations. CONSERV GENET 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s10592-022-01443-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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8
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Kunz F, Klinga P, Sittenthaler M, Schebeck M, Stauffer C, Grünschachner‐Berger V, Hackländer K, Nopp‐Mayr U. Assessment of drivers of spatial genetic variation of a ground-dwelling bird species and its implications for conservation. Ecol Evol 2022; 12:e8460. [PMID: 35127012 PMCID: PMC8796917 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.8460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Revised: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
In modern wildlife ecology, spatial population genetic methods are becoming increasingly applied. Especially for animal species in fragmented landscapes, preservation of gene flow becomes a high priority target in order to restore genetic diversity and prevent local extinction. Within Central Europe, the Alps represent the core distribution area of the black grouse, Lyrurus tetrix. At its easternmost Alpine range, events of subpopulation extinction have already been documented in the past decades. Molecular data combined with spatial analyses can help to assess landscape effects on genetic variation and therefore can be informative for conservation management. Here, we addressed whether the genetic pattern of the easternmost Alpine black grouse metapopulation system is driven by isolation by distance or isolation by resistance. Correlative ecological niche modeling was used to assess geographic distances and landscape resistances. We then applied regression-based approaches combined with population genetic analyses based on microsatellite data to disentangle effects of isolation by distance and isolation by resistance among individuals and subpopulations. Although population genetic analyses revealed overall low levels of genetic differentiation, the ecological niche modeling showed subpopulations to be clearly delimited by habitat structures. Spatial genetic variation could be attributed to effects of isolation by distance among individuals and isolation by resistance among subpopulations, yet unknown effects might factor in. The easternmost subpopulation was the most differentiated, and at the same time, immigration was not detected; hence, its long-term survival might be threatened. Our study provides valuable insights into the spatial genetic variation of this small-scale metapopulation system of Alpine black grouse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Kunz
- Department of Integrative Biology and Biodiversity ResearchInstitute of Wildlife Biology and Game ManagementUniversity of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Peter Klinga
- Faculty of ForestryTechnical University in ZvolenZvolenSlovakia
- DIANA ‐ Carpathian Wildlife ResearchBanská BystricaSlovakia
| | - Marcia Sittenthaler
- Department of Integrative Biology and Biodiversity ResearchInstitute of Wildlife Biology and Game ManagementUniversity of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, ViennaViennaAustria
- Central Research LaboratoriesNatural History Museum ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Martin Schebeck
- Department of Forest and Soil SciencesInstitute of Forest Entomology, Forest Pathology and Forest ProtectionUniversity of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Christian Stauffer
- Department of Forest and Soil SciencesInstitute of Forest Entomology, Forest Pathology and Forest ProtectionUniversity of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, ViennaViennaAustria
| | | | - Klaus Hackländer
- Department of Integrative Biology and Biodiversity ResearchInstitute of Wildlife Biology and Game ManagementUniversity of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, ViennaViennaAustria
- German Wildlife FoundationHamburgGermany
| | - Ursula Nopp‐Mayr
- Department of Integrative Biology and Biodiversity ResearchInstitute of Wildlife Biology and Game ManagementUniversity of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, ViennaViennaAustria
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Gálvez-Reyes N, Arribas P, Andújar C, Emerson BC, Piñero D, Mastretta-Yanes A. Dispersal limitations and long-term persistence drive differentiation from haplotypes to communities within a tropical sky-island: Evidence from community metabarcoding. Mol Ecol 2021; 30:6611-6626. [PMID: 34564919 DOI: 10.1111/mec.16195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2020] [Revised: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Neutral theory proposes that dispersal stochasticity is one of the main drivers of local diversity. Haplotypes-level genetic variation can now be efficiently sampled from across whole communities, thus making it possible to test neutral predictions from the genetic to species-level diversity, and higher. However, empirical data is still limited, with the few studies to date coming from temperate latitudes. Here, we focus on a tropical mountain within the Transmexican Volcanic Belt to evaluate spatially fine-scale patterns of arthropod community assembly to understand the role of dispersal limitation and landscape features as drivers of diversity. We sampled whole-communities of arthropods for eight orders at a spatial scale ranging from 50 m to 19 km, using whole community metabarcoding. We explored multiple hierarchical levels, from individual haplotypes to lineages at 0.5, 1.5, 3, 5, and 7.5% similarity thresholds, to evaluate patterns of richness, turnover, and distance decay of similarity with isolation-by-distance and isolation-by-resistance (costs to dispersal given by landscape features) approaches. Our results showed that distance and altitude influence distance decay of similarity at all hierarchical levels. This holds for arthropod groups of contrasting dispersal abilities, but with different strength depending on the spatial scale. Our results support a model where local-scale differentiation mediated by dispersal constraints, combined with long-term persistence of lineages, is an important driver of diversity within tropical sky islands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nancy Gálvez-Reyes
- Departamento de Ecología Evolutiva, Instituto de Ecología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, CDMX, Mexico.,Programa de Doctorado en Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, CDMX, Mexico
| | - Paula Arribas
- Island Ecology and Evolution Research Group, Instituto de Productos Naturales y Agrobiología (IPNA-CSIC), Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
| | - Carmelo Andújar
- Island Ecology and Evolution Research Group, Instituto de Productos Naturales y Agrobiología (IPNA-CSIC), Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
| | - Brent C Emerson
- Island Ecology and Evolution Research Group, Instituto de Productos Naturales y Agrobiología (IPNA-CSIC), Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
| | - Daniel Piñero
- Departamento de Ecología Evolutiva, Instituto de Ecología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, CDMX, Mexico
| | - Alicia Mastretta-Yanes
- Comisión Nacional para el Conocimiento y Uso de la Biodiversidad (CONABIO), CDMX, Mexico.,Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología, Benito Juárez (CONACYT), CDMX, Mexico
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10
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Bauder JM, Peterman WE, Spear SF, Jenkins CL, Whiteley AR, McGarigal K. Multiscale assessment of functional connectivity: Landscape genetics of eastern indigo snakes in an anthropogenically fragmented landscape in central Florida. Mol Ecol 2021; 30:3422-3438. [PMID: 33978288 DOI: 10.1111/mec.15979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Landscape features can strongly influence gene flow and the strength and direction of these effects may vary across spatial scales. However, few studies have evaluated methodological approaches for selecting spatial scales in landscape genetics analyses, in part because of computational challenges associated with optimizing landscape resistance surfaces (LRS). We used the federally threatened eastern indigo snake (Drymarchon couperi) in central Florida as a case study with which to compare the importance of landscape features and their scales of effect in influencing gene flow. We used genetic algorithms (ResistanceGA) to empirically optimize LRS using categorical land cover surfaces, multiscale resource selection surfaces (RSS), and four combinations of landscape covariates measured at multiple spatial scales (multisurface multiscale LRS). We compared LRS where scale was selected using pseudo- and full optimization. Multisurface multiscale LRS received more empirical support than LRS optimized from categorical land cover surfaces or RSS. Multiscale LRS with scale selected using full optimization generally outperformed those with scale selected using pseudo-optimization. Multiscale LRS with large spatial scales (1200-1800 m) received the most empirical support. Our results highlight the importance of considering landscape features across multiple spatial scales in landscape genetic analyses, particularly broad scales relative to species movement potential. Different effects of scale on home range-level movements and dispersal could explain weak associations between habitat suitability and gene flow in other studies. Our results also demonstrate the importance of large tracts of undeveloped upland habitat with heterogenous vegetation communities and low urbanization for promoting indigo snake connectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javan M Bauder
- Department of Environmental Conservation, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA.,Illinois Natural History Survey, Prairie Research Institute, University of Illinois, Champaign, IL, USA
| | - William E Peterman
- School of Environment and Natural Resources, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Stephen F Spear
- The Orianne Society, Tiger, GA, USA.,Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, USA.,The Wilds, Cumberland, OH, USA.,Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, U.S. Geological Survey, La Crosse, WI, USA
| | | | - Andrew R Whiteley
- Department of Ecosystems and Conservation Sciences and Wildlife Biology Program, University of Montana, Missoula, MT, USA
| | - Kevin McGarigal
- Department of Environmental Conservation, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
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11
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Dalui S, Khatri H, Singh SK, Basu S, Ghosh A, Mukherjee T, Sharma LK, Singh R, Chandra K, Thakur M. Fine-scale landscape genetics unveiling contemporary asymmetric movement of red panda (Ailurus fulgens) in Kangchenjunga landscape, India. Sci Rep 2020; 10:15446. [PMID: 32963325 PMCID: PMC7508845 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-72427-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Wildlife management in rapid changing landscapes requires critical planning through cross cutting networks, and understanding of landscape features, often affected by the anthropogenic activities. The present study demonstrates fine-scale spatial patterns of genetic variation and contemporary gene flow of red panda (Ailurus fulgens) populations with respect to landscape connectivity in Kangchenjunga Landscape (KL), India. The study found about 1,309.54 km2 area suitable for red panda in KL-India, of which 62.21% area fell under the Protected Area network. We identified 24 unique individuals from 234 feces collected at nine microsatellite loci. The spatially explicit and non-explicit Bayesian clustering algorithms evident to exhibit population structuring and supported red panda populations to exist in meta-population frame work. In concurrence to the habitat suitability and landscape connectivity models, gene flow results supported a contemporary asymmetric movement of red panda by connecting KL-India in a crescent arc. We demonstrate the structural-operational connectivity of corridors in KL-India that facilitated red panda movement in the past. We also seek for cooperation in Nepal, Bhutan and China to aid in preparing for a comprehensive monitoring plan for the long-term conservation and management of red panda in trans-boundary landscapes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Supriyo Dalui
- Zoological Survey of India, New Alipore, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700053, India
- Department of Zoology, University of Calcutta, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700019, India
| | - Hiren Khatri
- Zoological Survey of India, New Alipore, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700053, India
- Amity Institute of Forestry and Wildlife, Amity University Campus, Sector-125, Noida, UP, 201303, India
| | - Sujeet Kumar Singh
- Zoological Survey of India, New Alipore, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700053, India
| | - Shambadeb Basu
- Zoological Survey of India, New Alipore, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700053, India
| | - Avijit Ghosh
- Zoological Survey of India, New Alipore, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700053, India
- Department of Zoology, University of Calcutta, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700019, India
| | - Tanoy Mukherjee
- Zoological Survey of India, New Alipore, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700053, India
- Department of Zoology, University of Calcutta, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700019, India
| | - Lalit Kumar Sharma
- Zoological Survey of India, New Alipore, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700053, India
| | - Randeep Singh
- Amity Institute of Forestry and Wildlife, Amity University Campus, Sector-125, Noida, UP, 201303, India
| | - Kailash Chandra
- Zoological Survey of India, New Alipore, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700053, India
| | - Mukesh Thakur
- Zoological Survey of India, New Alipore, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700053, India.
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12
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Dellinger JA, Gustafson KD, Gammons DJ, Ernest HB, Torres SG. Minimum habitat thresholds required for conserving mountain lion genetic diversity. Ecol Evol 2020; 10:10687-10696. [PMID: 33072289 PMCID: PMC7548186 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.6723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2020] [Revised: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Jointly considering the ecology (e.g., habitat use) and genetics (e.g., population genetic structure and diversity) of a species can increase understanding of current conservation status and inform future management practices. Previous analyses indicate that mountain lion (Puma concolor) populations in California are genetically structured and exhibit extreme variation in population genetic diversity. Although human development may have fragmented gene flow, we hypothesized the quantity and quality of remaining habitat available would affect the genetic viability of each population. Our results indicate that area of suitable habitat, determined via a resource selection function derived using 843,500 location fixes from 263 radio‐collared mountain lions, is strongly and positively associated with population genetic diversity and viability metrics, particularly with effective population size. Our results suggested that contiguous habitat of ≥10,000 km2 may be sufficient to alleviate the negative effects of genetic drift and inbreeding, allowing mountain lion populations to maintain suitable effective population sizes. Areas occupied by five of the nine geographic–genetic mountain lion populations in California fell below this habitat threshold, and two (Santa Monica Area and Santa Ana) of those five populations lack connectivity to nearby populations. Enhancing ecological conditions by protection of greater areas of suitable habitat and facilitating positive evolutionary processes by increasing connectivity (e.g., road‐crossing structures) might promote persistence of small or isolated populations. The conservation status of suitable habitat also appeared to influence genetic diversity of populations. Thus, our results demonstrate that both the area and status (i.e., protected or unprotected) of suitable habitat influence the genetic viability of mountain lion populations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kyle D Gustafson
- Department of Biological Sciences Arkansas State University Jonesboro Arkansas USA.,Wildlife Genomics and Disease Ecology Laboratory University of Wyoming Laramie Wyoming USA
| | - Daniel J Gammons
- California Department of Fish and Wildlife Sacramento California USA
| | - Holly B Ernest
- Wildlife Genomics and Disease Ecology Laboratory University of Wyoming Laramie Wyoming USA
| | - Steven G Torres
- California Department of Fish and Wildlife Sacramento California USA
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13
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Balkenhol N, Schwartz MK, Inman RM, Copeland JP, Squires JS, Anderson NJ, Waits LP. Landscape genetics of wolverines ( Gulo gulo): scale-dependent effects of bioclimatic, topographic, and anthropogenic variables. J Mammal 2020; 101:790-803. [PMID: 32665742 PMCID: PMC7333878 DOI: 10.1093/jmammal/gyaa037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2019] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Climate change can have particularly severe consequences for high-elevation species that are well-adapted to long-lasting snow conditions within their habitats. One such species is the wolverine, Gulo gulo, with several studies showing a strong, year-round association of the species with the area defined by persistent spring snow cover. This bioclimatic niche also predicts successful dispersal paths for wolverines in the contiguous United States, where the species shows low levels of genetic exchange and low effective population size. Here, we assess the influence of additional climatic, vegetative, topographic, and anthropogenic, variables on wolverine genetic structure in this region using a multivariate, multiscale, landscape genetic approach. This approach allows us to detect landscape-genetic relationships both due to typical, small-scale genetic exchange within habitat, as well as exceptional, long-distance dispersal among habitats. Results suggest that a combination of snow depth, terrain ruggedness, and housing density, best predict gene flow in wolverines, and that the relative importance of variables is scale-dependent. Environmental variables (i.e., isolation-by-resistance, IBR) were responsible for 79% of the explained variation at small scales (i.e., up to ~230 km), and 65% at broad scales (i.e., beyond ~420 km). In contrast, a null model based on only space (i.e., isolation-by-distance, IBD) accounted only for 17% and 11% of the variation at small and broad scales, respectively. Snow depth was the most important variable for predicting genetic structures overall, and at small scales, where it contributed 43% to the variance explained. At broad spatial scales, housing density and terrain ruggedness were most important with contributions to explained variation of 55% and 25%, respectively. While the small-scale analysis most likely captures gene flow within typical wolverine habitat complexes, the broad-scale analysis reflects long-distance dispersal across areas not typically inhabited by wolverines. These findings help to refine our understanding of the processes shaping wolverine genetic structure, which is important for maintaining and improving functional connectivity among remaining wolverine populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niko Balkenhol
- Wildlife Sciences, University of Goettingen, Buesgenweg, Goettingen, Germany.,Department of Fish & Wildlife Sciences, Univesity of Idaho, Moscow, ID, USA
| | - Michael K Schwartz
- USDA Forest Service Rocky Mountain Research Station, E. Beckwith, Missoula, MT, USA
| | | | - Jeffrey P Copeland
- USDA Forest Service Rocky Mountain Research Station, E. Beckwith, Missoula, MT, USA
| | - John S Squires
- USDA Forest Service Rocky Mountain Research Station, E. Beckwith, Missoula, MT, USA
| | | | - Lisette P Waits
- Department of Fish & Wildlife Sciences, Univesity of Idaho, Moscow, ID, USA
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14
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Multiscale landscape genetics of American marten at their southern range periphery. Heredity (Edinb) 2020; 124:550-561. [PMID: 31992842 PMCID: PMC7080830 DOI: 10.1038/s41437-020-0295-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Revised: 11/10/2019] [Accepted: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
American marten (Martes americana) are a conservation priority in many forested regions of North America. Populations are fragmented at the southern edge of their distribution due to suboptimal habitat conditions. Facilitating gene flow may improve population resilience through genetic and demographic rescue. We used a multiscale approach to estimate the relationship between genetic connectivity and landscape characteristics among individuals at three scales in the northeastern United States: regional, subregional, and local. We integrated multiple modeling techniques and identified top models based on consensus. Top models were used to parameterize resistance surfaces at each scale, and circuit theory was used to identify potential movement corridors. Regional gene flow was affected by forest cover, elevation, developed land cover, and slope. At subregional and local scales, the effects were site specific and included subsets of temperature, elevation, developed land cover, and slope. Developed land cover significantly affected gene flow at each scale. At finer scales, lack of variance in forest cover may have limited the ability to detect a relationship with gene flow. The effect of slope on gene flow was positive or negative, depending on the site examined. Occupancy probability was a relatively poor predictor, and we caution its use as a proxy for landscape resistance. Our results underscore the importance of replication and multiscale approaches in landscape genetics. Climate warming and landscape conversion may reduce the genetic connectivity of marten populations in the northeastern United States, and represent the primary challenges to marten conservation at the southern periphery of their range.
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15
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Gallego‐García N, Forero‐Medina G, Vargas‐Ramírez M, Caballero S, Shaffer HB. Landscape genomic signatures indicate reduced gene flow and forest‐associated adaptive divergence in an endangered neotropical turtle. Mol Ecol 2019; 28:2757-2771. [DOI: 10.1111/mec.15112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2018] [Revised: 03/20/2019] [Accepted: 04/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Gallego‐García
- Laboratorio de Ecología Molecular de Vertebrados Acuáticos LEMVA, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas Universidad de los Andes Bogotá Colombia
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, California Conservation Science, Institute of the Environment and Sustainability University of California Los Angeles California USA
- Wildlife Conservation Society Turtle Survival Alliance Cali Colombia
| | | | - Mario Vargas‐Ramírez
- Biodiversidad y Conservación Genética, Instituto de Genética Universidad Nacional de Colombia Bogotá Colombia
| | - Susana Caballero
- Laboratorio de Ecología Molecular de Vertebrados Acuáticos LEMVA, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas Universidad de los Andes Bogotá Colombia
| | - Howard Bradley Shaffer
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, California Conservation Science, Institute of the Environment and Sustainability University of California Los Angeles California USA
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16
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Bennitt E, Hubel TY, Bartlam-Brooks HLA, Wilson AM. Possible causes of divergent population trends in sympatric African herbivores. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0213720. [PMID: 30861044 PMCID: PMC6421633 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0213720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2018] [Accepted: 02/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Sympatric herbivores experience similar environmental conditions but can vary in their population trends. Identifying factors causing these differences could assist conservation efforts aimed at maintaining fully functional ecosystems. From 1996-2013, tsessebe and wildebeest populations in the Okavango Delta, Botswana, declined by 73% and 90%, respectively, whereas zebra populations remained stable. These sympatric, medium sized herbivores are exposed to similar natural and anthropogenic pressures, but apparently differ in their responses to those pressures. To identify factors that could cause these differences, we fitted GPS-enabled collars to six zebra, eight tsessebe and seven wildebeest in the Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana. We calculated utilisation distributions (UDs) from GPS data, and used 95% isopleths to compare seasonal home range size between species. We calculated utilisation intensity (UI) from the UDs and generated spatial layers representing resources and disturbances, and then used model averaging to identify factors affecting UI for each species. We calculated second and third order habitat selection ratios to determine whether species were habitat specialists or generalists. Zebra occupied larger home ranges than tsessebe and wildebeest, showed weaker responses to spatial variables and displayed no third order habitat selection; zebra social systems are also more fluid, allowing for information exchange between stable harems. Herbivore species that are sedentary, occupy small home ranges, are habitat specialists and exist in relatively isolated groups are likely to be less resistant and resilient to the rapid pace of environmental change forecast by climate change scenarios. Resources contained within existing protected areas are unlikely to maintain populations of such species at sufficiently high levels, potentially leading to functional extinction. Special precautions may be needed to ensure that such species can persist in the wild, such as buffer zones around existing protected areas, which would allow greater potential for adaptive movement should current environmental conditions change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Bennitt
- Okavango Research Institute, University of Botswana, Maun,
Botswana
- * E-mail:
| | - Tatjana Y. Hubel
- Structure and Motion Lab, Royal Veterinary College, London, United
Kingdom
| | | | - Alan M. Wilson
- Structure and Motion Lab, Royal Veterinary College, London, United
Kingdom
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17
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Portanier E, Garel M, Devillard S, Maillard D, Poissant J, Galan M, Benabed S, Poirel MT, Duhayer J, Itty C, Bourgoin G. Both candidate gene and neutral genetic diversity correlate with parasite resistance in female Mediterranean mouflon. BMC Ecol 2019; 19:12. [PMID: 30836982 PMCID: PMC6402107 DOI: 10.1186/s12898-019-0228-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2018] [Accepted: 02/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parasite infections can have substantial impacts on population dynamics and are accordingly a key challenge for wild population management. Here we studied genetic mechanisms driving parasite resistance in a large herbivore through a comprehensive approach combining measurements of neutral (16 microsatellites) and adaptive (MHC DRB1 exon 2) genetic diversity and two types of gastrointestinal parasites (nematodes and coccidia). RESULTS While accounting for other extrinsic and intrinsic predictors known to impact parasite load, we show that both neutral genetic diversity and DRB1 are associated with resistance to gastrointestinal nematodes. Intermediate levels of multi-locus heterozygosity maximized nematodes resistance, suggesting that both in- and outbreeding depression might occur in the population. DRB1 heterozygosity and specific alleles effects were detected, suggesting the occurrence of heterozygote advantage, rare-allele effects and/or fluctuating selection. On the contrary, no association was detected between genetic diversity and resistance to coccidia, indicating that different parasite classes are impacted by different genetic drivers. CONCLUSIONS This study provides important insights for large herbivores and wild sheep pathogen management, and in particular suggests that factors likely to impact genetic diversity and allelic frequencies, including global changes, are also expected to impact parasite resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elodie Portanier
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie Évolutive, 69100, Villeurbanne, France. .,Office National de la Chasse et de la Faune Sauvage, Unité Ongulés Sauvages, 5 allée de Bethléem, Z.I. Mayencin, 38610, Gières, France. .,Université de Lyon, VetAgro Sup, Campus Vétérinaire de Lyon, 1 Avenue Bourgelat, BP 83, 69280, Marcy l'Etoile, France.
| | - Mathieu Garel
- Office National de la Chasse et de la Faune Sauvage, Unité Ongulés Sauvages, 5 allée de Bethléem, Z.I. Mayencin, 38610, Gières, France
| | - Sébastien Devillard
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie Évolutive, 69100, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Daniel Maillard
- Office National de la Chasse et de la Faune Sauvage, Unité Ongulés Sauvages, 5 allée de Bethléem, Z.I. Mayencin, 38610, Gières, France
| | - Jocelyn Poissant
- Department of Ecosystem and Public Health, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Maxime Galan
- CBGP, INRA, CIRAD, IRD, Montpellier SupAgro, Université de Montpellier, 34980, Montferrier Sur Lez, France
| | - Slimania Benabed
- Université de Lyon, VetAgro Sup, Campus Vétérinaire de Lyon, 1 Avenue Bourgelat, BP 83, 69280, Marcy l'Etoile, France
| | - Marie-Thérèse Poirel
- Université de Lyon, VetAgro Sup, Campus Vétérinaire de Lyon, 1 Avenue Bourgelat, BP 83, 69280, Marcy l'Etoile, France
| | - Jeanne Duhayer
- Office National de la Chasse et de la Faune Sauvage, Unité Ongulés Sauvages, 5 allée de Bethléem, Z.I. Mayencin, 38610, Gières, France
| | - Christian Itty
- Office National de la Chasse et de la Faune Sauvage, Unité Ongulés Sauvages, 5 allée de Bethléem, Z.I. Mayencin, 38610, Gières, France
| | - Gilles Bourgoin
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie Évolutive, 69100, Villeurbanne, France.,Université de Lyon, VetAgro Sup, Campus Vétérinaire de Lyon, 1 Avenue Bourgelat, BP 83, 69280, Marcy l'Etoile, France
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18
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Sim Z, Davis CS, Jex B, Hegel T, Coltman DW. Management implications of highly resolved hierarchical population genetic structure in thinhorn sheep. CONSERV GENET 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s10592-018-1123-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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19
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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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20
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Osipova L, Okello MM, Njumbi SJ, Ngene S, Western D, Hayward MW, Balkenhol N. Using step‐selection functions to model landscape connectivity for African elephants: accounting for variability across individuals and seasons. Anim Conserv 2018. [DOI: 10.1111/acv.12432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- L. Osipova
- Wildlife Sciences University of Goettingen Goettingen Germany
- Bangor University Bangor UK
| | - M. M. Okello
- Department of Tourism Management Moi University Nairobi Kenya
| | - S. J. Njumbi
- International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) Nairobi Kenya
| | - S. Ngene
- Kenya Wildlife Service Nairobi Kenya
| | - D. Western
- African Conservation Centre Nairobi Kenya
| | | | - N. Balkenhol
- Wildlife Sciences University of Goettingen Goettingen Germany
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21
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Landscape Genomics: Understanding Relationships Between Environmental Heterogeneity and Genomic Characteristics of Populations. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/13836_2017_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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22
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Centeno-Cuadros A, Hulva P, Romportl D, Santoro S, Stříbná T, Shohami D, Evin A, Tsoar A, Benda P, Horáček I, Nathan R. Habitat use, but not gene flow, is influenced by human activities in two ecotypes of Egyptian fruit bat (Rousettus aegyptiacus). Mol Ecol 2017; 26:6224-6237. [DOI: 10.1111/mec.14365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2016] [Accepted: 09/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- A. Centeno-Cuadros
- Movement Ecology Laboratory; Department of Ecology, Evolution and Behavior; Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences; Hebrew University of Jerusalem; Jerusalem Israel
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemical Engineering; University Pablo de Olavide; Sevilla Spain
| | - P. Hulva
- Department of Zoology; Charles University; Prague Czech Republic
- Department of Biology and Ecology; University of Ostrava; Ostrava Czech Republic
| | - D. Romportl
- Department of Physical Geography and Geoecology; Charles University in Prague; Prague Czech Republic
| | - S. Santoro
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemical Engineering; University Pablo de Olavide; Sevilla Spain
- Department of Ethology and Biodiversity Conservation; Estación Biológica de Doñana (CSIC); Seville Spain
| | - T. Stříbná
- Department of Zoology; Charles University; Prague Czech Republic
| | - D. Shohami
- Movement Ecology Laboratory; Department of Ecology, Evolution and Behavior; Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences; Hebrew University of Jerusalem; Jerusalem Israel
| | - A. Evin
- Institut des Sciences de l'Evolution; Université de Montpellier; Montpellier France
| | - A. Tsoar
- Movement Ecology Laboratory; Department of Ecology, Evolution and Behavior; Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences; Hebrew University of Jerusalem; Jerusalem Israel
| | - P. Benda
- Department of Zoology; Charles University; Prague Czech Republic
- Department of Zoology; National Museum (Natural History); Prague Czech Republic
| | - I. Horáček
- Department of Zoology; Charles University; Prague Czech Republic
| | - R. Nathan
- Movement Ecology Laboratory; Department of Ecology, Evolution and Behavior; Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences; Hebrew University of Jerusalem; Jerusalem Israel
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23
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Gallego-García N, Vargas-Ramírez M, Forero-Medina G, Caballero S. Genetic evidence of fragmented populations and inbreeding in the Colombian endemic Dahl’s toad-headed turtle (Mesoclemmys dahli). CONSERV GENET 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s10592-017-1021-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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24
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Reed GC, Litvaitis JA, Callahan C, Carroll RP, Litvaitis MK, Broman DJA. Modeling landscape connectivity for bobcats using expert‐opinion and empirically derived models: how well do they work? Anim Conserv 2016. [DOI: 10.1111/acv.12325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- G. C. Reed
- Department of Natural Resources and the Environment University of New Hampshire Durham NH USA
| | - J. A. Litvaitis
- Department of Natural Resources and the Environment University of New Hampshire Durham NH USA
| | - C. Callahan
- New Hampshire Fish and Game Department Concord NH USA
| | - R. P. Carroll
- Department of Natural Resources and the Environment University of New Hampshire Durham NH USA
| | - M. K. Litvaitis
- Department of Natural Resources and the Environment University of New Hampshire Durham NH USA
| | - D. J. A. Broman
- Department of Natural Resources and the Environment University of New Hampshire Durham NH USA
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