1
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Preckler-Quisquater S, Quinn CB, Sacks BN. Maintenance of a narrow hybrid zone between native and introduced red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) despite conspecificity and high dispersal capabilities. Mol Ecol 2024; 33:e17418. [PMID: 38847182 DOI: 10.1111/mec.17418] [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: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 05/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
Human-facilitated introductions of nonnative populations can lead to secondary contact between allopatric lineages, resulting in lineage homogenisation or the formation of stable hybrid zones maintained by reproductive barriers. We investigated patterns of gene flow between the native Sacramento Valley red fox (Vulpes vulpes patwin) and introduced conspecifics of captive-bred origin in California's Central Valley. Considering their recent divergence (20-70 kya), we hypothesised that any observed barriers to gene flow were primarily driven by pre-zygotic (e.g. behavioural differences) rather than post-zygotic (e.g. reduced hybrid fitness) barriers. We also explored whether nonnative genes could confer higher fitness in the human-dominated landscape resulting in selective introgression into the native population. Genetic analysis of red foxes (n = 682) at both mitochondrial (cytochrome b + D-loop) and nuclear (19,051 SNPs) loci revealed narrower cline widths than expected under a simulated model of unrestricted gene flow, consistent with the existence of reproductive barriers. We identified several loci with reduced introgression that were previously linked to behavioural divergence in captive-bred and domestic canids, supporting pre-zygotic, yet possibly hereditary, barriers as a mechanism driving the narrowness and stability of the hybrid zone. Several loci with elevated gene flow from the nonnative into the native population were linked to genes associated with domestication and adaptation to human-dominated landscapes. This study contributes to our understanding of hybridisation dynamics in vertebrates, particularly in the context of species introductions and landscape changes, underscoring the importance of considering how multiple mechanisms may be maintaining lineages at the species and subspecies level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Preckler-Quisquater
- Mammalian Ecology and Conservation Unit, Veterinary Genetics Laboratory, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, California, USA
| | - Cate B Quinn
- Mammalian Ecology and Conservation Unit, Veterinary Genetics Laboratory, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, California, USA
- USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, National Genomics Center for Wildlife and Fish Conservation, Missoula, Montana, USA
| | - Benjamin N Sacks
- Mammalian Ecology and Conservation Unit, Veterinary Genetics Laboratory, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, California, USA
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, California, USA
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2
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Lawson DJ, Howard-McCombe J, Beaumont M, Senn H. How admixed captive breeding populations could be rescued using local ancestry information. Mol Ecol 2024:e17349. [PMID: 38634332 DOI: 10.1111/mec.17349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
This paper asks the question: can genomic information be used to recover a species that is already on the pathway to extinction due to genetic swamping from a related and more numerous population? We show that a breeding strategy in a captive breeding program can use whole genome sequencing to identify and remove segments of DNA introgressed through hybridisation. The proposed policy uses a generalized measure of kinship or heterozygosity accounting for local ancestry, that is, whether a specific genetic location was inherited from the target of conservation. We then show that optimizing these measures would minimize undesired ancestry while also controlling kinship and/or heterozygosity, in a simulated breeding population. The process is applied to real data representing the hybridized Scottish wildcat breeding population, with the result that it should be possible to breed out domestic cat ancestry. The ability to reverse introgression is a powerful tool brought about through the combination of sequencing with computational advances in ancestry estimation. Since it works best when applied early in the process, important decisions need to be made about which genetically distinct populations should benefit from it and which should be left to reform into a single population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Lawson
- Institute of Statistical Sciences, School of Mathematics, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Jo Howard-McCombe
- RZSS WildGenes Laboratory, Conservation Department, Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Mark Beaumont
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Helen Senn
- RZSS WildGenes Laboratory, Conservation Department, Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, Edinburgh, UK
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3
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Amici F, Meacci S, Caray E, Oña L, Liebal K, Ciucci P. A first exploratory comparison of the behaviour of wolves (Canis lupus) and wolf-dog hybrids in captivity. Anim Cogn 2024; 27:9. [PMID: 38429445 PMCID: PMC10907477 DOI: 10.1007/s10071-024-01849-7] [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: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
Extensive introgression of genes from domesticated taxa may be a serious threat for the genomic integrity and adaptability of wild populations. Grey wolves (Canis lupus) are especially vulnerable to this phenomenon, but there are no studies yet assessing the potential behavioural effects of dog-introgression in wolves. In this study, we conducted a first systematic comparison of admixed (N = 11) and non-admixed (N = 14) wolves in captivity, focusing on their reaction to unfamiliar humans and novel objects, and the cohesiveness of their social groups. When exposed to unfamiliar humans in the experimental task, wolves were more vigilant, fearful and aggressive than admixed wolves, and less likely to approach humans, but also more likely to spend time in human proximity. When exposed to novel objects, wolves were more aggressive than admixed wolves, less likely to spend time in object proximity, and more likely to interact with objects, but also less vigilant and as fearful as admixed wolves. Finally, social networks were more cohesive in wolves than in admixed wolves. Although caution is needed when comparing groups of captive individuals with different life experiences, our study suggests that dog admixture may lead to important behavioural changes in wolves, with possible implications for conservation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Amici
- Life Sciences, Institute for Biology, Human Biology and Primate Cognition, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany.
- Department of Comparative Cultural Psychology, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Simone Meacci
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Charles Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Emmeline Caray
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Linda Oña
- Life Sciences, Institute for Biology, Human Biology and Primate Cognition, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Katja Liebal
- Life Sciences, Institute for Biology, Human Biology and Primate Cognition, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
- Department of Comparative Cultural Psychology, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Paolo Ciucci
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Charles Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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4
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Tensen L, Fischer K. Evaluating hybrid speciation and swamping in wild carnivores with a decision-tree approach. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2024; 38:e14197. [PMID: 37811741 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.14197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Hybridization is an important evolutionary force with a principal role in the origin of new species, known as hybrid speciation. However, ongoing hybridization can create hybrid swamping, in which parental genomes are completely lost. This can become a biodiversity threat if it involves species that have adapted to certain environmental conditions and occur nowhere else. Because conservation scientists commonly have a negative attitude toward hybrids, it is important to improve understanding of the influence of interspecific gene flow on the persistence of species. We reviewed the literature on species hybridization to build a list of all known cases in the order Carnivora. To examine the relative impact, we also noted level of introgression, whether fertile offspring were produced, and whether there was mention of negative or positive evolutionary effects (hybrid speciation and swamping). To evaluate the conservation implications of hybrids, we developed a decision-making tree with which to determine which actions should be taken to manage hybrid species. We found 53 hybrids involving 68 unique taxa, which is roughly 23% of all carnivore species. They mainly involved monophyletic (83%) and sympatric species (75%). For 2 species, the outcome of the assessment was to eliminate or restrict the hybrids: Ethiopian wolf (Canis simensis) and Scottish wildcat (Felis silvestris silvestris). Both species hybridize with their domestic conspecifics. For all other cases, we suggest hybrids be protected in the same manner as native species. We found no evidence of genomic extinction in Carnivora. To the contrary, some species appear to be of hybrid origin, such as the Asiatic black bear (Ursus thibetanus) and African golden wolf (Canis lupaster). Other positive outcomes of hybridization are novel genetic diversity, adaptation to extreme environments, and increased reproductive fitness. These outcomes are particularly valuable for counterbalancing genetic drift and enabling adaptive introgression in a human-dominated world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Tensen
- Institute for Integrated Natural Sciences, Department of Zoology, University of Koblenz, Koblenz, Germany
- Centre for Ecological Genomics and Wildlife Conservation, Department of Zoology, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Klaus Fischer
- Institute for Integrated Natural Sciences, Department of Zoology, University of Koblenz, Koblenz, Germany
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Jarausch A, von Thaden A, Sin T, Corradini A, Pop MI, Chiriac S, Gazzola A, Nowak C. Assessment of genetic diversity, population structure and wolf-dog hybridisation in the Eastern Romanian Carpathian wolf population. Sci Rep 2023; 13:22574. [PMID: 38114536 PMCID: PMC10730609 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-48741-x] [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: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The Carpathian Mountains have been constantly inhabited by grey wolves and present one of the largest distribution areas in Europe, comprising between 2300 and 2700 individuals in Romania. To date, however, relatively little is known about the Romanian wolf population. We aimed to provide a first assessment of genetic diversity, population structure and wolf-dog hybridisation based on 444 mostly non-invasively collected samples in the Eastern Romanian Carpathians. Pack reconstruction and analysis of population genetic parameters were performed with mitochondrial DNA control-region sequencing and microsatellite genotyping. We found relatively high levels of genetic diversity, which is similar to values found in previous studies on Carpathian wolves from Poland and Slovakia, as well as to the long-lasting Dinaric-Balkan wolf population. We found no significant population structure in our study region, suggesting effective dispersal and admixture. Analysis of wolf-dog hybridisation using a Single Nucleotide Polymorphism panel optimised for hybrid detection revealed low rates of admixture between wolves and domestic dogs. Our results provide evidence for the existence of a genetically viable wolf population in the Romanian Carpathians. The genetic data obtained in this study may serve as valuable baseline information for the elaboration of monitoring standards and management plans for wolves in Romania.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Jarausch
- Conservation Genetics Group, Senckenberg Research Institute and Natural History Museum Frankfurt, Clamecystraße 12, 63571, Gelnhausen, Germany.
- Department of Biological Sciences, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Biologicum, Max-von-Laue-Straße 9, 60438, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
| | - Alina von Thaden
- Conservation Genetics Group, Senckenberg Research Institute and Natural History Museum Frankfurt, Clamecystraße 12, 63571, Gelnhausen, Germany
- LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (LOEWE-TBG), Senckenberganlage 25, 60325, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Teodora Sin
- Department of Systems Ecology and Sustainability, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Splaiul Independentei 91-95, 050095, Bucharest, Romania
- Association for the Conservation of Biological Diversity, Ion Creanga 12, 620083, Focsani, Romania
| | - Andrea Corradini
- Association for the Conservation of Biological Diversity, Ion Creanga 12, 620083, Focsani, Romania
- Animal Ecology Unit, Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach, Via Edmund Mach 1, 38098, San Michele all'Adige, TN, Italy
- NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, 90133, Palermo, PA, Italy
| | - Mihai I Pop
- Association for the Conservation of Biological Diversity, Ion Creanga 12, 620083, Focsani, Romania
| | - Silviu Chiriac
- Environmental Protection Agency, Vrancea County, Dinicu Golescu 2, 620106, Focsani, Romania
| | - Andrea Gazzola
- Association for the Conservation of Biological Diversity, Ion Creanga 12, 620083, Focsani, Romania
| | - Carsten Nowak
- Conservation Genetics Group, Senckenberg Research Institute and Natural History Museum Frankfurt, Clamecystraße 12, 63571, Gelnhausen, Germany
- LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (LOEWE-TBG), Senckenberganlage 25, 60325, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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Smith WJ, Jezierski MT, Dunn JC, Clegg SM. Parasite exchange and hybridisation at a wild-feral-domestic interface. Int J Parasitol 2023; 53:797-808. [PMID: 37474096 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2023.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 05/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
Interactions between wild, feral, and domestic animals are of economic and conservation significance. The pigeon Columba livia is a synanthropic species in a feral form, but it also includes the rare Rock Dove. Columba livia is an important player at the wild-domestic interface, acting as a carrier of avian diseases, and the feral form threatens Rock Doves with extinction via hybridisation. Despite its abundance, little is known about drivers of disease prevalence in C. livia, or how disease and hybridisation represent synergistic threats to Rock Doves. We focused on infection by the parasite Trichomonas, first collating prevalence estimates in domestic and free-living populations from relevant studies of C. livia. Second, we characterised variation in the diversity and prevalence of Trichomonas among three C. livia populations in the United Kingdom: a feral, a Rock Dove, and a feral-wild hybrid population. Across multiple continents, free-living pigeons had lower Trichomonas infection than captive conspecifics, but the effect was weak. Environmental factors which could impact Trichomonas infection status did not explain variation in infection among populations. Among the British populations, strain diversity varied, and there was lower parasite prevalence in Rock Doves than feral pigeons. Individual infection status was not explained by the available covariates, including hybrid score and site. The drivers of Trichomonas prevalence are unclear, perhaps due to idiosyncratic local-scale drivers. However, given the population-level variation in both infection prevalence and introgressive hybridisation, the potential combined effects could accelerate the extinction of the Rock Dove. Further study of the synergistic effects of multiple types of biotic interactions at the wild-feral-domestic interface is warranted, especially where vagile, globally distributed and superabundant animals are involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- William J Smith
- Edward Grey Institute of Field Ornithology, Department of Biology, University of Oxford, UK.
| | - Michał T Jezierski
- Edward Grey Institute of Field Ornithology, Department of Biology, University of Oxford, UK
| | - Jenny C Dunn
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Lincoln, UK; School of Biology, University of Leeds, UK
| | - Sonya M Clegg
- Edward Grey Institute of Field Ornithology, Department of Biology, University of Oxford, UK
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Szynwelski BE, Kretschmer R, Matzenbacher CA, Ferrari F, Alievi MM, de Freitas TRO. Hybridization in Canids-A Case Study of Pampas Fox ( Lycalopex gymnocercus) and Domestic Dog ( Canis lupus familiaris) Hybrid. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2505. [PMID: 37570312 PMCID: PMC10417603 DOI: 10.3390/ani13152505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Hybridization between species with different evolutionary trajectories can be a powerful threat to wildlife conservation. Anthropogenic activities, such as agriculture and livestock, have led to the degradation and loss of natural habitats for wildlife. Consequently, the incidence of interspecific hybridization between wild and domestic species has increased, although cases involving species of different genera are rare. In Vacaria, a Southern city in Brazil, a female canid with a strange phenotype, which had characteristics between the phenotype of the domestic dog (Canis familiaris) and that of the pampas fox (Lycalopex gymnocercus), was found. Our analysis suggests that the animal is a hybrid between a domestic dog and a pampas fox, but future studies are necessary to investigate additional cases of this hybridization in nature. This finding worries for the conservation of wild canids in South America, especially concerning Lycalopex species. Hybridization with the domestic dog may have harmful effects on pampas fox populations due to the potential for introgression and disease transmission by the domestic dog. Therefore, future studies to explore the consequences of hybridization on genetics, ecology, and behavior of wild populations will be essential to improve the conservation of this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruna Elenara Szynwelski
- Laboratório de Citogenética e Evolução, Departamento de Genética, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 91509-900, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil; (B.E.S.); (C.A.M.); (T.R.O.d.F.)
| | - Rafael Kretschmer
- Departamento de Ecologia, Zoologia e Genética, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Campus Universitário Capão do Leão, Pelotas 96010-900, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Cristina Araujo Matzenbacher
- Laboratório de Citogenética e Evolução, Departamento de Genética, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 91509-900, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil; (B.E.S.); (C.A.M.); (T.R.O.d.F.)
| | - Flávia Ferrari
- Núcleo de Conservação e Reabilitação de Animais Silvestres, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90540-000, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil; (F.F.); (M.M.A.)
| | - Marcelo Meller Alievi
- Núcleo de Conservação e Reabilitação de Animais Silvestres, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90540-000, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil; (F.F.); (M.M.A.)
| | - Thales Renato Ochotorena de Freitas
- Laboratório de Citogenética e Evolução, Departamento de Genética, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 91509-900, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil; (B.E.S.); (C.A.M.); (T.R.O.d.F.)
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8
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Dubiner S, Namir I, Chen R, Levin E. Distance from human settlements favors wild-type appearance of feral cats ( Felis catus) in Mediterranean woodland. Ecol Evol 2023; 13:e10261. [PMID: 37404701 PMCID: PMC10316376 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.10261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Camouflage is a common trait enabling animals to avoid detection by predators and prey. Patterns such as spots and stripes are convergent across carnivore families, including felids, and are hypothesized to have adaptive value through camouflage. House cats (Felis catus) were domesticated thousands of years ago, but despite artificial selection for a wide variety of coat colors, the wild-type pattern of tabby cats is very common. We aimed to determine whether this pattern grants an advantage over other morphs in natural environments. We collected cat images taken with camera traps in natural areas near and far from 38 rural settlements in Israel, to compare the habitat use by feral cats of different colors. We tested the effect of proximity to villages and habitat vegetation (normalized difference vegetation index, NDVI) on the probability of space use by the tabby morph compared to the others. NDVI had a positive effect on site use in both morphs, but non-tabby cats had a 2.1 higher probability of using the near sites than the far sites, independent of NDVI. The wild-type tabby cats' probability of site use were equally likely to be unaffected by proximity, or have an interaction of proximity with NDVI whereby the far transects are used with increasing probability in sites of denser vegetation. We hypothesize that the camouflage of tabby cats, more than other colors and patterns, confers an advantage in roaming the woodland habitats for which this pattern evolved. This has both theoretical implications as rare empirical evidence of the adaptive value of fur coloration, and practical implications on managing the ecological impact of feral cats worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Itai Namir
- Hamaarag—Israel's National Nature Assessment Program, The Steinhardt Museum of Natural HistoryTel Aviv UniversityTel AvivIsrael
| | - Ron Chen
- Hamaarag—Israel's National Nature Assessment Program, The Steinhardt Museum of Natural HistoryTel Aviv UniversityTel AvivIsrael
| | - Eran Levin
- School of ZoologyTel Aviv UniversityTel AvivIsrael
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Dissegna A, Rota M, Basile S, Fusco G, Mencucci M, Cappai N, Galaverni M, Fabbri E, Velli E, Caniglia R. How to Choose? Comparing Different Methods to Count Wolf Packs in a Protected Area of the Northern Apennines. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:genes14040932. [PMID: 37107690 PMCID: PMC10137897 DOI: 10.3390/genes14040932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite a natural rewilding process that caused wolf populations in Europe to increase and expand in the last years, human-wolf conflicts still persist, threatening the long-term wolf presence in both anthropic and natural areas. Conservation management strategies should be carefully designed on updated population data and planned on a wide scale. Unfortunately, reliable ecological data are difficult and expensive to obtain and often hardly comparable through time or among different areas, especially because of different sampling designs. In order to assess the performance of different methods to estimate wolf (Canis lupus L.) abundance and distribution in southern Europe, we simultaneously applied three techniques: wolf howling, camera trapping and non-invasive genetic sampling in a protected area of the northern Apennines. We aimed at counting the minimum number of packs during a single wolf biological year and evaluating the pros and cons for each technique, comparing results obtained from different combinations of these three methods and testing how sampling effort may affect results. We found that packs' identifications could be hardly comparable if methods were separately used with a low sampling effort: wolf howling identified nine, camera trapping 12 and non-invasive genetic sampling eight packs. However, increased sampling efforts produced more consistent and comparable results across all used methods, although results from different sampling designs should be carefully compared. The integration of the three techniques yielded the highest number of detected packs, 13, although with the highest effort and cost. A common standardised sampling strategy should be a priority approach to studying elusive large carnivores, such as the wolf, allowing for the comparison of key population parameters and developing shared and effective conservation management plans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arianna Dissegna
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Via Ugo Bassi 58b, 35121 Padova, Italy
| | - Martino Rota
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Via Ugo Bassi 58b, 35121 Padova, Italy
| | - Simone Basile
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Via Ugo Bassi 58b, 35121 Padova, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Fusco
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Via Ugo Bassi 58b, 35121 Padova, Italy
- National Biodiversity Future Center (NBFC), Piazza Marina 61, 90133 Palermo, Italy
| | - Marco Mencucci
- Reparto Carabinieri Parco Nazionale Foreste Casentinesi, Via G. Brocchi 7, 52015 Pratovecchio-Stia, Italy
| | - Nadia Cappai
- Foreste Casentinesi National Park, Via G. Brocchi 7, 52015 Pratovecchio-Stia, Italy
| | | | - Elena Fabbri
- Unit for Conservation Genetics (BIO-CGE), Italian Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA), Via Cà Fornacetta 9, 40064 Ozzano dell'Emilia, Italy
| | - Edoardo Velli
- Unit for Conservation Genetics (BIO-CGE), Italian Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA), Via Cà Fornacetta 9, 40064 Ozzano dell'Emilia, Italy
| | - Romolo Caniglia
- Unit for Conservation Genetics (BIO-CGE), Italian Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA), Via Cà Fornacetta 9, 40064 Ozzano dell'Emilia, Italy
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10
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Kaya S, Kabasakal B, Erdoğan A. Geographic Genetic Structure of Alectoris chukar in Türkiye: Post-LGM-Induced Hybridization and Human-Mediated Contaminations. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:biology12030401. [PMID: 36979093 PMCID: PMC10045126 DOI: 10.3390/biology12030401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Abstract
Türkiye is considered an important evolutionary area for Chukar partridge (Alectoris chukar), since it is both a potential ancestral area and a diversification center for the species. Using 2 mitochondrial (Cty-b and D-loop) and 13 polymorphic microsatellite markers, we investigated the geographic genetic structure of A. chukar populations to determine how past climatic fluctuations and human activities have shaped the gene pool of this species in Türkiye. Our results indicate, firstly, that only A. chukar of the genus Alectoris is present in Türkiye (Anatolia and Thrace), with no natural or artificial gene flow from congenerics. Secondly, the geographic genetic structure of the species in Türkiye has been shaped by topographic heterogeneity, Pleistocene climatic fluctuations, and artificial transport by humans. Third, there appears to be three genetic clusters: Thracian, Eastern, and Western. Fourth, the post-LGM demographic expansion of the Eastern and Western populations has formed a hybrid zone in Central Anatolia (~8 kyBP). Fifth, the rate of China clade-B contamination in Türkiye is about 8% in mtDNA and about 12% in nuDNA, with the Southeastern Anatolian population having the highest contamination. Sixth, the Thracian population was the most genetically distinct, with the lowest genetic diversity and highest level of inbreeding and no China clad-B contamination. These results can contribute to the conservation regarding A. chukar populations, especially the Thracian population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarp Kaya
- First and Emergency Aid Programme, Department of Medical Services and Techniques, Vocational School of Burdur Health Services, Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University, Burdur 15030, Turkey
| | - Bekir Kabasakal
- Department of Biology, Akdeniz University, Antalya 07058, Turkey
- Anesthesia Programme, Department of Medical Services and Techniques, Vocational School of Health Services, Antalya Bilim University, Antalya 07190, Turkey
- Correspondence:
| | - Ali Erdoğan
- Department of Biology, Akdeniz University, Antalya 07058, Turkey
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11
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Tietz B, Penner J, Vamberger M. Chelonian challenge: three alien species from North America are moving their reproductive boundaries in Central Europe. NEOBIOTA 2023. [DOI: 10.3897/neobiota.82.87264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Biological invasions by alien species have substantial economic impacts and are a major driver of the ongoing decline and loss of biodiversity. Through humans, the North American pond slider (Trachemys scripta) has acquired a global distribution over the last decades and is currently listed among the worst invasive reptile species. However, in more recent times, other freshwater chelonian species have increasingly been recorded far outside their native distribution ranges as well, not only on the same continent but also on others. Despite that, the impact of alien chelonians on their respective new ecosystems remains unclear. The long-term effects and severity of impacts of alien populations mostly depend on whether they ultimately succeed in establishing themselves. This is not entirely resolved for chelonians in Central Europe. To answer that, we investigated wild populations of three non-native chelonian species from North America in Germany (Pseudemys concinna, Graptemys pseudogeographica and Trachemys scripta) applying population genetic approaches. We revealed the successful reproduction of all three species in Germany and provide the very first record for the reproduction of P. concinna and G. pseudogeographica in a temperate continental climate zone outside their native distribution. Based on our unambiguous evidence of natural reproduction, we call for dedicated studies to verify how widespread established populations are and to investigate the existing and potential impacts of all three species in a range of ecosystems along a climatic gradient. Such data is urgently needed to revise the current risk assessments of non-native chelonians, especially in Central European countries.
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Kim JY, Hwang JE, Eo SH, Kang SG, Moon JC, Kim JA, Park JY, An J, Yeo Y, Yoon J. Development of InDel markers for interspecific hybridization between hill pigeons and feral pigeons based on whole-genome re-sequencing. Sci Rep 2022; 12:22618. [PMID: 36585442 PMCID: PMC9803650 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-27147-1] [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: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Interspecific hybridization occurs among birds, and closely related sister taxa tend to hybridize at a high rate. Genomic hybridization markers are useful for understanding the patterns and processes of hybridization and for conserving endangered species in captivity and the wild. In this study, we developed genomic hybridization markers for the F1 progeny of the sister taxa feral pigeons (Columba livia var. domestica) and endangered hill pigeons (Columba rupestris) (family Columbidae). Using whole-genome re-sequencing data, we performed genome-wide analysis for insertion/deletion (InDel) polymorphisms and validated using primers. We conducted polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and agarose gel electrophoresis to identify species-specific InDels. We produced eight F1 hybrids of hill and feral pigeons, and their samples were tested by re-performing analyses and sequencing using 11 species-specific InDel polymorphisms. Eight InDel markers simultaneously amplified two DNA fragments from all F1 hybrids, and there was no abnormality in the sequencing results. The application of genomic tools to detect hybrids can play a crucial role in the assessment of hybridization frequency in the wild. Moreover, systematic captive propagation efforts with hybrids can help control the population decline of hill pigeons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Yong Kim
- grid.496435.90000 0004 6015 2014Research Center for Endangered Species, National Institute of Ecology, Yeongyang, South Korea
| | - Jung Eun Hwang
- grid.496435.90000 0004 6015 2014Research Center for Endangered Species, National Institute of Ecology, Yeongyang, South Korea
| | - Soo Hyung Eo
- grid.411118.c0000 0004 0647 1065Department of Forest Science, Kongju National University, Yesan, Chungnam, South Korea
| | - Seung-Gu Kang
- grid.496435.90000 0004 6015 2014Research Center for Endangered Species, National Institute of Ecology, Yeongyang, South Korea
| | - Jeong Chan Moon
- grid.496435.90000 0004 6015 2014Research Center for Endangered Species, National Institute of Ecology, Yeongyang, South Korea
| | - Jung A Kim
- grid.419519.10000 0004 0400 5474National Institute of Biological Resources, Incheon, South Korea
| | - Jin-Young Park
- grid.419519.10000 0004 0400 5474National Institute of Biological Resources, Incheon, South Korea
| | - Junghwa An
- grid.419519.10000 0004 0400 5474National Institute of Biological Resources, Incheon, South Korea
| | - Yonggu Yeo
- Conservation and Health Center, Seoul Zoo, Gwacheon, South Korea
| | - Jongmin Yoon
- grid.496435.90000 0004 6015 2014Research Center for Endangered Species, National Institute of Ecology, Yeongyang, South Korea
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Li X, He SG, Li WR, Luo LY, Yan Z, Mo DX, Wan X, Lv FH, Yang J, Xu YX, Deng J, Zhu QH, Xie XL, Xu SS, Liu CX, Peng XR, Han B, Li ZH, Chen L, Han JL, Ding XZ, Dingkao R, Chu YF, Wu JY, Wang LM, Zhou P, Liu MJ, Li MH. Genomic analyses of wild argali, domestic sheep, and their hybrids provide insights into chromosome evolution, phenotypic variation, and germplasm innovation. Genome Res 2022; 32:1669-1684. [PMID: 35948368 PMCID: PMC9528982 DOI: 10.1101/gr.276769.122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Understanding the genetic mechanisms of phenotypic variation in hybrids between domestic animals and their wild relatives may aid germplasm innovation. Here, we report the high-quality genome assemblies of a male Pamir argali (O ammon polii, 2n = 56), a female Tibetan sheep (O aries, 2n = 54), and a male hybrid of Pamir argali and domestic sheep, and the high-throughput sequencing of 425 ovine animals, including the hybrids of argali and domestic sheep. We detected genomic synteny between Chromosome 2 of sheep and two acrocentric chromosomes of argali. We revealed consistent satellite repeats around the chromosome breakpoints, which could have resulted in chromosome fusion. We observed many more hybrids with karyotype 2n = 54 than with 2n = 55, which could be explained by the selfish centromeres, the possible decreased rate of normal/balanced sperm, and the increased incidence of early pregnancy loss in the aneuploid ewes or rams. We identified genes and variants associated with important morphological and production traits (e.g., body weight, cannon circumference, hip height, and tail length) that show significant variations. We revealed a strong selective signature at the mutation (c.334C > A, p.G112W) in TBXT and confirmed its association with tail length among sheep populations of wide geographic and genetic origins. We produced an intercross population of 110 F2 offspring with varied number of vertebrae and validated the causal mutation by whole-genome association analysis. We verified its function using CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing. Our results provide insights into chromosomal speciation and phenotypic evolution and a foundation of genetic variants for the breeding of sheep and other animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing 100101, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS), Beijing 100049, China
| | - San-Gang He
- MOA Key Laboratory of Ruminant Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture (MOA); Key Laboratory of Animal Technology of Xinjiang, Xinjiang Academy of Animal Science, Urumqi, 830000, China
| | - Wen-Rong Li
- MOA Key Laboratory of Ruminant Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture (MOA); Key Laboratory of Animal Technology of Xinjiang, Xinjiang Academy of Animal Science, Urumqi, 830000, China
| | - Ling-Yun Luo
- College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Ze Yan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Dong-Xin Mo
- College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Xing Wan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Feng-Hua Lv
- College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Ji Yang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Ya-Xi Xu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Juan Deng
- College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Qiang-Hui Zhu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing 100101, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS), Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xing-Long Xie
- CAS Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing 100101, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS), Beijing 100049, China
| | - Song-Song Xu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing 100101, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS), Beijing 100049, China
| | - Chen-Xi Liu
- MOA Key Laboratory of Ruminant Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture (MOA); Key Laboratory of Animal Technology of Xinjiang, Xinjiang Academy of Animal Science, Urumqi, 830000, China
| | - Xin-Rong Peng
- MOA Key Laboratory of Ruminant Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture (MOA); Key Laboratory of Animal Technology of Xinjiang, Xinjiang Academy of Animal Science, Urumqi, 830000, China
| | - Bin Han
- MOA Key Laboratory of Ruminant Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture (MOA); Key Laboratory of Animal Technology of Xinjiang, Xinjiang Academy of Animal Science, Urumqi, 830000, China
| | - Zhong-Hui Li
- MOA Key Laboratory of Ruminant Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture (MOA); Key Laboratory of Animal Technology of Xinjiang, Xinjiang Academy of Animal Science, Urumqi, 830000, China
| | - Lei Chen
- MOA Key Laboratory of Ruminant Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture (MOA); Key Laboratory of Animal Technology of Xinjiang, Xinjiang Academy of Animal Science, Urumqi, 830000, China
| | - Jian-Lin Han
- CAAS-ILRI Joint Laboratory on Livestock and Forage Genetic Resources, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Beijing, 100193, China
- Livestock Genetics Program, International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), Nairobi, 00100, Kenya
| | - Xue-Zhi Ding
- MOA Key Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmaceutical Development of Ministry of Agriculture (MOA), Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, 730050, China
| | - Renqing Dingkao
- Institute of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Hezuo, 747000, China
| | - Yue-Feng Chu
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, 730046, China
| | - Jin-Yan Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, 730046, China
| | - Li-Min Wang
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural and Reclamation Sciences, Shihezi 832000, China
- State Key Laboratory of Sheep Genetic Improvement and Healthy Production, Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural and Reclamation Sciences, Shihezi 832000, China
| | - Ping Zhou
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural and Reclamation Sciences, Shihezi 832000, China
- State Key Laboratory of Sheep Genetic Improvement and Healthy Production, Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural and Reclamation Sciences, Shihezi 832000, China
| | - Ming-Jun Liu
- MOA Key Laboratory of Ruminant Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture (MOA); Key Laboratory of Animal Technology of Xinjiang, Xinjiang Academy of Animal Science, Urumqi, 830000, China
| | - Meng-Hua Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
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Abstract
The recent and ever-growing problem of boar (Sus scrofa forms including wild boar, hybrid and feral pig) expansion is a very complex issue in wildlife management. The damages caused to biodiversity and the economies are addressed in different ways by the various countries, but research is needed to shed light on the causal factors of this emergency before defining a useful collaborative management policy. In this review, we screened more than 280 references published between 1975–2022, identifying and dealing with five hot factors (climate change, human induced habitat modifications, predator regulation on the prey, hybridization with domestic forms, and transfaunation) that could account for the boar expansion and its niche invasion. We also discuss some issues arising from this boar emergency, such as epizootic and zoonotic diseases or the depression of biodiversity. Finally, we provide new insights for the research and the development of management policies.
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Khan FM, Abbas FI, Ali N, Jamal A. Molecular assessment of microbial diversity on eggshell of chukar partridges ( Alectoris chukar) under semi-captive conditions. NUCLEOSIDES, NUCLEOTIDES & NUCLEIC ACIDS 2022; 41:566-578. [PMID: 35337253 DOI: 10.1080/15257770.2022.2053712] [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: 01/16/2022] [Revised: 02/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Due to human activity, climatic changes and habitat damage, the Chukar partridge (Alectoris chukar) is experiencing a population decrease. The goal of this work was to isolate and identify the inner eggshell microflora in order to learn more about their function in A. chukar embryo mortality and hatchability in semi-captive settings. During the egg-laying season, 204 eggs were gathered from the Balkasar Research Complex in Chakwal, Pakistan. These eggshells were divided into four categories after incubation: un-pricked with dead embryo, pricked with dead embryo, hatched, and unfertilized eggs. A total of 47 (23.03%) samples tested positive for gram-positive bacteria, which were then identified using 16S rRNA sequence analysis. Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus cereus, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Bacillus toyonensis, Bacillus thuringiensis and Staphylococcus sciuri were among the identified species. Hatched eggshells had the highest percentage of bacterial flora (36.17%), followed by un-pricked with dead embryo (23.40%) and pricked with death embryo (21.27%), and unfertilized eggshells had the lowest percentage (19.14%). As a result, the findings of this study revealed that microbial contamination of eggshells could be a cause of early embryonic stage degeneration and bird death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fida Muhammad Khan
- Centre for Bioresource Research (CBR), Islamabad, Pakistan
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | | | - Naeem Ali
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Asif Jamal
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
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Moroni B, Brambilla A, Rossi L, Meneguz PG, Bassano B, Tizzani P. Hybridization between Alpine Ibex and Domestic Goat in the Alps: A Sporadic and Localized Phenomenon? Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12060751. [PMID: 35327148 PMCID: PMC8944563 DOI: 10.3390/ani12060751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Revised: 02/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The Alpine ibex (Capra ibex) is a protected wild ungulate. The species is known to have a low genetic variability and to occasionally suffer from local population decline as a consequence of epidemic diseases. Another, less investigated, threat for the species’ long-term conservation is represented by the hybridization with feral domestic goats that may breed with ibex if abandoned in the mountain at the end of the summer pasture. Further reproduction and the spread of hybrids may jeopardize the genetic integrity of wild Alpine ibex. By means of an online survey and using a network of experts, we mapped unpublished evidence on observed hybridization events between Alpine ibex and feral domestic goats. The results of this study suggested that hybrids are currently distributed in several countries, and their presence is not a rare event, with some clusters including 4–20 probable hybrids. This calls for more studies clearly quantifying hybrids in Alpine ibex colonies, but also highlights the need for conservation actions aimed at controlling this phenomenon, such as the effective management of domestic herds grazing in Alpine ibex core areas and clear guidelines on hybrid management. Abstract The Alpine ibex (Capra ibex) is a mountain ungulate living in the European Alps. Although being currently classified as a species of Least Concern (LC) by the IUCN, a potential threat for its long-term conservation is introgression following hybridization with domestic goats (Capra hircus). Hybridization has been documented in Switzerland in captive and free ranging animals, although accurate data to assess the extent of this phenomenon in natural conditions in the Alps are lacking. Using an online survey and a network of experts, we collected and mapped unpublished evidence of hybridization events that occurred between Alpine ibex and feral domestic goats from 2000 to 2021. The results of this study showed that hybrids are distributed in most of the Alpine countries, and their presence is not a sporadic event, with some clusters including 4–20 probable hybrids. Our results illustrated the need for establishing a standardized and effective protocol to identify hybrids in the field (such as a formal description of the morphological traits characterizing hybrids), as well as clear guidelines for hybrid management. Even more importantly, this study also highlighted the need for actions aimed at avoiding hybridization, such as the effective management of domestic herds grazing in Alpine ibex core areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Moroni
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Braccini 2, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy; (L.R.); (P.G.M.); (P.T.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Alice Brambilla
- Alpine Wildlife Research Centre, Gran Paradiso National Park, 10080 Noasca, Italy; (A.B.); (B.B.)
- Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Luca Rossi
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Braccini 2, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy; (L.R.); (P.G.M.); (P.T.)
| | - Pier Giuseppe Meneguz
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Braccini 2, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy; (L.R.); (P.G.M.); (P.T.)
| | - Bruno Bassano
- Alpine Wildlife Research Centre, Gran Paradiso National Park, 10080 Noasca, Italy; (A.B.); (B.B.)
| | - Paolo Tizzani
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Braccini 2, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy; (L.R.); (P.G.M.); (P.T.)
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Introgressive hybridisation between domestic pigs (Sus scrofa domesticus) and endemic Corsican wild boars (S. s. meridionalis): effects of human-mediated interventions. Heredity (Edinb) 2022; 128:279-290. [PMID: 35273382 PMCID: PMC8986821 DOI: 10.1038/s41437-022-00517-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Owing to the intensified domestication process with artificial trait selection, introgressive hybridisation between domestic and wild species poses a management problem. Traditional free-range livestock husbandry, as practiced in Corsica and Sardinia, is known to facilitate hybridisation between wild boars and domestic pigs (Sus scrofa). Here, we assessed the genetic distinctness and genome-wide domestic pig ancestry levels of the Corsican wild boar subspecies S. s. meridionalis, with reference to its Sardinian conspecifics, employing a genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) assay and mitochondrial control region (mtCR) haplotypes. We also assessed the reliance of morphological criteria and the melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) coat colour gene to identify individuals with domestic introgression. While Corsican wild boars showed closest affinity to Sardinian and Italian wild boars compared to other European populations based on principal component analysis, the observation of previously undescribed mtCR haplotypes and high levels of nuclear divergence (Weir’s θ > 0.14) highlighted the genetic distinctness of Corsican S. s. meridionalis. Across three complementary analyses of mixed ancestry (i.e., STRUCTURE, PCADMIX, and ELAI), proportions of domestic pig ancestry were estimated at 9.5% in Corsican wild boars, which was significantly higher than in wild boars in Sardinia, where free-range pig keeping was banned in 2012. Comparison of morphologically pure- and hybrid-looking Corsican wild boars suggested a weak correlation between morphological criteria and genome-wide domestic pig ancestry. The study highlights the usefulness of molecular markers to assess the direct impacts of management practices on gene flow between domestic and wild species.
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Fontaneto D, Viola P, Pizzirani C, Chiesa S, Rossetti A, Amici A, Lucentini L. Mismatches between Morphology and DNA in Italian Partridges May Not Be Explained Only by Recent Artificial Release of Farm-Reared Birds. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12050541. [PMID: 35268110 PMCID: PMC8908819 DOI: 10.3390/ani12050541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Translocations and releases of farm-reared birds are considered among the major drivers of genetic pollution with consequent loss of genetic diversity in wild populations. In this study, we aimed to assess the extent of hybridization and introgression in the Italian partridges as a consequence of translocation. We surveyed two mitochondrial markers and one nuclear marker of Alectoris and Perdix from collections (museums and private collections), extant wild populations and farms. Consistent with previous studies, we found haplotypes of allochthonous species within the same genus, likely due to introductions for hunting activities. In addition, we found hybrids between Perdix and Alectoris species with genetic markers from both genera in single individuals. Such introgression was bidirectional and in both mitochondrial and nuclear markers. Counterintuitively, most of the hybrid samples came from collections before the 1950s, when large-scale translocations started, from wild populations where Grey Partridge (Perdix perdix) and Rock Partridge (Alectoris graeca) overlap in their distribution, whereas only one hybrid occurred among the farmed birds. Our results suggest that Perdix and Alectoris species can hybridize in nature and that artificial translocations and releases of farm-reared birds for restocking or reintroduction purposes may be only partially responsible for the genomic mismatches of Italian partridges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Fontaneto
- Molecular Ecology Group (MEG), Water Research Institute (IRSA), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), 28922 Verbania Pallanza, Italy;
| | - Paolo Viola
- Department of Agriculture and Forest Science, University of Tuscia, 01100 Viterbo, Italy;
| | - Claudia Pizzirani
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnologies, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy; (C.P.); (L.L.)
| | - Stefania Chiesa
- Department of Molecular Sciences and Nanosystems, Ca’ Foscari University of Venice, 30172 Venice, Italy;
- ISPRA—The Italian Institute for Environmental Protection and Research, 00144 Rome, Italy
| | | | - Andrea Amici
- Department of Agriculture and Forest Science, University of Tuscia, 01100 Viterbo, Italy;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-3391731327
| | - Livia Lucentini
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnologies, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy; (C.P.); (L.L.)
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Adavoudi R, Pilot M. Consequences of Hybridization in Mammals: A Systematic Review. Genes (Basel) 2021; 13:50. [PMID: 35052393 PMCID: PMC8774782 DOI: 10.3390/genes13010050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Hybridization, defined as breeding between two distinct taxonomic units, can have an important effect on the evolutionary patterns in cross-breeding taxa. Although interspecific hybridization has frequently been considered as a maladaptive process, which threatens species genetic integrity and survival via genetic swamping and outbreeding depression, in some cases hybridization can introduce novel adaptive variation and increase fitness. Most studies to date focused on documenting hybridization events and analyzing their causes, while relatively little is known about the consequences of hybridization and its impact on the parental species. To address this knowledge gap, we conducted a systematic review of studies on hybridization in mammals published in 2010-2021, and identified 115 relevant studies. Of 13 categories of hybridization consequences described in these studies, the most common negative consequence (21% of studies) was genetic swamping and the most common positive consequence (8%) was the gain of novel adaptive variation. The total frequency of negative consequences (49%) was higher than positive (13%) and neutral (38%) consequences. These frequencies are biased by the detection possibilities of microsatellite loci, the most common genetic markers used in the papers assessed. As negative outcomes are typically easier to demonstrate than positive ones (e.g., extinction vs hybrid speciation), they may be over-represented in publications. Transition towards genomic studies involving both neutral and adaptive variation will provide a better insight into the real impacts of hybridization.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Małgorzata Pilot
- Museum and Institute of Zoology, Polish Academy of Sciences, ul. Nadwiślańska 108, 80-680 Gdańsk, Poland;
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Kosicki JZ. The impact of feral domestic cats on native bird populations. Predictive modelling approach on a country scale. ECOLOGICAL COMPLEXITY 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ecocom.2021.100964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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21
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Wolfgramm H, Martens J, Töpfer T, Vamberger M, Pathak A, Stuckas H, Päckert M. Asymmetric allelic introgression across a hybrid zone of the coal tit ( Periparus ater) in the central Himalayas. Ecol Evol 2021; 11:17332-17351. [PMID: 34938512 PMCID: PMC8668783 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.8369] [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: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
In the Himalayas, a number of secondary contact zones have been described for vicariant vertebrate taxa. However, analyses of genetic divergence and admixture are missing for most of these examples. In this study, we provide a population genetic analysis for the coal tit (Periparus ater) hybrid zone in Nepal. Intermediate phenotypes between the distinctive western "spot-winged tit" (P. a. melanolophus) and Eastern Himalayan coal tits (P. a. aemodius) occur across a narrow range of <100 km in western Nepal. As a peculiarity, another distinctive cinnamon-bellied form is known from a single population so far. Genetic admixture of western and eastern mitochondrial lineages was restricted to the narrow zone of phenotypically intermediate populations. The cline width was estimated 46 km only with a center close to the population of the cinnamon-bellied phenotype. In contrast, allelic introgression of microsatellite loci was asymmetrical from eastern P. a. aemodius into far western populations of phenotypic P. a. melanolophus but not vice versa. Accordingly, the microsatellite cline was about 3.7 times wider than the mitochondrial one.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannes Wolfgramm
- Senckenberg Natural History Collections DresdenDresdenGermany
- Present address:
Department of Functional GenomicsInterfaculty Institute of Genetics and Functional GenomicsUniversity Medicine GreifswaldGreifswaldGermany
| | - Jochen Martens
- Institute of Organismic and Molecular Evolution (iomE)Johannes Gutenberg UniversityMainzGermany
| | - Till Töpfer
- Leibniz Institute for the Analysis of Biodiversity ChangeZoological Research Museum Alexander KoenigBonnGermany
| | | | - Abhinaya Pathak
- Department of National Parks and Wildlife ConservationKathmanduNepal
| | - Heiko Stuckas
- Senckenberg Natural History Collections DresdenDresdenGermany
| | - Martin Päckert
- Senckenberg Natural History Collections DresdenDresdenGermany
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22
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Dolman PM, Burnside RJ, Scotland KM, Collar NJ. Captive breeding and the conservation of the threatened houbara bustards. ENDANGER SPECIES RES 2021. [DOI: 10.3354/esr01151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Translocation of captive-bred individuals to reinforce wild populations may be an important conservation approach for some species, but can be detrimental when employed to boost exploited wild populations, particularly where repeated long-term reinforcement aims to compensate for repeated unregulated offtake. We review evidence that captive breeding alters multiple physiological, life-history and temperamental traits through founder effects, genetic drift and unintended adaption to captivity; degrades learnt behaviours; and compromises biogeography, population structure and viability through introgression. We highlight these risks for the globally threatened African houbara Chlamydotis undulata and Asian houbara C. macqueenii, 2 bustard species hunted throughout much of their ranges and now subject to multiple large-scale captive-breeding programmes and translocations. In eastern Morocco, annual releases of captive-bred African houbara are 2‒3 times higher than original wild numbers, but no investigation of their potentially deleterious effects has, to our knowledge, been published, although most wild populations may now have been replaced by captive-bred domestic stock, which are reportedly not self-sustaining. Despite multiple decades of reinforcement, we are not aware of any analysis of the contribution of captive breeding to African houbara population dynamics, or of the genomic consequences. Asian houbara release programmes may also be promoting rather than preventing declines, and need to contextualise themselves through rigorous analyses of wild population numbers, demographic rates and threats, maintenance of phylogeographic concordance of released with supplemented populations, profiling of traits crucial to survival and the measurement and modelling of the impacts of reinforcement on physiological and behavioural fitness of wild populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- PM Dolman
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK
| | - RJ Burnside
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK
| | - KM Scotland
- Emirates Bird Breeding Centre for Conservation, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - NJ Collar
- BirdLife International, Cambridge CB2 3QZ, UK
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23
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Assessing the origin, genetic structure and demographic history of the common pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) in the introduced European range. Sci Rep 2021; 11:21721. [PMID: 34741053 PMCID: PMC8571287 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-00567-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The common pheasant, a game species widely introduced throughout the world, can be considered as an ideal model to study the effects of introduction events on local adaptations, biogeographic patterns, and genetic divergence processes. We aimed to assess the origin, spatial patterns of genetic variation, and demographic history of the introduced populations in the contact zone of Central and Southeast Europe, using mitochondrial DNA control region sequences and microsatellite loci. Both types of molecular markers indicated relatively low to moderate levels of genetic variation. The mtDNA analyses revealed that common pheasants across the study area are divided into two distinct clades: B (mongolicus group) and F (colchicus group). Analyses of the microsatellite data consistently suggested a differentiation between Hungary and Serbia, with the pheasant population in Hungary being much more genetically homogeneous, while that of Serbia has much more genetic mixture and admixture. This cryptic differentiation was not detected using a non-spatial Bayesian clustering model. The analyses also provided strong evidence for a recent population expansion. This fundamental information is essential for adequate and effective conservation management of populations of a game species of great economic and ecological importance in the studied geographical region.
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24
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Dziech A. Identification of Wolf-Dog Hybrids in Europe – An Overview of Genetic Studies. Front Ecol Evol 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2021.760160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Significant development of genetic tools during the last decades provided opportunities for more detailed analyses and deeper understanding of species hybridization. New genetic markers allowed for reliable identification of admixed individuals deriving from recent hybridization events (a few generations) and those originating from crossings up to 19 generations back. Implementation of microsatellites (STRs) together with Bayesian clustering provided abundant knowledge regarding presence of admixed individuals in numerous populations and helped understand the problematic nature of studying hybridization (i.a., defining a reliable thresholds for recognizing individuals as admixed or obtaining well-grounded results representing actual proportion of hybrids in a population). Nevertheless, their utilization is limited to recent crossbreeding events. Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) proved to be more sensible tools for admixture analyses furnishing more reliable knowledge, especially for older generation backcrosses. Small sets of Ancestry Informative Markers (AIMs) of both types of markers were effective enough to implement in monitoring programs, however, SNPs seem to be more appropriate because of their ability to identify admixed individuals up to 3rd generations. The main aim of this review is to summarize abundant knowledge regarding identification of wolf-dog hybrids in Europe and discuss the most relevant problems relating to the issue, together with advantages and disadvantages of implemented markers and approaches.
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25
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Ottenburghs J. The genic view of hybridization in the Anthropocene. Evol Appl 2021; 14:2342-2360. [PMID: 34745330 PMCID: PMC8549621 DOI: 10.1111/eva.13223] [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] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Revised: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Human impact is noticeable around the globe, indicating that a new era might have begun: the Anthropocene. Continuing human activities, including land-use changes, introduction of non-native species and rapid climate change, are altering the distributions of countless species, often giving rise to human-mediated hybridization events. While the interbreeding of different populations or species can have detrimental effects, such as genetic extinction, it can be beneficial in terms of adaptive introgression or an increase in genetic diversity. In this paper, I first review the different mechanisms and outcomes of anthropogenic hybridization based on literature from the last five years (2016-2020). The most common mechanisms leading to the interbreeding of previously isolated taxa include habitat change (51% of the studies) and introduction of non-native species (34% intentional and 19% unintentional). These human-induced hybridization events most often result in introgression (80%). The high incidence of genetic exchange between the hybridizing taxa indicates that the application of a genic view of speciation (and introgression) can provide crucial insights on how to address hybridization events in the Anthropocene. This perspective considers the genome as a dynamic collection of genetic loci with distinct evolutionary histories, giving rise to a heterogenous genomic landscape in terms of genetic differentiation and introgression. First, understanding this genomic landscape can lead to a better selection of diagnostic genetic markers to characterize hybrid populations. Second, describing how introgression patterns vary across the genome can help to predict the likelihood of negative processes, such as demographic and genetic swamping, as well as positive outcomes, such as adaptive introgression. It is especially important to not only quantify how much genetic material introgressed, but also what has been exchanged. Third, comparing introgression patterns in pre-Anthropocene hybridization events with current human-induced cases might provide novel insights into the likelihood of genetic swamping or species collapse during an anthropogenic hybridization event. However, this comparative approach remains to be tested before it can be applied in practice. Finally, the genic view of introgression can be combined with conservation genomic studies to determine the legal status of hybrids and take appropriate measures to manage anthropogenic hybridization events. The interplay between evolutionary and conservation genomics will result in the constant exchange of ideas between these fields which will not only improve our knowledge on the origin of species, but also how to conserve and protect them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jente Ottenburghs
- Wildlife Ecology and ConservationWageningen University & ResearchWageningenThe Netherlands
- Forest Ecology and Forest ManagementWageningen University & ResearchWageningenThe Netherlands
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26
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Javaheri Tehrani S, Kvist L, Mirshamsi O, Ghasempouri SM, Aliabadian M. Genetic divergence, admixture and subspecific boundaries in a peripheral population of the great tit, Parus major (Aves: Paridae). Biol J Linn Soc Lond 2021. [DOI: 10.1093/biolinnean/blab064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Secondary contact zones have been formed between several pairs of avian species and subspecies in northern and north-eastern Iran during the post-Pleistocene and Holocene periods. Three subspecies groups out of the four in the great tit (Parus major), major, bokharensis and cinereus, are believed to have come into local or regional secondary contact in north-eastern Iran. Parus major intermedius is also known from this region and has long been suggested to have a hybrid origin from hybridization between the yellow western (major) subspecies group and the grey-coloured eastern (bokharensis or cinereus) subspecies group based on its intermediate plumage coloration. Here, we investigated the evidence of intergradation between subspecies groups and the evolutionary origin of P. m. intermedius using mitochondrial DNA sequences and microsatellites, and approximate Bayesian computation to test competing scenarios for the demographic history of the populations. Our analyses indicate a divergence origin for intermedius that resulted from expansion of the major subspecies group. Low mitochondrial diversity and high genetic differentiation in comparison with central populations suggest that intermedius is a peripheral population. Microsatellite data show no signs of nuclear admixture between the bokharensis and major subspecies groups. However, one phenotypically intermedius specimen had bokharensis mtDNA and major nuclear DNA in the assumed hybrid zone (Lotf Abad), supporting past introgression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sahar Javaheri Tehrani
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad 9177 9489 74, Iran
| | - Laura Kvist
- Ecology and Genetics Research Unit, University of Oulu, POB 3000, 90014 Oulu, Finland
| | - Omid Mirshamsi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad 9177 9489 74, Iran
- Research Department of Zoological Innovations, Institute of Applied Zoology, Faculty of Science, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad 9177 9489 74, Iran
| | - Seyed Mahmoud Ghasempouri
- Department of Environmental Science, Natural Resources and Marine Sciences Faculty, Tarbiat Modares University, Noor POB 46414-356, Iran
| | - Mansour Aliabadian
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad 9177 9489 74, Iran
- Research Department of Zoological Innovations, Institute of Applied Zoology, Faculty of Science, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad 9177 9489 74, Iran
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Santostasi NL, Gimenez O, Caniglia R, Fabbri E, Molinari L, Reggioni W, Ciucci P. Estimating Admixture at the Population Scale: Taking Imperfect Detectability and Uncertainty in Hybrid Classification Seriously. J Wildl Manage 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/jwmg.22038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nina L. Santostasi
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies “Charles Darwin” University of Rome La Sapienza Rome Italy
| | - Olivier Gimenez
- CEFE, CNRS University of Montpellier, University Paul Valéry Montpellier 3, EPHE, IRD Montpellier France
| | - Romolo Caniglia
- Italian Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA), Unit for Conservation Genetics (BIO–CGE), Ozzano dell'Emilia Italy
| | - Elena Fabbri
- Italian Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA), Unit for Conservation Genetics (BIO–CGE), Ozzano dell'Emilia Italy
| | - Luigi Molinari
- Wolf Apennine Center, Appennino Tosco‐Emiliano National Park, Ligonchio Italy
| | - Willy Reggioni
- Wolf Apennine Center, Appennino Tosco‐Emiliano National Park, Ligonchio Italy
| | - Paolo Ciucci
- CEFE, CNRS University of Montpellier, University Paul Valéry Montpellier 3, EPHE, IRD Montpellier France
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28
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Howard-McCombe J, Ward D, Kitchener AC, Lawson D, Senn HV, Beaumont M. On the use of genome-wide data to model and date the time of anthropogenic hybridisation: An example from the Scottish wildcat. Mol Ecol 2021; 30:3688-3702. [PMID: 34042240 DOI: 10.1111/mec.16000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
While hybridisation has long been recognised as an important natural phenomenon in evolution, the conservation of taxa subject to introgressive hybridisation from domesticated forms is a subject of intense debate. Hybridisation of Scottish wildcats and domestic cats is a good example in this regard. Here, we developed a modelling framework to determine the timescale of introgression using approximate Bayesian computation (ABC). Applying the model to ddRAD-seq data from 129 individuals, genotyped at 6546 loci, we show that a population of wildcats genetically distant from domestic cats is still present in Scotland. These individuals were found almost exclusively within the captive breeding programme. Most wild-living cats sampled were introgressed to some extent. The demographic model predicts high levels of gene-flow between domestic cats and Scottish wildcats (13% migrants per generation) over a short timeframe, the posterior mean for the onset of hybridisation (T1 ) was 3.3 generations (~10 years) before present. Although the model had limited power to detect signals of ancient admixture, we found evidence that significant recent hybridisation may have occurred subsequent to the founding of the captive breeding population (T2 ). The model consistently predicts T1 after T2 , estimated here to be 19.3 generations (~60 years) ago, highlighting the importance of this population as a resource for conservation management. Additionally, we evaluate the effectiveness of current methods to classify hybrids. We show that an optimised 35 SNP panel is a better predictor of the ddRAD-based hybrid score in comparison with a morphological method.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Daniel Ward
- School of Mathematics, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Andrew C Kitchener
- Department of Natural Sciences, National Museums Scotland, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Daniel Lawson
- School of Mathematics, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Helen V Senn
- RZSS WildGenes Laboratory, Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Mark Beaumont
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
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29
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Anderson D, Negishi Y, Ishiniwa H, Okuda K, Hinton TG, Toma R, Nagata J, Tamate HB, Kaneko S. Introgression dynamics from invasive pigs into wild boar following the March 2011 natural and anthropogenic disasters at Fukushima. Proc Biol Sci 2021; 288:20210874. [PMID: 34187197 PMCID: PMC8242833 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2021.0874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural and anthropogenic disasters have the capability to cause sudden extrinsic environmental changes and long-lasting perturbations including invasive species, species expansion and influence evolution as selective pressures force adaption. Such disasters occurred on 11 March 2011, in Fukushima, Japan, when an earthquake, tsunami and meltdown of a nuclear power plant all drastically reformed anthropogenic land use. Using genetic data, we demonstrate how wild boar (Sus scrofa leucomystax) have persevered against these environmental changes, including an invasion of escaped domestic pigs (Sus scrofa domesticus). Concurrently, we show evidence of successful hybridization between pigs and native wild boar in this area; however in future offspring, the pig legacy has been diluted through time. We speculate that the range expansion dynamics inhibit long-term introgression and introgressed alleles will continue to decrease at each generation while only maternally inherited organelles will persist. Using the gene flow data among wild boar, we assume that offspring from hybrid lineages will continue dispersal north at low frequencies as climates warm. We conclude that future risks for wild boar in this area include intraspecies competition, revitalization of human-related disruptions and disease outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donovan Anderson
- Symbiotic Systems Science and Technology, Fukushima University, Fukushima City, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Yuki Negishi
- Symbiotic Systems Science and Technology, Fukushima University, Fukushima City, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Hiroko Ishiniwa
- Institute of Environmental Radioactivity, Fukushima University, Fukushima City, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Kei Okuda
- Faculty of Human Environmental Studies, Hiroshima Shudo University, Hiroshima, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Thomas G Hinton
- Centre for Environmental Radioactivity, Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway
| | - Rio Toma
- Symbiotic Systems Science and Technology, Fukushima University, Fukushima City, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Junco Nagata
- Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | | | - Shingo Kaneko
- Symbiotic Systems Science and Technology, Fukushima University, Fukushima City, Fukushima, Japan.,Institute of Environmental Radioactivity, Fukushima University, Fukushima City, Fukushima, Japan
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30
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Lawson DM, Williams CK, Lavretsky P, Howell DL, Fuller JC. Mallard–Black Duck Hybridization and Population Genetic Structure in North Carolina. J Wildl Manage 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/jwmg.22085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel M. Lawson
- University of Delaware, 531 South College Avenue Newark DE 19716 USA
| | | | - Philip Lavretsky
- University of Texas at El Paso, 500 W University Avenue El Paso TX 79968 USA
| | - Douglas L. Howell
- North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission 132 Marine Drive Edenton NC 27699 USA
| | - Joseph C. Fuller
- North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission 132 Marine Drive Edenton NC 27699 USA
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31
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Feral rabbit populations in a peri-urban area: insights about invasion dynamics and potential management strategies. EUR J WILDLIFE RES 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s10344-021-01505-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
AbstractWhere introduced, the European rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus is considered among the most destructive and invasive species. To date, research focused mostly on populations of wild rabbit, whereas little is known on feral domestic rabbit populations. In this work, we reported the establishment of two self-sustaining populations of feral rabbits in Italy. Direct observations were conducted to assess rabbit range expansion and population increase over time. We also evaluated prey-predator interactions between rabbits and native red foxes Vulpes vulpes, by means of camera trapping and the analysis of fox scats. Moreover, we also assessed the social perception towards feral rabbits and the acceptability of various management options through the administration of a structured questionnaire to park visitors. Rabbit populations increased between 2018 and 2019, as well as the size of the invaded range. Rabbits are predated by foxes, but they seem to have adapted their activity rhythms to minimize the risk of predation, becoming diurnal. Park visitors loved rabbits and deemed them to be a positive presence in the park, which deserve to live there. Surgical sterilization of rabbits was the only management option which was partially supported. Feral domestic rabbits, albeit a neglected species in invasion biology, can become extremely successful invaders of urban green areas: in < 5 years, rabbits were able to colonize our study area and become a food resource for native predators and also an iconic species. These three points raise concerns about the potential impacts of invasive feral rabbits in European urban green areas and call for further research in this direction.
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32
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Wierzbicki H, Zatoń-Dobrowolska M, Mucha A, Moska M. Insight into the Genetic Population Structure of Wild Red Foxes in Poland Reveals Low Risk of Genetic Introgression from Escaped Farm Red Foxes. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12050637. [PMID: 33922932 PMCID: PMC8146073 DOI: 10.3390/genes12050637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 03/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study we assessed the level of genetic introgression between red foxes bred on fur farms in Poland and the native wild population. We also evaluated the impact of a geographic barrier and isolation by distance on gene flow between two isolated subpopulations of the native red fox and their genetic differentiation. Nuclear and mitochondrial DNA was collected from a total of 308 individuals (200 farm and 108 wild red foxes) to study non-native allele flow from farm into wild red fox populations. Genetic structure analyses performed using 24 autosomal microsatellites showed two genetic clusters as being the most probable number of distinct populations. No strong admixture signals between farm and wild red foxes were detected, and significant genetic differentiation was identified between the two groups. This was also apparent from the mtDNA analysis. None of the concatenated haplotypes detected in farm foxes was found in wild animals. The consequence of this was that the haplotype network displayed two genetically distinct groups: farm foxes were completely separated from native ones. Neither the River Vistula nor isolation by distance had a significant impact on gene flow between the separated wild red fox subpopulations. The results of our research indicate a low probability of genetic introgression between farm and native red foxes, and no threat to the genetic integrity of this species.
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33
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Graham CF, Eberts RL, Goncin U, Somers CM. Spontaneous hybridization and introgression between walleye ( Sander vitreus) and sauger ( Sander canadensis) in two large reservoirs: Insights from genotyping by sequencing. Evol Appl 2021; 14:965-982. [PMID: 33897814 PMCID: PMC8061268 DOI: 10.1111/eva.13174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Revised: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Anthropogenic activities may facilitate undesirable hybridization and genomic introgression between fish species. Walleye (Sander vitreus) and sauger (Sander canadensis) are economically valuable freshwater species that can spontaneously hybridize in areas of sympatry. Levels of genomic introgression between walleye and sauger may be increased by modifications to waterbodies (e.g., reservoir development) and inadvertent propagation of hybrids in stocking programs. We used genotyping by sequencing (GBS) to examine 217 fish from two large reservoirs with mixed populations of walleye and sauger in Saskatchewan, Canada (Lake Diefenbaker, Tobin Lake). Analyses with 20,038 (r90) and 478 (r100) single nucleotide polymorphisms clearly resolved walleye and sauger, and classified hybrids with high confidence. F1, F2, and multigeneration hybrids were detected in Lake Diefenbaker, indicating potentially high levels of genomic introgression. In contrast, only F1 hybrids were detected in Tobin Lake. Field classification of fish was unreliable; 7% of fish were misidentified based on broad species categories. Important for activities such as brood stock selection, 12 of 173 (7%) fish field identified as pure walleye, and one of 24 (4%) identified as pure sauger were actually hybrids. In addition, two of 15 (13%) field-identified hybrids were actually pure walleye or sauger. We conclude that hybridization and introgression are occurring in Saskatchewan reservoirs and that caution is warranted when using these populations in stocking programs. GBS offers a powerful and flexible tool for examining hybridization without preidentification of informative loci, eliminating some of the key challenges associated with other marker types.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rebecca L. Eberts
- Fish, Wildlife, and Lands Branch, Ministry of EnvironmentGovernment of SaskatchewanPrince AlbertSKCanada
| | - Una Goncin
- Department of BiologyUniversity of ReginaReginaSKCanada
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Forcina G, Tang Q, Cros E, Guerrini M, Rheindt FE, Barbanera F. Genome-wide markers redeem the lost identity of a heavily managed gamebird. Proc Biol Sci 2021; 288:20210285. [PMID: 33757344 PMCID: PMC8059960 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2021.0285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Heavily managed wildlife may suffer from genetic homogenization and reshuffling of locally adapted genotypes with non-native ones. This phenomenon often affects natural populations by reducing their evolutionary potential and speeding up the ongoing biodiversity crisis. For decades, the red-legged partridge (Alectoris rufa), an intensively managed gamebird of conservation concern and considerable socio-economic importance, has been subjected to extensive releases of farm-reared hybrids with the chukar partridge (Alectoris chukar) and translocations irrespective of subspecific affinity. These practices have led to serious concerns that the genetic integrity and biogeographic structure of most red-legged partridge populations are irreversibly affected, as suggested by previous studies based on few genetic markers. Using over 168 000 genome-wide loci and a sampling across the entire A. rufa range, we detected unexpectedly limited and spatially uneven chukar introgression as well as significant intraspecific structure. We demonstrate that species widely feared to have irretrievably lost their genetic identity are likely to be much less affected by unsuitable management practices than previously assumed. Our results spell the need for a radical re-think on animal conservation, possibly restoring native status to populations long treated as compromised. Our study exemplifies how the application of innovative conservation-genomic methods is key to solving wildlife management problems dealing with introgressive hybridization worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Forcina
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 16 Science Drive 4, Republic of Singapore
- CIBIO/InBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, Universidade do Porto, Campus Agrário de Vairão, 4485-661 Vairão, Portugal
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Via A. Volta 4, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Qian Tang
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 16 Science Drive 4, Republic of Singapore
| | - Emilie Cros
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 16 Science Drive 4, Republic of Singapore
| | - Monica Guerrini
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Via A. Volta 4, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Frank E. Rheindt
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 16 Science Drive 4, Republic of Singapore
| | - Filippo Barbanera
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Via A. Volta 4, 56126 Pisa, Italy
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Smeds L, Aspi J, Berglund J, Kojola I, Tirronen K, Ellegren H. Whole-genome analyses provide no evidence for dog introgression in Fennoscandian wolf populations. Evol Appl 2021; 14:721-734. [PMID: 33767747 PMCID: PMC7980305 DOI: 10.1111/eva.13151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Revised: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 10/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Hybridization and admixture can threaten the genetic integrity of populations and be of particular concern to endangered species. Hybridization between grey wolves and dogs has been documented in many wolf populations worldwide and is a prominent example of human-mediated hybridization between a domesticated species and its wild relative. We analysed whole-genome sequences from >200 wolves and >100 dogs to study admixture in Fennoscandian wolf populations. A principal component analysis of genetic variation and admixture showed that wolves and dogs were well-separated, without evidence for introgression. Analyses of local ancestry revealed that wolves had <1% mixed ancestry, levels comparable to the degree of mixed ancestry in many dogs, and likely not resulting from recent wolf-dog hybridization. We also show that the founders of the Scandinavian wolf population were genetically inseparable from Finnish and Russian Karelian wolves, pointing at the geographical origin of contemporary Scandinavian wolves. Moreover, we found Scandinavian-born animals among wolves sampled in Finland, demonstrating bidirectional gene flow between the Scandinavian Peninsula and eastern countries. The low incidence of admixture between wolves and dogs in Fennoscandia may be explained by the fact that feral dogs are rare in this part of Europe and that careful monitoring and management act to remove hybrids before they backcross into wolf populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linnéa Smeds
- Department of Ecology and GeneticsUppsala UniversityUppsalaSweden
| | - Jouni Aspi
- Department of Ecology and GeneticsUniversity of OuluOuluFinland
| | - Jonas Berglund
- Department of Ecology and GeneticsUppsala UniversityUppsalaSweden
| | - Ilpo Kojola
- Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke)RovaniemiFinland
| | - Konstantin Tirronen
- Institute of BiologyKarelian Research Centre of the Russian Academy of SciencePetrozavodskRussian Federation
| | - Hans Ellegren
- Department of Ecology and GeneticsUppsala UniversityUppsalaSweden
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Hassanin A, Veron G, Ropiquet A, Jansen van Vuuren B, Lécu A, Goodman SM, Haider J, Nguyen TT. Evolutionary history of Carnivora (Mammalia, Laurasiatheria) inferred from mitochondrial genomes. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0240770. [PMID: 33591975 PMCID: PMC7886153 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0240770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The order Carnivora, which currently includes 296 species classified into 16 families, is distributed across all continents. The phylogeny and the timing of diversification of members of the order are still a matter of debate. Here, complete mitochondrial genomes were analysed to reconstruct the phylogenetic relationships and to estimate divergence times among species of Carnivora. We assembled 51 new mitogenomes from 13 families, and aligned them with available mitogenomes by selecting only those showing more than 1% of nucleotide divergence and excluding those suspected to be of low-quality or from misidentified taxa. Our final alignment included 220 taxa representing 2,442 mitogenomes. Our analyses led to a robust resolution of suprafamilial and intrafamilial relationships. We identified 21 fossil calibration points to estimate a molecular timescale for carnivorans. According to our divergence time estimates, crown carnivorans appeared during or just after the Early Eocene Climatic Optimum; all major groups of Caniformia (Cynoidea/Arctoidea; Ursidae; Musteloidea/Pinnipedia) diverged from each other during the Eocene, while all major groups of Feliformia (Nandiniidae; Feloidea; Viverroidea) diversified more recently during the Oligocene, with a basal divergence of Nandinia at the Eocene/Oligocene transition; intrafamilial divergences occurred during the Miocene, except for the Procyonidae, as Potos separated from other genera during the Oligocene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Hassanin
- Institut de Systématique, Évolution, Biodiversité (ISYEB), Sorbonne Université, MNHN, CNRS, EPHE, UA, Paris, France
| | - Géraldine Veron
- Institut de Systématique, Évolution, Biodiversité (ISYEB), Sorbonne Université, MNHN, CNRS, EPHE, UA, Paris, France
| | - Anne Ropiquet
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Natural Sciences, Middlesex University, London, United Kingdom
| | - Bettine Jansen van Vuuren
- Department of Zoology, Centre for Ecological Genomics and Wildlife Conservation, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Alexis Lécu
- Parc zoologique de Paris, Muséum national d’Histoire naturelle, Paris, France
| | - Steven M. Goodman
- Field Museum of Natural History, Chicago, IL, United States of America
| | - Jibran Haider
- Institut de Systématique, Évolution, Biodiversité (ISYEB), Sorbonne Université, MNHN, CNRS, EPHE, UA, Paris, France
- Department of Wildlife Management, Pir Mehr Ali Shah, Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
- Forest Parks & Wildlife Department Gilgit-Baltistan, Skardu, Pakistan
| | - Trung Thanh Nguyen
- Institut de Systématique, Évolution, Biodiversité (ISYEB), Sorbonne Université, MNHN, CNRS, EPHE, UA, Paris, France
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37
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Kong S, Kubatko LS. Comparative Performance of Popular Methods for Hybrid Detection using Genomic Data. Syst Biol 2021; 70:891-907. [PMID: 33404632 DOI: 10.1093/sysbio/syaa092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Interspecific hybridization is an important evolutionary phenomenon that generates genetic variability in a population and fosters species diversity in nature. The availability of large genome scale datasets has revolutionized hybridization studies to shift from the observation of the presence or absence of hybrids to the investigation of the genomic constitution of hybrids and their genome-specific evolutionary dynamics. Although a handful of methods have been proposed in an attempt to identify hybrids, accurate detection of hybridization from genomic data remains a challenging task. In addition to methods that infer phylogenetic networks or that utilize pairwise divergence, site pattern frequency based and population genetic clustering approaches are popularly used in practice, though the performance of these methods under different hybridization scenarios has not been extensively examined. Here, we use simulated data to comparatively evaluate the performance of four tools that are commonly used to infer hybridization events: the site pattern frequency based methods HyDe and the D-statistic (i.e., the ABBA-BABA test) and the population clustering approaches structure and ADMIXTURE. We consider single hybridization scenarios that vary in the time of hybridization and the amount of incomplete lineage sorting (ILS) for different proportions of parental contributions (γ); introgressive hybridization; multiple hybridization scenarios; and a mixture of ancestral and recent hybridization scenarios. We focus on the statistical power to detect hybridization and the false discovery rate (FDR) for comparisons of the D-statistic and HyDe, and the accuracy of the estimates of γ as measured by the mean squared error for HyDe, structure, and ADMIXTURE. Both HyDe and the D-statistic are powerful for detecting hybridization in all scenarios except those with high ILS, although the D-statistic often has an unacceptably high FDR. The estimates of γ in HyDe are impressively robust and accurate whereas structure and ADMIXTURE sometimes fail to identify hybrids, particularly when the proportional parental contributions are asymmetric (i.e., when γ is close to 0). Moreover, the posterior distribution estimated using structure exhibits multimodality in many scenarios, making interpretation difficult. Our results provide guidance in selecting appropriate methods for identifying hybrid populations from genomic data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sungsik Kong
- Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Laura S Kubatko
- Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.,Department of Statistics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
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38
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Ravagni S, Sanchez-Donoso I, Vilà C. Biased assessment of ongoing admixture using STRUCTURE in the absence of reference samples. Mol Ecol Resour 2020; 21:677-689. [PMID: 33085825 DOI: 10.1111/1755-0998.13286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Revised: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Detection of hybridization and introgression is important in ecological research as in conservation and evolutionary biology. STRUCTURE is one of the most popular software to study introgression and allows estimating what proportion of the genome of each individual belongs to each ancestral population, even in cases where no reference sample from the ancestral nonadmixed populations is previously identified. In spite of its frequent use, some studies have indicated that ancestry estimates may not always be reliable. We simulated population data under different conditions with regard to the genetic differentiation between ancestral populations, number of loci considered, number of alleles per marker and hybridization rate, and analysed data with STRUCTURE. When reference samples were not included, the comparison of the known degree of admixture for each simulated individual and the value estimated with STRUCTURE revealed a strong underestimation of the level of introgression, classifying many admixed individuals as nonadmixed. This derives from an inaccurate estimation of the ancestral allele frequencies. When samples from the nonadmixed ancestral population were included as reference in the analyses, the bias in the estimations was reduced. The most accurate estimates were obtained when potentially admixed samples were few in relation to reference samples. Thus, whenever possible, a very large proportion of nonadmixed reference samples should be included in admixture assessments and different approaches should be combined. The misestimate of the amount of introgression can impair our understanding of the evolutionary history of species and misguide conservation efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Ravagni
- Conservation and Evolutionary Genetics Group, Doñana Biological Station (EBD-CSIC), Seville, Spain
| | - Ines Sanchez-Donoso
- Conservation and Evolutionary Genetics Group, Doñana Biological Station (EBD-CSIC), Seville, Spain
| | - Carles Vilà
- Conservation and Evolutionary Genetics Group, Doñana Biological Station (EBD-CSIC), Seville, Spain
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39
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Buglione M, Troisi SR, Petrelli S, van Vugt M, Notomista T, Troiano C, Bellomo A, Maselli V, Gregorio R, Fulgione D. The First Report on the Ecology and Distribution of the Wolf Population in Cilento, Vallo di Diano and Alburni National Park. BIOL BULL+ 2020. [DOI: 10.1134/s1062359021010040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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40
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Guo X, Wang ZC, Wang S, Li HF, Suwannapoom C, Wang JX, Zhang C, Shao Y, Wang MS, Jiang RS. Genetic signature of hybridization between Chinese spot-billed ducks and domesticated ducks. Anim Genet 2020; 51:866-875. [PMID: 33020910 DOI: 10.1111/age.13002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Revised: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we analyzed 93 whole genomes from Chinese spot-billed ducks (CSB), meat-type ducks (MET), and egg and dual purpose-type ducks (EDT) to characterize the genetic material flowing between the CSB and modern ducks. Using a frequency of shared identical-by-descent method, approximately 10.9 Mb introgression segments containing 140 genes were identified showing the signatures of introgression between CSB and EDT. Meanwhile, nearly 10.6 M introgression regions containing 149 genes were identified between CSB and MET. Based on the haplotypes tree of each segment, we found that the introgression between CSB and domesticated ducks was asymmetric with a high level of gene flow from domestic to CSB and a low level of migration in the opposite direction. Moreover, we identified several genes that were introgressions from CSB and showed the signature of positive selection, which may contribute to the breeding of modern ducks. Our results provide new insight into the evolution and breeding history of domestic ducks and may be useful for the future management of wild and domestic duck populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- X Guo
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, 130, Changjiang West Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230036, China
| | - Z-C Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, 130, Changjiang West Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230036, China
| | - S Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution and Yunnan Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Domestic Animals, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 32 Jiaochang Dong Road, Kunming, Yunnan, 650223, China
| | - H-F Li
- Jiangsu Institute of Poultry Science, Chinese Academy of Agriculture Science, 58 cangjie Rode, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225125, China
| | - C Suwannapoom
- School of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Phayao, 19 Moo 2 Tambon Maeka, Amphur Muang, Phayao, 56000, Thailand
| | - J-X Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, 130, Changjiang West Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230036, China
| | - C Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, 130, Changjiang West Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230036, China
| | - Y Shao
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution and Yunnan Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Domestic Animals, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 32 Jiaochang Dong Road, Kunming, Yunnan, 650223, China
| | - M-S Wang
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, 1156 High St, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, USA.,Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California Santa Cruz, 1156 High St, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, USA
| | - R-S Jiang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, 130, Changjiang West Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230036, China
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41
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Wu MY, Low GW, Forcina G, van Grouw H, Lee BPYH, Oh RRY, Rheindt FE. Historic and modern genomes unveil a domestic introgression gradient in a wild red junglefowl population. Evol Appl 2020; 13:2300-2315. [PMID: 33005225 PMCID: PMC7513718 DOI: 10.1111/eva.13023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2019] [Revised: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The red junglefowl Gallus gallus is the ancestor of the domestic chicken and arguably the most important bird species on Earth. Continual gene flow between domestic and wild populations has compromised its gene pool, especially since the last century when human encroachment and habitat loss would have led to increased contact opportunities. We present the first combined genomic and morphological admixture assessment of a native population of red junglefowl, sampled from recolonized parts of its former range in Singapore, partly using whole genomes resequenced from dozens of individuals. Crucially, this population was genomically anchored to museum samples from adjacent Peninsular Malaysia collected ~110-150 years ago to infer the magnitude of modern domestic introgression across individuals. We detected a strong feral-wild genomic continuum with varying levels of domestic introgression in different subpopulations across Singapore. Using a trait scoring scheme, we determined morphological thresholds that can be used by conservation managers to successfully identify individuals with low levels of domestic introgression, and selected traits that were particularly useful for predicting domesticity in genomic profiles. Our study underscores the utility of combined genomic and morphological approaches in population management and suggests a way forward to safeguard the allelic integrity of wild red junglefowl in perpetuity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Yue Wu
- Department of Biological Sciences National University of Singapore Singapore Singapore
| | - Gabriel Weijie Low
- Department of Biological Sciences National University of Singapore Singapore Singapore
- School of Biological Sciences Monash University Clayton Victoria Australia
| | - Giovanni Forcina
- Department of Biological Sciences National University of Singapore Singapore Singapore
- CIBIO/InBIO Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos Universidade do Porto Vairão Portugal
| | - Hein van Grouw
- Bird Group Department of Life Sciences Natural History Museum Herts UK
| | - Benjamin P Y-H Lee
- Wildlife Management Research Wildlife Management Division National Parks Board Singapore Singapore
| | - Rachel Rui Ying Oh
- Centre of Urban Greenery and Ecology National Parks Board Singapore Singapore
- School of Biological Sciences Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Sciences University of Queensland Brisbane Queensland Australia
| | - Frank E Rheindt
- Department of Biological Sciences National University of Singapore Singapore Singapore
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42
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Fadakar D, Malekian M, Hemami MR, Lerp H, Rezaei HR, Bärmann EV. Repeated hybridization of two closely related gazelle species ( Gazella bennettii and Gazella subgutturosa) in central Iran. Ecol Evol 2020; 10:11372-11386. [PMID: 33144971 PMCID: PMC7593154 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.6774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2020] [Revised: 08/09/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Interspecific hybridization increasingly occurs in the course of anthropogenic actions, such as species translocations and introductions, and habitat modifications or occurs in sympatric species due to the shortage of conspecific mates. Compared with anthropogenically caused hybridization, natural hybridization is more difficult to prove, but both play an important role in conservation. In this study, we detected hybridization of two gazelle sister species, Gazella bennettii (adapted to dry areas) and Gazella subgutturosa (adapted to open plains), in five habitat areas, where G. bennettii naturally occur in central Iran. The hybrids have a nuclear genomic identity (based on two introns), habitat preference, and phenotype of G. bennettii, but the mitochondrial identity (based on cyt b) of G. subgutturosa. We suggest that natural hybridization of female G. subgutturosa and male G. bennettii happened twice in central Iran in prehistoric times, based on the haplotype pattern that we found. However, we found indications of recent hybridization between both species under special circumstances, for example, in breeding centers, due to translocations, or in areas of sympatry due to the shortage of conspecific mates. Therefore, these two species must be kept separately in the breeding centers, and introduction of one of them into the habitat of the other must be strictly avoided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davoud Fadakar
- Department of Natural ResourcesIsfahan University of TechnologyIsfahanIran
| | - Mansoureh Malekian
- Department of Natural ResourcesIsfahan University of TechnologyIsfahanIran
| | - Mahmoud R. Hemami
- Department of Natural ResourcesIsfahan University of TechnologyIsfahanIran
| | - Hannes Lerp
- Natural History CollectionsMuseum WiesbadenWiesbadenGermany
| | - Hamid R. Rezaei
- Department of Fishery and EnvironmentGorgan University of Agricultural Science and Natural ResourcesGorganIran
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43
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Shakarashvili M, Kopaliani N, Gurielidze Z, Dekanoidze D, Ninua L, Tarkhnishvili D. Population genetic structure and dispersal patterns of grey wolfs (
Canis lupus
) and golden jackals (
Canis aureus
) in Georgia, the Caucasus. J Zool (1987) 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/jzo.12831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - N. Kopaliani
- Institute of Ecology Ilia State University Tbilisi Georgia
| | - Z. Gurielidze
- Institute of Ecology Ilia State University Tbilisi Georgia
- Tbilisi Zoo Tbilisi Georgia
| | - D. Dekanoidze
- Institute of Ecology Ilia State University Tbilisi Georgia
| | - L. Ninua
- Institute of Ecology Ilia State University Tbilisi Georgia
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44
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Stand out from the Crowd: Small-Scale Genetic Structuring in the Endemic Sicilian Pond Turtle. DIVERSITY 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/d12090343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The geographical pattern of genetic diversity was investigated in the endemic Sicilian pond turtle Emys trinacris across its entire distribution range, using 16 microsatellite loci. Overall, 245 specimens of E. trinacris were studied, showing high polymorphic microsatellite loci, with allele numbers ranging from 7 to 30. STRUCTURE and GENELAND analyses showed a noteworthy, geographically based structuring of the studied populations in five well-characterized clusters, supported by a moderate degree of genetic diversity (FST values between 0.075 and 0.160). Possible explanations for the genetic fragmentation observed are provided, where both natural and human-mediated habitat fragmentation of the Sicilian wetlands played a major role in this process. Finally, some conservation and management suggestions aimed at preventing the loss of genetic variability of the species are briefly reported, stressing the importance of considering the five detected clusters as independent Management Units.
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45
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Santostasi NL, Ciucci P, Bearzi G, Bonizzoni S, Gimenez O. Assessing the dynamics of hybridization through a matrix modelling approach. Ecol Modell 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2020.109120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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46
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Toyama KS, Crochet P, Leblois R. Sampling schemes and drift can bias admixture proportions inferred by
structure. Mol Ecol Resour 2020; 20:1769-1785. [DOI: 10.1111/1755-0998.13234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Revised: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ken S. Toyama
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology University of Toronto Toronto ON Canada
| | - Pierre‐André Crochet
- CEFE CNRS University of Montpellier Université Paul Valéry Montpellier 3 EPHE IRD Montpellier France
| | - Raphaël Leblois
- CBGP INRAE CIRAD IRD Montpellier SupAgro University of Montpellier Montpellier France
- Institut de Biologie Computationnelle University of Montpellier Montpellier France
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47
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Blanchet S, Prunier JG, Paz‐Vinas I, Saint‐Pé K, Rey O, Raffard A, Mathieu‐Bégné E, Loot G, Fourtune L, Dubut V. A river runs through it: The causes, consequences, and management of intraspecific diversity in river networks. Evol Appl 2020; 13:1195-1213. [PMID: 32684955 PMCID: PMC7359825 DOI: 10.1111/eva.12941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2019] [Revised: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Rivers are fascinating ecosystems in which the eco-evolutionary dynamics of organisms are constrained by particular features, and biologists have developed a wealth of knowledge about freshwater biodiversity patterns. Over the last 10 years, our group used a holistic approach to contribute to this knowledge by focusing on the causes and consequences of intraspecific diversity in rivers. We conducted empirical works on temperate permanent rivers from southern France, and we broadened the scope of our findings using experiments, meta-analyses, and simulations. We demonstrated that intraspecific (genetic) diversity follows a spatial pattern (downstream increase in diversity) that is repeatable across taxa (from plants to vertebrates) and river systems. This pattern can result from interactive processes that we teased apart using appropriate simulation approaches. We further experimentally showed that intraspecific diversity matters for the functioning of river ecosystems. It indeed affects not only community dynamics, but also key ecosystem functions such as litter degradation. This means that losing intraspecific diversity in rivers can yield major ecological effects. Our work on the impact of multiple human stressors on intraspecific diversity revealed that-in the studied river systems-stocking of domestic (fish) strains strongly and consistently alters natural spatial patterns of diversity. It also highlighted the need for specific analytical tools to tease apart spurious from actual relationships in the wild. Finally, we developed original conservation strategies at the basin scale based on the systematic conservation planning framework that appeared pertinent for preserving intraspecific diversity in rivers. We identified several important research avenues that should further facilitate our understanding of patterns of local adaptation in rivers, the identification of processes sustaining intraspecific biodiversity-ecosystem function relationships, and the setting of reliable conservation plans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Blanchet
- Centre National pour la Recherche ScientifiqueStation d'Écologie Théorique et Expérimentale du CNRS à MoulisUniversité Toulouse III Paul SabatierUMR‐5321MoulisFrance
- Centre National pour la Recherche ScientifiqueLaboratoire Evolution & Diversité BiologiqueInstitut de Recherche pour le DéveloppementUniversité Toulouse III Paul SabatierUMR‐5174 EDBToulouseFrance
| | - Jérôme G. Prunier
- Centre National pour la Recherche ScientifiqueStation d'Écologie Théorique et Expérimentale du CNRS à MoulisUniversité Toulouse III Paul SabatierUMR‐5321MoulisFrance
| | - Ivan Paz‐Vinas
- Centre National pour la Recherche ScientifiqueLaboratoire Evolution & Diversité BiologiqueInstitut de Recherche pour le DéveloppementUniversité Toulouse III Paul SabatierUMR‐5174 EDBToulouseFrance
- Laboratoire Ecologie Fonctionnelle et EnvironnementUniversité de ToulouseUPSCNRSINPUMR‐5245 ECOLABToulouseFrance
| | - Keoni Saint‐Pé
- Centre National pour la Recherche ScientifiqueLaboratoire Evolution & Diversité BiologiqueInstitut de Recherche pour le DéveloppementUniversité Toulouse III Paul SabatierUMR‐5174 EDBToulouseFrance
| | - Olivier Rey
- IHPEUniv. MontpellierCNRSIfremerUniv. Perpignan Via DomitiaPerpignanFrance
| | - Allan Raffard
- Centre National pour la Recherche ScientifiqueStation d'Écologie Théorique et Expérimentale du CNRS à MoulisUniversité Toulouse III Paul SabatierUMR‐5321MoulisFrance
| | - Eglantine Mathieu‐Bégné
- Centre National pour la Recherche ScientifiqueLaboratoire Evolution & Diversité BiologiqueInstitut de Recherche pour le DéveloppementUniversité Toulouse III Paul SabatierUMR‐5174 EDBToulouseFrance
- IHPEUniv. MontpellierCNRSIfremerUniv. Perpignan Via DomitiaPerpignanFrance
| | - Géraldine Loot
- Centre National pour la Recherche ScientifiqueLaboratoire Evolution & Diversité BiologiqueInstitut de Recherche pour le DéveloppementUniversité Toulouse III Paul SabatierUMR‐5174 EDBToulouseFrance
| | - Lisa Fourtune
- Centre National pour la Recherche ScientifiqueLaboratoire Evolution & Diversité BiologiqueInstitut de Recherche pour le DéveloppementUniversité Toulouse III Paul SabatierUMR‐5174 EDBToulouseFrance
- PEIRENEEA 7500Université de LimogesLimogesFrance
| | - Vincent Dubut
- Aix Marseille UniversitéCNRSIRDAvignon UniversitéIMBEMarseilleFrance
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48
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Du HY, Zhang XY, Dinh TD, Ma Y, Zong C, Li GL, Dahmer TD, Xu YC. Identification of hybrid green peafowl using mitochondrial and nuclear markers. CONSERV GENET RESOUR 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s12686-020-01159-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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49
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Spitzweg C, Vamberger M, Ihlow F, Fritz U, Hofmeyr MD. How many species of angulate tortoises occur in Southern Africa? (Testudines: Testudinidae:
Chersina
). ZOOL SCR 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/zsc.12418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Cäcilia Spitzweg
- Museum of Zoology (Museum für Tierkunde), Senckenberg Dresden Dresden Germany
| | - Melita Vamberger
- Museum of Zoology (Museum für Tierkunde), Senckenberg Dresden Dresden Germany
| | - Flora Ihlow
- Museum of Zoology (Museum für Tierkunde), Senckenberg Dresden Dresden Germany
| | - Uwe Fritz
- Museum of Zoology (Museum für Tierkunde), Senckenberg Dresden Dresden Germany
| | - Margaretha D. Hofmeyr
- Chelonian Biodiversity and Conservation Department of Biodiversity and Conservation Biology University of the Western Cape Bellville South Africa
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50
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Browett SS, O'Meara DB, McDevitt AD. Genetic tools in the management of invasive mammals: recent trends and future perspectives. Mamm Rev 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/mam.12189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Samuel S. Browett
- Ecosystems and Environment Research Centre School of Science, Engineering and Environment University of Salford Salford M5 4WTUK
| | - Denise B. O'Meara
- Molecular Ecology Research Group Eco‐Innovation Research Centre School of Science and Computing Waterford Institute of Technology Waterford Ireland
| | - Allan D. McDevitt
- Ecosystems and Environment Research Centre School of Science, Engineering and Environment University of Salford Salford M5 4WTUK
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