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Dalui S, Sharma LK, Thakur M. Barriers and corridors: Assessment of gene flow and movement among red panda populations in eastern Himalayas. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 931:172523. [PMID: 38657804 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172523] [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: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Landscape features can impede dispersal, gene flow, and population demography, resulting in the formation of several meta-populations within a continuous landscape. Understanding a species' ability to overcome these barriers is critical for predicting genetic connectivity and population persistence, and implementing effective conservation strategies. In the present study, we conducted a fine-scale spatial genetic analysis to understand the contemporary gene flow within red panda populations in the Eastern Himalayas. Employing geometric aspects of reserve design, we delineated the critical core habitats for red pandas, which comprise 14.5 % of the landscape (12,189.75 Km2), with only a mere 443 Km2 falling within the protected areas. We identified corridors among the core habitats, which may be vital for the species' long-term genetic viability. Furthermore, we identified substantial landscape barriers, including Sela Pass in the western region, Siang river in the central region, and the Dibang river, Lohit river, along with Dihang, Dipher, and Kumjawng passes in the eastern region, which hinder gene flow. We suggest managing red panda populations through the creation of Community Conservation Reserves in the identified core habitats, following landscape-level management planning based on the core principles of geometric reserve design. This includes a specific emphasis on identified core habitats of red panda (CH-RP 5 and CH-RP 8) to facilitate corridors and implement meta-population dynamics. We propose the development of a comprehensive, long-term conservation and management plan for red pandas in the transboundary landscape, covering China, Nepal, and Bhutan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Supriyo Dalui
- Zoological Survey of India, New Alipore, Kolkata, West Bengal 700053, India; Department of Zoology, University of Calcutta, Kolkata, West Bengal 700019, India
| | - Lalit Kumar Sharma
- Zoological Survey of India, New Alipore, Kolkata, West Bengal 700053, India
| | - Mukesh Thakur
- Zoological Survey of India, New Alipore, Kolkata, West Bengal 700053, India.
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2
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Hu Y, Hu Y, Zhou W, Wei F. Conservation Genomics and Metagenomics of Giant and Red Pandas in the Wild. Annu Rev Anim Biosci 2024; 12:69-89. [PMID: 37863091 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-animal-021022-054730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
Giant pandas and red pandas are endangered species with similar specialized bamboo diet and partial sympatric distribution in China. Over the last two decades, the rapid development of genomics and metagenomics research on these species has enriched our knowledge of their biology, ecology, physiology, genetics, and evolution, which is crucial and useful for their conservation. We describe the evolutionary history, endangerment processes, genetic diversity, and population structure of wild giant pandas and two species of red pandas (Chinese and Himalayan red pandas). In addition, we explore how genomics and metagenomics studies have provided insight into the convergent adaptation of pandas to the specialized bamboo diet. Finally, we discuss how these findings are applied to effective conservation management of giant and red pandas in the wild and in captivity to promote the long-term persistence of these species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yisi Hu
- College of Forestry, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, China;
- Center for Evolution and Conservation Biology, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yibo Hu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wenliang Zhou
- Center for Evolution and Conservation Biology, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou, China
| | - Fuwen Wei
- College of Forestry, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, China;
- Center for Evolution and Conservation Biology, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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3
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Joshi BD, Singh SK, Singh VK, Jabin G, Ghosh A, Dalui S, Singh A, Priyambada P, Dolker S, Mukherjee T, Sharief A, Kumar V, Singh H, Thapa A, Sharma CM, Dutta R, Bhattacharjee S, Singh I, Mehar BS, Chandra K, Sharma LK, Thakur M. From poops to planning: A broad non-invasive genetic survey of large mammals from the Indian Himalayan Region. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 853:158679. [PMID: 36099955 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.158679] [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: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Large forested landscapes often harbour significant amount of biodiversity and support mankind by rendering various livelihood opportunities and ecosystem services. Their periodic assessment for health and ecological integrity is essential for timely mitigation of any negative impact of human use due to over harvesting of natural resources or unsustainable developmental activities. In this context, monitoring of mega fauna may provide reasonable insights about the connectivity and quality of forested habitats. In the present study, we conducted a largest non-invasive genetic survey to explore mammalian diversity and genetically characterized 13 mammals from the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR). We analyzed 4806 faecal samples using 103 autosomal microsatellites and with three mitochondrial genes, we identified 37 species of mammal. We observed low to moderate level of genetic variability and most species exhibited stable demographic history. We estimated an unbiased population genetic account (PGAunbias) for 13 species that may be monitored after a fixed time interval to understand species performance in response to the landscape changes. The present study has been evident to show pragmatic permeability with the representative sampling in the IHR in order to facilitate the development of species-oriented conservation and management programmes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bheem Dutt Joshi
- Zoological Survey of India, New Alipore, Kolkata 700053, West Bengal, India
| | - Sujeet Kumar Singh
- Zoological Survey of India, New Alipore, Kolkata 700053, West Bengal, India; Present address: Amity Institute of Forestry and Wildlife, Amity University, Noida 201303, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Vinaya Kumar Singh
- Zoological Survey of India, New Alipore, Kolkata 700053, West Bengal, India
| | - Gul Jabin
- Zoological Survey of India, New Alipore, Kolkata 700053, West Bengal, India
| | - Avijit Ghosh
- Zoological Survey of India, New Alipore, Kolkata 700053, West Bengal, India
| | - Supriyo Dalui
- Zoological Survey of India, New Alipore, Kolkata 700053, West Bengal, India
| | - Abhishek Singh
- Zoological Survey of India, New Alipore, Kolkata 700053, West Bengal, India
| | | | - Stanzin Dolker
- Zoological Survey of India, New Alipore, Kolkata 700053, West Bengal, India
| | - Tanoy Mukherjee
- Zoological Survey of India, New Alipore, Kolkata 700053, West Bengal, India
| | - Amira Sharief
- Zoological Survey of India, New Alipore, Kolkata 700053, West Bengal, India
| | - Vineet Kumar
- Zoological Survey of India, New Alipore, Kolkata 700053, West Bengal, India
| | - Hemant Singh
- Zoological Survey of India, New Alipore, Kolkata 700053, West Bengal, India
| | - Avantika Thapa
- Zoological Survey of India, New Alipore, Kolkata 700053, West Bengal, India
| | | | - Ritam Dutta
- Zoological Survey of India, New Alipore, Kolkata 700053, West Bengal, India
| | | | - Inder Singh
- Zoological Survey of India, New Alipore, Kolkata 700053, West Bengal, India
| | - Balram Singh Mehar
- Zoological Survey of India, New Alipore, Kolkata 700053, West Bengal, India
| | - Kailash Chandra
- Zoological Survey of India, New Alipore, Kolkata 700053, West Bengal, India
| | - Lalit Kumar Sharma
- Zoological Survey of India, New Alipore, Kolkata 700053, West Bengal, India
| | - Mukesh Thakur
- Zoological Survey of India, New Alipore, Kolkata 700053, West Bengal, India.
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4
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Wang S, Li Y, Zhou J, Jiang K, Chen J, Ye Z, Xue H, Bu W. The anthropogenic effect of land use on population genetics of Malcus inconspicuus. Evol Appl 2022; 16:98-110. [PMID: 36699121 PMCID: PMC9850013 DOI: 10.1111/eva.13512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the beginning of the Holocene era, human activities have seriously impacted animal habitats and vegetative environments. Species that are dependent on natural habitats or with narrow niches might be more severely affected by habitat changes. Malcus inconspicuus is distributed in subtropical China and highly dependent on the mountain environment. Our study investigated the role of the mountainous landscape in the historical evolution of M. inconspicuus and the impact of Holocene human activities on it. A phylogeographical approach was implemented with integrative datasets including double-digest restriction site-associated DNA (ddRAD), mitochondrial data, and distribution data. Three obvious clades and an east-west phylogeographical pattern were found in subtropical China. Mountainous landscape has "multifaceted" effects on the evolutionary history of M. inconspicuus, it has contributed to population differentiation, provided glacial refuges, and provided population expansion corridors during the postglacial period. The effective population size (Ne) of M. inconspicuus showed a sharp decline during the Holocene era, which revealed a significantly negative correlation with the development of cropland in a hilly area at the same time and space. It supported that the species which are highly dependent on natural habitats might undergo greater impact when the habitat was damaged by agricultural activities and we should pay more attention to them, especially in the land development of their distribution areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shujing Wang
- Institute of Entomology, College of Life SciencesNankai UniversityTianjinChina
| | - Yanfei Li
- Institute of Entomology, College of Life SciencesNankai UniversityTianjinChina
| | - Jiayue Zhou
- Institute of Entomology, College of Life SciencesNankai UniversityTianjinChina
| | - Kun Jiang
- Institute of Entomology, College of Life SciencesNankai UniversityTianjinChina
| | - Juhong Chen
- Institute of Entomology, College of Life SciencesNankai UniversityTianjinChina
| | - Zhen Ye
- Institute of Entomology, College of Life SciencesNankai UniversityTianjinChina
| | - Huaijun Xue
- Institute of Entomology, College of Life SciencesNankai UniversityTianjinChina
| | - Wenjun Bu
- Institute of Entomology, College of Life SciencesNankai UniversityTianjinChina
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5
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Dueck LA, Steffens EA. Historical genetic diversity and population structure of wild red pandas (Ailurus fulgens) in Nepal. Mamm Biol 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s42991-022-00272-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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Hu Y, Bernatchez L. Fuwen Wei-Recipient of the 2021 Molecular Ecology Prize. Mol Ecol 2021; 31:31-36. [PMID: 34962012 DOI: 10.1111/mec.16306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yibo Hu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing, China
| | - Louis Bernatchez
- Institut de Biologie Intégrative et des Systèmes (IBIS), Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
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7
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Goździewska-Harłajczuk K, Hamouzová P, Klećkowska-Nawrot J, Čížek P. The tongue of the red panda ( Ailurus fulgens fulgens Cuvier, 1825)-a stereoscopy, light microscopy and ultrastructural analysis. PeerJ 2021; 9:e12559. [PMID: 34900445 PMCID: PMC8627657 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.12559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
In the light of recent molecular studies, there are two phylogenetic species of the red panda (Ailurus fulgens): Ailurus fulgens fulgens and Ailurus fulgens styani. The red panda belongs to the endangered species living in the wild only in Asia and is included in the CITES list. Although the biology and diet of this species has been extensively described, the histological structure of the tongue and lingual glands has not yet been characterized in detail in relation to the lifestyle of this mammal under specific conditions and as a basis for comparative anatomical studies of the biodiversity of endemic species. Study samples were collected from two adult males of Ailurus fulgens f. held in Wrocław Zoological Garden. Both tongues were examined macroscopically; moreover, samples with lingual papillae for light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were collected from the apex, body and root of the tongue. Both tongues of the Ailurus fulgens f. males were approximately 9 cm long. The dorsal lingual surface was covered with mechanical and gustatory lingual papillae. Filiform papillae were observed on the apex and the body of the tongue, while small conical papillae were observed on the root of the tongue. An elongated, 1-1.5 cm long cylinder-shaped lyssa was observed in the ventral part of the apex. Moreover, most numerous and largest round in shape fungiform papillae were observed on the apex and on the border of the body and root of the tongue, located directly rostrally to 12-13 round and oval in shape vallate papillae. The SEM study showed that filiform papillae on the apex had several long secondary processes, while filiform papillae on the body of the tongue were taller and their secondary papillae were shorter than the equivalent structures on the apex of the tongue. The SEM study showed numerous taste pores on the surface of the fungiform papilla, while irregular surface of the vallate papillae, however some of them had smoother surface. Mixed glands (comprised of mucous acini and serous acini) were present within the vallum (within the connective tissue core) of the vallate papilla. Beneath the papillae more serous glands were observed, while the posterior lingual glands in the caudal part of the root of the tongue were mucoserous (mucous units were prevalent). A characteristic feature of the tongue of Ailurus fulgens f. was the presence of lyssa, which is comparable to other representatives of Carnivora, but the number of vallate papillae was individually variable. The lack of strongly developed mechanical conical papillae probably may be related to the type of plant food that is particularly dominant in red panda. Further differences between Ailurus fulgens f. and Ailurus fulgens s. cannot be excluded. The results of these studies may be useful especially for veterinarians specializing in working with exotic animals and people dealing with wildlife conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Goździewska-Harłajczuk
- Department of Biostructure and Animal Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Pavla Hamouzová
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Joanna Klećkowska-Nawrot
- Department of Biostructure and Animal Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Petr Čížek
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
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8
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Sun Z, Orozco-terWengel P, Chen G, Sun R, Sun L, Wang H, Shi W, Zhang B. Spatial dynamics of Chinese Muntjac related to past and future climate fluctuations. Curr Zool 2021; 67:361-370. [PMID: 34616935 PMCID: PMC8489110 DOI: 10.1093/cz/zoaa080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Climate fluctuations in the past and in the future are likely to result in population expansions, shifts, or the contraction of the ecological niche of many species, and potentially leading to the changes in their geographical distributions. Prediction of suitable habitats has been developed as a useful tool for the assessment of habitat suitability and resource conservation to protect wildlife. Here, we model the ancestral demographic history of the extant modern Chinese Muntjac Muntiacus reevesi populations using approximate Bayesian computation (ABC) and used the maximum entropy model to simulate the past and predict the future spatial dynamics of the species under climate oscillations. Our results indicated that the suitable habitats for the M. reevesi shifted to the Southeast and contracted during the Last Glacial Maximum, whereas they covered a broader and more northern position in the Middle Holocene. The ABC analyses revealed that the modern M. reevesi populations diverged in the Middle Holocene coinciding with the significant contraction of the highly suitable habitat areas. Furthermore, our predictions suggest that the potentially suitable environment distribution for the species will expand under all future climate scenarios. These results indicated that the M. reevesi diverged in the recent time after the glacial period and simultaneously as its habitat’s expanded in the Middle Holocene. Furthermore, the past and future climate fluctuation triggered the change of Chinese muntjac spatial distribution, which has great influence on the Chinese muntjac’s population demographic history.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhonglou Sun
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui University, Hefei, 230601, China
| | | | - Guotao Chen
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui University, Hefei, 230601, China
| | - Ruolei Sun
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui University, Hefei, 230601, China
| | - Lu Sun
- Key Laboratory for Plant Diversity and Biogeography of East Asia, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, China
| | - Hui Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui University, Hefei, 230601, China
| | - Wenbo Shi
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui University, Hefei, 230601, China
| | - Baowei Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui University, Hefei, 230601, China
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9
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Rana Magar Y, Dhamala MK, Mathema A, Chauhan R, Bhatta S. On the impact of earthquake-induced landslides on Red Panda Ailurus fulgens (Mammalia: Carnivora: Ailuridae) habitat in Langtang National Park, Nepal. JOURNAL OF THREATENED TAXA 2021. [DOI: 10.11609/jott.6451.13.9.19191-19202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
In addition to the threats of human encroachment, infrastructure development, tourism activities, habitat fragmentation, and human-wildlife interactions, natural disasters also pose a threat to the habitat of endangered species such as the Red Panda. This study aims to assess the impact of the 2015 Gorkha earthquake-induced landslides on the Red Panda’s habitat in Langtang National Park (LNP), central Nepal Himalaya. Remote sensing and geographical information system were applied to estimate the potential and core habitats of the Red Panda, and collect information on earthquake-induced landslides. Field sampling and verification of remotely collected data were done within a year of the earthquake. Considering preferred vegetation types, elevation range, aspects, distance from water sources, and Red Panda presence points, an area of 214.34 km2 was estimated as the potential habitat of Red Panda in the Park. Thirty-nine landslides were identified in LNP triggered by the Gorkha earthquake, 14 of which occurred in the core Red Panda habitat. As a result of the earthquake-induced landslides, a significant decrease in tree density was observed in the areas affected by the landslides. Similarly, the bamboo cover was observed to be significantly lower in the areas affected by landslides compared to the unaffected adjacent areas. The average size of the landslide, causing damage to the Red Panda habitat was 0.8 ha. The potential habitat damaged by the earthquake-induced landslide was estimated to be 11.20 ha which is equivalent to the habitat required by one Red Panda. The findings could be useful in initiating restoration of the damaged Red Panda habitat in LNP.
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Karki S, Maraseni T, Mackey B, Bista D, Lama ST, Gautam AP, Sherpa AP, Koju U, Shrestha A, Cadman T. Reaching over the gap: A review of trends in and status of red panda research over 193 years (1827-2020). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 781:146659. [PMID: 33794452 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.146659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2020] [Revised: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The red panda is a unique species taxonomically known for its peculiar biological and ecological characteristics, and extreme attractiveness. Despite being highly significant from conservation, scientific and economic perspectives, this species has experienced a declining population in the wild. Thus, to direct further research priorities and conservation actions and assess gaps in the current research trend of this species, a systematic literature review was conducted covering 175 journal articles published in English over 193 years (1827-2020). This review revealed that (1) the biological aspect was highly studied compared to other thematic areas of red panda (2) captive-based studies are relatively higher than the studies based in wild populations (3) China is leading the red panda studies amongst all red panda range (4) The universities were found contributing more to red panda studies than other institutions. Surprisingly, we found that the researchers from the non-range country were leading red panda study than those from range countries. Our review highlighted the need of prioritising studies in underrepresented locations and understudied thematic areas focusing on the assessment of climate change impact, bamboo distribution status, ecosystem services of red panda habitat, behavior and movement ecology, population estimation, and metapopulation dynamics. We urge landscape-level studies and long-term population monitoring. Besides, we also suggest the documentation and evaluation of the effectiveness of ongoing red panda-focused conservation programs. We also stress the need for strengthening the capacity of institutions and people from range countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sikha Karki
- Cities Research Institute, Griffith University, Australia.
| | | | - Brendan Mackey
- Griffith Climate Action Beacon, Griffith University, Australia
| | - Damber Bista
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Australia
| | | | | | | | - Upama Koju
- Kathmandu Forestry College, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | | | - Tim Cadman
- Institute for Ethics, Governance and Law, Griffith University, Australia
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Dong X, Zhang J, Gu X, Wang Y, Bai W, Huang Q. Evaluating habitat suitability and potential dispersal corridors across the distribution landscape of the Chinese red panda (Ailurus styani) in Sichuan, China. Glob Ecol Conserv 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2021.e01705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
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12
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Dueck LA. Genetic assessment of captive red pandas (Ailurus fulgens) in American zoos to address management separation by putative subspecies. Zoo Biol 2021; 40:238-251. [PMID: 33689172 DOI: 10.1002/zoo.21597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2020] [Revised: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Red pandas (Ailurus fulgens) are small charismatic mammals native across montane southern Asia, now endangered by human impacts. They are considered "living fossils" as the sole member of a distinct family, warranting higher conservation priority. Therefore, ex situ breeding programs were initiated to prevent extinction and act as genetic reservoirs for reintroduction, although complicated by apparent taxonomic subdivision. This study investigated whether the separation of captive red pandas in the North American Species Survival Plan® by putative subspecies was justified. A 383-bp segment of mitochondrial DNA control region was therefore sequenced from 67 members representing matriarchal lineages of both groups. A network analysis placed the 11 haplotypes found into separate but closely connected clusters, with one group more strongly related than the other. Statistical analyses and diversity indices corroborated differentiation between the two management units. Phylogenetic analyses employing multiple outgroups confirmed, although not robustly, reciprocal monophyly of the four- and seven-haplotype clades representing putative subspecies Ailurus fulgens fulgens and Ailurus fulgens styani, respectively. These empirical results are adequate to justify continued independent management of these zoo subpopulations, but cannot be definitive for taxonomic classification due to limited sampling from their native range. They will, however, be useful in evaluating long-term genetic diversity changes, focusing management efforts on newly revealed evolutionary limitations, and comparing with an assessment of wild red pandas to determine how representative zoo populations are for reintroduction purposes. Maintaining genetic diversity and population structure of endangered species is essential to protect evolutionary potential and adaptations for long-term sustainability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy A Dueck
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Aiken, South Carolina, USA
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13
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Dalui S, Singh SK, Joshi BD, Ghosh A, Basu S, Khatri H, Sharma LK, Chandra K, Thakur M. Geological and Pleistocene glaciations explain the demography and disjunct distribution of red panda (A. fulgens) in eastern Himalayas. Sci Rep 2021; 11:65. [PMID: 33420314 PMCID: PMC7794540 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-80586-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Pleistocene glaciations facilitated climatic oscillations that caused for enormous heterogeneity in landscapes, and consequently affected demography and distribution patterns of the mountain endemic species. In this context, we investigated demographic history and population genetic structure of red panda, distributed along the geographical proximity in the southern edge of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. Bayesian based phylogeny demonstrated that red panda diverged about 0.30 million years ago (CI 0.23-0.39) into two phylogenetic (sub) species, that correspond to the middle-late Pleistocene transition. The observed intraspecific clades with respect to Himalayan and Chinese red panda indicated restricted gene flow resulting from the Pleistocene glaciations in the eastern and southern Tibetan Plateau. We found Himalayan red panda population at least in KL-India declined abruptly in last 5-10 thousand years after being under demographic equilibrium. We suggest revisiting the ongoing conservation activities through cross border collaboration by developing multi-nationals, and multi-lateral species-oriented conservation action plans to support the red panda populations in transboundary landscapes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Supriyo Dalui
- grid.473833.80000 0001 2291 2164Zoological Survey of India, New Alipore, Kolkata, West Bengal 700053 India ,grid.59056.3f0000 0001 0664 9773Department of Zoology, University of Calcutta, Kolkata, West Bengal 700019 India
| | - Sujeet Kumar Singh
- grid.473833.80000 0001 2291 2164Zoological Survey of India, New Alipore, Kolkata, West Bengal 700053 India
| | - Bheem Dutt Joshi
- grid.473833.80000 0001 2291 2164Zoological Survey of India, New Alipore, Kolkata, West Bengal 700053 India
| | - Avijit Ghosh
- grid.473833.80000 0001 2291 2164Zoological Survey of India, New Alipore, Kolkata, West Bengal 700053 India ,grid.59056.3f0000 0001 0664 9773Department of Zoology, University of Calcutta, Kolkata, West Bengal 700019 India
| | - Shambadeb Basu
- grid.473833.80000 0001 2291 2164Zoological Survey of India, New Alipore, Kolkata, West Bengal 700053 India
| | - Hiren Khatri
- grid.473833.80000 0001 2291 2164Zoological Survey of India, New Alipore, Kolkata, West Bengal 700053 India
| | - Lalit Kumar Sharma
- grid.473833.80000 0001 2291 2164Zoological Survey of India, New Alipore, Kolkata, West Bengal 700053 India
| | - Kailash Chandra
- grid.473833.80000 0001 2291 2164Zoological Survey of India, New Alipore, Kolkata, West Bengal 700053 India
| | - Mukesh Thakur
- grid.473833.80000 0001 2291 2164Zoological Survey of India, New Alipore, Kolkata, West Bengal 700053 India
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14
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Dalui S, Khatri H, Singh SK, Basu S, Ghosh A, Mukherjee T, Sharma LK, Singh R, Chandra K, Thakur M. Fine-scale landscape genetics unveiling contemporary asymmetric movement of red panda (Ailurus fulgens) in Kangchenjunga landscape, India. Sci Rep 2020; 10:15446. [PMID: 32963325 PMCID: PMC7508845 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-72427-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Wildlife management in rapid changing landscapes requires critical planning through cross cutting networks, and understanding of landscape features, often affected by the anthropogenic activities. The present study demonstrates fine-scale spatial patterns of genetic variation and contemporary gene flow of red panda (Ailurus fulgens) populations with respect to landscape connectivity in Kangchenjunga Landscape (KL), India. The study found about 1,309.54 km2 area suitable for red panda in KL-India, of which 62.21% area fell under the Protected Area network. We identified 24 unique individuals from 234 feces collected at nine microsatellite loci. The spatially explicit and non-explicit Bayesian clustering algorithms evident to exhibit population structuring and supported red panda populations to exist in meta-population frame work. In concurrence to the habitat suitability and landscape connectivity models, gene flow results supported a contemporary asymmetric movement of red panda by connecting KL-India in a crescent arc. We demonstrate the structural-operational connectivity of corridors in KL-India that facilitated red panda movement in the past. We also seek for cooperation in Nepal, Bhutan and China to aid in preparing for a comprehensive monitoring plan for the long-term conservation and management of red panda in trans-boundary landscapes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Supriyo Dalui
- Zoological Survey of India, New Alipore, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700053, India
- Department of Zoology, University of Calcutta, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700019, India
| | - Hiren Khatri
- Zoological Survey of India, New Alipore, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700053, India
- Amity Institute of Forestry and Wildlife, Amity University Campus, Sector-125, Noida, UP, 201303, India
| | - Sujeet Kumar Singh
- Zoological Survey of India, New Alipore, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700053, India
| | - Shambadeb Basu
- Zoological Survey of India, New Alipore, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700053, India
| | - Avijit Ghosh
- Zoological Survey of India, New Alipore, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700053, India
- Department of Zoology, University of Calcutta, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700019, India
| | - Tanoy Mukherjee
- Zoological Survey of India, New Alipore, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700053, India
- Department of Zoology, University of Calcutta, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700019, India
| | - Lalit Kumar Sharma
- Zoological Survey of India, New Alipore, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700053, India
| | - Randeep Singh
- Amity Institute of Forestry and Wildlife, Amity University Campus, Sector-125, Noida, UP, 201303, India
| | - Kailash Chandra
- Zoological Survey of India, New Alipore, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700053, India
| | - Mukesh Thakur
- Zoological Survey of India, New Alipore, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700053, India.
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15
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The Genetic Diversity and Population Genetic Structure of the Red Panda, Ailurus fulgens, in Zoos in China. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10061008. [PMID: 32526877 PMCID: PMC7341189 DOI: 10.3390/ani10061008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2020] [Revised: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In China, red pandas (Ailurus fulgens) have been raised in zoos for 60 years. It is very important to understand the genetic diversity and population genetic structure of the captive red pandas. Based on 19 microsatellite loci, we investigated genetic diversity and population genetic structure of 116 captive red pandas, with samples taken from 11 captive populations in China. Our results revealed a high genetic diversity among the populations, with mean allelic richness varying from 3.505 (Beijing) to 4.026 (Mianning), and expected heterozygosities varying from 0.631 (Huangshan) to 0.782 (Wenling). In particular, significant deviation from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium was found in populations of Fuzhou and Jiangsu. The genetic differentiation index across all populations was 0.055, indicating a significant genetic differentiation among the 11 populations. These populations could be divided into three genetic clusters using a microsatellite-based Bayesian clustering analysis, which were consistent with the clustering results of wild populations. We conclude that the genetic diversity among captive red pandas is as high as that of the wild population. More attention should be paid to develop a proper and scientifically-based management program to avoid inbreeding and maintain a high genetic diversity in captive red pandas.
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16
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Hu Y, Thapa A, Wei F. Ailurus fulgens (Himalayan Red Panda) and Ailurus styani (Chinese Red Panda). Trends Genet 2020; 36:624-625. [PMID: 32389375 DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2020.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2020] [Accepted: 04/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yibo Hu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; Center for Excellence in Animal Evolution and Genetics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China.
| | - Arjun Thapa
- CAS Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Fuwen Wei
- CAS Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; Center for Excellence in Animal Evolution and Genetics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
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17
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Hu Y, Thapa A, Fan H, Ma T, Wu Q, Ma S, Zhang D, Wang B, Li M, Yan L, Wei F. Genomic evidence for two phylogenetic species and long-term population bottlenecks in red pandas. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2020; 6:eaax5751. [PMID: 32133395 PMCID: PMC7043915 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aax5751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2019] [Accepted: 12/04/2019] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
The red panda (Ailurus fulgens), an endangered Himalaya-endemic mammal, has been classified as two subspecies or even two species - the Himalayan red panda (A. fulgens) and the Chinese red panda (Ailurus styani) - based on differences in morphology and biogeography. However, this classification has remained controversial largely due to lack of genetic evidence, directly impairing scientific conservation management. Data from 65 whole genomes, 49 Y-chromosomes, and 49 mitochondrial genomes provide the first comprehensive genetic evidence for species divergence in red pandas, demonstrating substantial inter-species genetic divergence for all three markers and correcting species-distribution boundaries. Combined with morphological evidence, these data thus clearly define two phylogenetic species in red pandas. We also demonstrate different demographic trajectories in the two species: A. styani has experienced two population bottlenecks and one large population expansion over time, whereas A. fulgens has experienced three bottlenecks and one very small expansion, resulting in very low genetic diversity, high linkage disequilibrium, and high genetic load.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yibo Hu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Center for Excellence in Animal Evolution and Genetics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
| | - Arjun Thapa
- CAS Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Huizhong Fan
- CAS Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Tianxiao Ma
- CAS Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qi Wu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shuai Ma
- CAS Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Dongling Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Bing Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Min Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Li Yan
- CAS Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Fuwen Wei
- CAS Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Center for Excellence in Animal Evolution and Genetics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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18
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Yu W, Wu B, Wang X, Yao Z, Li Y, Liu Y. Scale-dependent effects of habitat fragmentation on the genetic diversity of Actinidia chinensis populations in China. HORTICULTURE RESEARCH 2020; 7:172. [PMID: 33082978 PMCID: PMC7553913 DOI: 10.1038/s41438-020-00401-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Revised: 07/25/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Spatial scale partly explains the differentiated effects of habitat fragmentation on plant biodiversity, but the mechanisms remain unclear. To investigate the effects of habitat fragmentation on genetic diversity at different scales, we sampled Actinidia chinensis Planch. at broad and fine scales, China. The broad-scale sampling included five mountain populations and one oceanic island population (Zhoushan Archipelago), and the fine-scale sampling covered 11 lake islands and three neighboring land populations in Thousand-Island Lake (TIL). These populations were genotyped at 30 microsatellite loci, and genetic diversity, gene flow, and genetic differentiation were evaluated. Genetic differentiation was positively related to geographical distance at the broad scale, indicating an isolation-by-distance effect of habitat fragmentation on genetic diversity. The oceanic population differed from the mainland populations and experienced recent bottleneck events, but it showed high gene flow with low genetic differentiation from a mountain population connected by the Yangtze River. At the fine scale, no negative genetic effects of habitat fragmentation were found because seed dispersal with water facilitates gene flow between islands. The population size of A. chinensis was positively correlated with the area of TIL islands, supporting island biogeography theory, but no correlation was found between genetic diversity and island area. Our results highlight the scale-dependent effects of habitat fragmentation on genetic diversity and the importance of connectivity between island-like isolated habitats at both the broad and fine scales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenhao Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, 8 Dayangfang, 100012 Beijing, China
| | - Baofeng Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, 8 Dayangfang, 100012 Beijing, China
| | - Xinyu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, 8 Dayangfang, 100012 Beijing, China
| | - Zhi Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, 8 Dayangfang, 100012 Beijing, China
| | - Yonghua Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, 8 Dayangfang, 100012 Beijing, China
| | - Yongbo Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, 8 Dayangfang, 100012 Beijing, China
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19
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Kuang WM, Ming C, Li HP, Wu H, Frantz L, Roos C, Zhang YP, Zhang CL, Jia T, Yang JY, Yu L. The Origin and Population History of the Endangered Golden Snub-Nosed Monkey (Rhinopithecus roxellana). Mol Biol Evol 2019; 36:487-499. [PMID: 30481341 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msy220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The origin and population history of the endangered golden snub-nosed monkey (Rhinopithecus roxellana) remain largely unavailable and/or controversial. We here integrate analyses of multiple genomic markers, including mitochondrial (mt) genomes, Y-chromosomes, and autosomes of 54 golden monkey individuals from all three geographic populations (SG, QL, and SNJ). Our results reveal contrasting population structures. Mt analyses suggest a division of golden monkeys into five lineages: one in SNJ, two in SG, and two in QL. One of the SG lineages (a mixed SG/QL lineage) is basal to all other lineages. In contrast, autosomal analyses place SNJ as the most basal lineage and identify one QL and three SG lineages. Notably, Y-chromosome analyses bear features similar to mt analyses in placing the SG/QL-mixed lineage as the first diverging lineage and dividing SG into two lineages, while resembling autosomal analyses in identifying one QL lineage. We further find bidirectional gene flow among all three populations at autosomal loci, while asymmetric gene flow is suggested at mt genomes and Y-chromosomes. We propose that different population structures and gene flow scenarios are the result of sex-linked differences in the dispersal pattern of R. roxellana. Moreover, our demographic simulation analyses support an origin hypothesis suggesting that the ancestral R. roxellana population was once widespread and then divided into SNJ and non-SNJ (SG and QL) populations. This differs from previous mt-based "mono-origin (SG is the source population)" and "multiorigin (SG is a fusion of QL and SNJ)" hypotheses. We provide a detailed and refined scenario for the origin and population history of this endangered primate species, which has a broader significance for Chinese biogeography. In addition, this study highlights the importance to investigate multiple genomic markers with different modes of inheritance to trace the complete evolutionary history of a species, especially for those exhibiting differential or mixed patterns of sex dispersal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Min Kuang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resource in Yunnan, Yunnan University, Kunming, China.,School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
| | - Chen Ming
- CAS Key Laboratory of Computational Biology, CAS-MPG Partner Institute for Computational Biology, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Hai-Peng Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Computational Biology, CAS-MPG Partner Institute for Computational Biology, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,Center for Excellence in Animal Evolution and Genetics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
| | - Hong Wu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resource in Yunnan, Yunnan University, Kunming, China.,School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
| | - Laurent Frantz
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kindom.,The Palaeogenomics and Bio-Archaeology Research Network, Department of Archaeology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Christian Roos
- Gene Bank of Primates and Primate Genetics Laboratory, German Primate Center, Leibniz Institute for Primate Research, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Ya-Ping Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China.,Center for Excellence in Animal Evolution and Genetics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
| | - Cheng-Lin Zhang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Captive Wildlife Technologies, Beijing Zoo, Beijing, China
| | - Ting Jia
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Captive Wildlife Technologies, Beijing Zoo, Beijing, China
| | | | - Li Yu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resource in Yunnan, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
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20
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Thapa A, Wu R, Hu Y, Nie Y, Singh PB, Khatiwada JR, Yan L, Gu X, Wei F. Predicting the potential distribution of the endangered red panda across its entire range using MaxEnt modeling. Ecol Evol 2018; 8:10542-10554. [PMID: 30464826 PMCID: PMC6238126 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.4526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2017] [Revised: 07/05/2018] [Accepted: 08/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
An upsurge in anthropogenic impacts has hastened the decline of the red panda (Ailurus fulgens). The red panda is a global conservation icon, but holistic conservation management has been hampered by research being restricted to certain locations and population clusters. Building a comprehensive potential habitat map for the red panda is imperative to advance the conservation effort and ensure coordinated management across international boundaries. Here, we use occurrence records of both subspecies of red pandas from across their entire range to build a habitat model using the maximum entropy algorithm (MaxEnt 3.3.3k) and the least correlated bioclimatic variables. We found that the subspecies have separate climatic spaces dominated by temperature-associated variables in the eastern geographic distribution limit and precipitation-associated variables in the western distribution limit. Annual precipitation (BIO12) and maximum temperature in the warmest months (BIO5) were major predictors of habitat suitability for A. f. fulgens and A. f. styani, respectively. Our model predicted 134,975 km2 of red panda habitat based on 10 percentile thresholds in China (62% of total predicted habitat), Nepal (15%), Myanmar (9%), Bhutan (9%), and India (5%). Existing protected areas (PAs) encompass 28% of red panda habitat, meaning the PA network is currently insufficient and alternative conservation mechanisms are needed to protect the habitat. Bhutan's PAs provide good coverage for the red panda habitat. Furthermore, large areas of habitat were predicted in cross-broader areas, and transboundary conservation will be necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arjun Thapa
- Key Lab of Animal Ecology and Conservation BiologyInstitute of ZoologyChinese Academy of SciencesChaoyang, BeijingChina
- International CollegeUniversity of Chinese Academy of ScienceBeijingChina
| | - Ruidong Wu
- Institute of International Rivers and Eco‐SecurityYunnan UniversityKunmingYunnanChina
| | - Yibo Hu
- Key Lab of Animal Ecology and Conservation BiologyInstitute of ZoologyChinese Academy of SciencesChaoyang, BeijingChina
| | - Yonggang Nie
- Key Lab of Animal Ecology and Conservation BiologyInstitute of ZoologyChinese Academy of SciencesChaoyang, BeijingChina
| | - Paras B. Singh
- Key Lab of Animal Ecology and Conservation BiologyInstitute of ZoologyChinese Academy of SciencesChaoyang, BeijingChina
- International CollegeUniversity of Chinese Academy of ScienceBeijingChina
| | - Janak R. Khatiwada
- International CollegeUniversity of Chinese Academy of ScienceBeijingChina
- Chengdu Institute of BiologyChinese Academy of ScienceChengduSichuanChina
| | - Li Yan
- Key Lab of Animal Ecology and Conservation BiologyInstitute of ZoologyChinese Academy of SciencesChaoyang, BeijingChina
| | - Xiaodong Gu
- Sichuan Forestry DepartmentWildlife Conservation DivisionChengduSichuanChina
| | - Fuwen Wei
- Key Lab of Animal Ecology and Conservation BiologyInstitute of ZoologyChinese Academy of SciencesChaoyang, BeijingChina
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21
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Sun Z, Wang H, Zhou W, Shi W, Zhu W, Zhang B. How rivers and historical climate oscillations impact on genetic structure in Chinese Muntjac ( Muntiacus reevesi)? DIVERS DISTRIB 2018. [DOI: 10.1111/ddi.12833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Zhonglou Sun
- School of Life Sciences; Anhui Key Laboratory of Eco-engineering and Bio-technique; Anhui University; Hefei Anhui China
- Department of Medicine; University of Utah; Salt Lake City Utah USA
| | - Hui Wang
- School of Life Sciences; Anhui Key Laboratory of Eco-engineering and Bio-technique; Anhui University; Hefei Anhui China
| | - Wenliang Zhou
- School of Life Sciences; Anhui Key Laboratory of Eco-engineering and Bio-technique; Anhui University; Hefei Anhui China
| | - Wenbo Shi
- School of Life Sciences; Anhui Key Laboratory of Eco-engineering and Bio-technique; Anhui University; Hefei Anhui China
| | - Weiquan Zhu
- Department of Medicine; University of Utah; Salt Lake City Utah USA
| | - Baowei Zhang
- School of Life Sciences; Anhui Key Laboratory of Eco-engineering and Bio-technique; Anhui University; Hefei Anhui China
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22
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Nüchel J, Bøcher PK, Xiao W, Zhu AX, Svenning JC. Snub-nosed monkeys ( Rhinopithecus): potential distribution and its implication for conservation. BIODIVERSITY AND CONSERVATION 2018; 27:1517-1538. [PMID: 31258260 PMCID: PMC6560942 DOI: 10.1007/s10531-018-1507-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2016] [Revised: 01/09/2018] [Accepted: 01/17/2018] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Many threatened species have undergone range retraction, and are confined to small fragmented populations. To increase their survival prospects, it is necessary to find suitable habitat outside their current range, to increase and interconnect populations. Species distribution models may be used to this purpose and can be an important part of the conservation strategies. One pitfall is that such mapping will typically assume that the current distribution represents the optimal habitat, which may not be the case for threatened species. Here, we use maximum entropy modelling (Maxent) and rectilinear bioclimatic envelope modelling with current and historical distribution data, together with the location of protected areas, and environmental and anthropogenic variables, to answer three key questions for the conservation of Rhinopithecus, a highly endangered genus of primates consisting of five species of which three are endemic to China, one is endemic to China and Myanmar and one is endemic to Vietnam; Which environmental variables best predict the distribution? To what extent is Rhinopithecus living in an anthropogenically truncated niche space? What is the genus’ potential distribution in the region? Mean temperature of coldest and warmest quarter together with annual precipitation and precipitation during the driest quarter were the variables that best explained Rhinopithecus’ distribution. The historical records were generally in warmer and wetter areas and in lower elevation than the current distribution, strongly suggesting that Rhinopithecus today survives in an anthropogenic truncated niche space. There is 305,800–319,325 km2 of climatic suitable area within protected areas in China, of which 96,525–100,275 km2 and 17,175–17,550 km2 have tree cover above 50 and 75%, respectively. The models also show that the area predicted as climatic suitable using Maxent was 72–89% larger when historical records were included. Our results emphasise the importance of considering historical records when assessing restoration potential and show that there is high potential for restoring Rhinopithecus to parts of its former range.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas Nüchel
- Section for Ecoinformatics & Biodiversity, Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Ny Munkegade 114, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
- Sino-Danish Center for Education and Research, Beijing, 100101 China
| | - Peder Klith Bøcher
- Section for Ecoinformatics & Biodiversity, Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Ny Munkegade 114, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Wen Xiao
- Institute of Eastern-Himalaya Biodiversity Research, Dali University, Dali, 671003 Yunnan China
| | - A-Xing Zhu
- School of Geography, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023 Jiangsu China
- State Key Laboratory of Resources and Environmental Information System, Institute of Geographical Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101 China
- Department of Geography, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 550 North Park Street, Madison, WI 53706 USA
| | - Jens-Christian Svenning
- Section for Ecoinformatics & Biodiversity, Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Ny Munkegade 114, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
- Center for Biodiversity Dynamics in a Changing World (BIOCHANGE), Aarhus University, Ny Munkegade 114, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
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23
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Sun Z, Pan T, Wang H, Pang M, Zhang B. Yangtze River, an insignificant genetic boundary in tufted deer ( Elaphodus cephalophus): the evidence from a first population genetics study. PeerJ 2016; 4:e2654. [PMID: 27843712 PMCID: PMC5103815 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.2654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2016] [Accepted: 10/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Great rivers were generally looked at as the geographical barrier to gene flow for many taxonomic groups. The Yangtze River is the third largest river in the world, and flows across South China and into the East China Sea. Up until now, few studies have been carried out to evaluate its effect as a geographical barrier. In this study, we attempted to determine the barrier effect of the Yangtze River on the tufted deer (Elaphodus cephalophus) using the molecular ecology approach. Using mitochondrial DNA control region (CR) sequences and 13 nuclear microsatellite loci, we explored the genetic structure and gene flow in two adjacent tufted deer populations (Dabashan and Wulingshan populations), which are separated by the Yangtze River. Results indicated that there are high genetic diversity levels in the two populations, but no distinguishable haplotype group or potential genetic cluster was detected which corresponded to specific geographical population. At the same time, high gene flow was observed between Wulingshan and Dabashan populations. The tufted deer populations experienced population decrease from 0.3 to 0.09 Ma BP, then followed by a distinct population increase. A strong signal of recent population decline (T = 4,396 years) was detected in the Wulingshan population by a Markov-Switching Vector Autoregressions(MSVAR) process population demography analysis. The results indicated that the Yangtze River may not act as an effective barrier to gene flow in the tufted deer. Finally, we surmised that the population demography of the tufted deer was likely affected by Pleistocene climate fluctuations and ancient human activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhonglou Sun
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Tao Pan
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Hui Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Mujia Pang
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Baowei Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui University, Hefei, Anhui, China.,School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
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24
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Kumar A, Rai U, Roka B, Jha AK, Reddy PA. Genetic assessment of captive red panda ( Ailurus fulgens) population. SPRINGERPLUS 2016; 5:1750. [PMID: 27795893 PMCID: PMC5055525 DOI: 10.1186/s40064-016-3437-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2015] [Accepted: 09/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Red panda (Ailurus fulgens) is threatened across its range by detrimental human activities and rapid habitat changes necessitating captive breeding programs in various zoos globally to save this flagship species from extinction. One of the ultimate aims of ex situ conservation is reintroduction of endangered animals into their natural habitats while maintaining 90 % of the founder genetic diversity. Advances in molecular genetics and microsatellite genotyping techniques make it possible to accurately estimate genetic diversity of captive animals of unknown ancestry. Here we assess genetic diversity of the red panda population in Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, Darjeeling, which plays a pivotal role in ex situ conservation of red panda in India. We generated microsatellite genotypes of fifteen red pandas with a set of fourteen loci. This population is genetically diverse with 68 % observed heterozygosity (HO) and mean inbreeding (FIS) coefficient of 0.05. However population viability analysis reveals that this population has a very low survival probability (<2 %) and will rapidly loose its genetic diversity to 37 % mainly due to small population size and skewed male-biased sex ratio. Regular supplementation with a pair of adult individuals every five years will increase survival probability and genetic diversity to 99 and 61 % respectively and will also support future harvesting of individuals for reintroduction into the wild and exchange with other zoos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arun Kumar
- CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Uppal Road, Hyderabad, 500 007 India
| | - Upashna Rai
- Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, Darjeeling, 734101 India
| | - Bhupen Roka
- Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, Darjeeling, 734101 India
| | - Alankar K Jha
- Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, Darjeeling, 734101 India
| | - P Anuradha Reddy
- CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Uppal Road, Hyderabad, 500 007 India
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Wang D, Hu Y, Ma T, Nie Y, Xie Y, Wei F. Noninvasive genetics provides insights into the population size and genetic diversity of an Amur tiger population in China. Integr Zool 2015; 11:16-24. [PMID: 26663614 DOI: 10.1111/1749-4877.12176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Understanding population size and genetic diversity is critical for effective conservation of endangered species. The Amur tiger (Panthera tigris altaica) is the largest felid and a flagship species for wildlife conservation. Due to habitat loss and human activities, available habitat and population size are continuously shrinking. However, little is known about the true population size and genetic diversity of wild tiger populations in China. In this study, we collected 55 fecal samples and 1 hair sample to investigate the population size and genetic diversity of wild Amur tigers in Hunchun National Nature Reserve, Jilin Province, China. From the samples, we determined that 23 fecal samples and 1 hair sample were from 7 Amur tigers: 2 males, 4 females and 1 individual of unknown sex. Interestingly, 2 fecal samples that were presumed to be from tigers were from Amur leopards, highlighting the significant advantages of noninvasive genetics over traditional methods in studying rare and elusive animals. Analyses from this sample suggested that the genetic diversity of wild Amur tigers is much lower than that of Bengal tigers, consistent with previous findings. Furthermore, the genetic diversity of this Hunchun population in China was lower than that of the adjoining subpopulation in southwest Primorye Russia, likely due to sampling bias. Considering the small population size and relatively low genetic diversity, it is urgent to protect this endangered local subpopulation in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yibo Hu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Tianxiao Ma
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yonggang Nie
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Xie
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Fuwen Wei
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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Molecular sex identification of red panda (Ailurus fulgens) suitable for noninvasive genetic studies. EUR J WILDLIFE RES 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s10344-015-0928-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Maceda-Veiga A, Figuerola J, Martínez-Silvestre A, Viscor G, Ferrari N, Pacheco M. Inside the Redbox: applications of haematology in wildlife monitoring and ecosystem health assessment. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2015; 514:322-332. [PMID: 25668285 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2015.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2014] [Revised: 01/31/2015] [Accepted: 02/01/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Blood analyses have great potential in studies of ecology, ecotoxicology and veterinary science in wild vertebrates based on advances in human and domestic animal medicine. The major caveat for field researchers, however, is that the 'rules' for human or domestic animal haematology do not always apply to wildlife. The present overview shows the strengths and limitations of blood analyses in wild vertebrates, and proposes a standardisation of pre-analytical procedures plus some suggestions for a more systematic examination of blood smears to increase the diagnostic value of blood data. By discussing the common problems that field researchers face with blood variables, we also aim to highlight common ground enabling new researchers in the field to accurately collect blood samples and interpret and place their haematological findings into the overall picture of an ecological or eco-toxicological study. Besides showing the practicality and ecological relevance of simple blood variables, this study illustrates the suitability of blood samples for the application of cutting-edge analytical procedures for expanding the current repertoire of diagnostic tools in wildlife monitoring and ecosystem health assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Maceda-Veiga
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3AX, UK; Institute of Research in Biodiversity (IRBio), Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, ES-08028 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Jordi Figuerola
- Department of Wetland Ecology, Estación Biológica de Doñana-CSIC, ES-41092 Sevilla, Spain
| | | | - Ginés Viscor
- Department of Animal Physiology (Biology), Universitat de Barcelona, ES-08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Nicola Ferrari
- Department of Veterinary Sciences and Public Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, IT-16 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Mário Pacheco
- Department of Biology, Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies-CESAM, Universidade de Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
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An B, Zhang L, Liu N, Wang Y. Refugia persistence of Qinghai-Tibetan plateau by the cold-tolerant bird Tetraogallus tibetanus (Galliformes: Phasianidae). PLoS One 2015; 10:e0121118. [PMID: 25822918 PMCID: PMC4378977 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0121118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2014] [Accepted: 02/10/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Most of the temperate species are expected to have moved to lower altitudes during the glacial periods of the Quaternary. Here we tested this hypothesis in a cold-tolerant avian species Tibetan snowcock (Tetraogallus tibetanus) using two segments of mitochondrial gene (a 705bp Cytochrome-b; abbrev. Cyt-b and an 854 bp Control Region; abbrev. CR) and eight microsatellite loci by characterizing population differentiation and gene flow across its range. Combined (Cyt-b + CR) datasets detected several partially lineages with poor support. Microsatellite data, however, identified two distinct lineages congruent with the geographically separated western and central regions of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau (QTP). The phylogeographic patterns that we observed might be explained by a combination of vicariance events that led to local isolation of T. tibetanus during warm periods and range expansions and population intermixing during cold periods. The results of this study add to our knowledge of population differentiation and connectivity in high altitude mountain ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bei An
- School of Basic Medicine Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Lixun Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Biomonitoring and Bioremediation for Environmental Pollution, Lanzhou, China
- * E-mail: (LZ); (NL)
| | - Naifa Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- * E-mail: (LZ); (NL)
| | - Ying Wang
- Pediatric Research Institute, Qilu Children's Hospital of Shandong University, Ji'nan, Shandong, China
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Ancient and contemporary DNA reveal a pre-human decline but no population bottleneck associated with recent human persecution in the kea (Nestor notabilis). PLoS One 2015; 10:e0118522. [PMID: 25719752 PMCID: PMC4342260 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0118522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2014] [Accepted: 11/19/2014] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The impact of population bottlenecks is an important factor to consider when assessing species survival. Population declines can considerably limit the evolutionary potential of species and make them more susceptible to stochastic events. New Zealand has a well documented history of decline of endemic avifauna related to human colonization. Here, we investigate the genetic effects of a recent population decline in the endangered kea (Nestor notabilis). Kea have undergone a long-lasting persecution between the late 1800s to 1970s where an estimated 150,000 kea were culled under a governmental bounty scheme. Kea now number 1,000–5,000 individuals in the wild and it is likely that the recent population decline may have reduced the genetic diversity of the species. Comparison of contemporary (n = 410), historical (n = 15) and fossil samples (n = 4) showed a loss of mitochondrial diversity since the end of the last glaciation (Otiran Glacial) but no loss of overall genetic diversity associated with the cull. Microsatellite data indicated a recent bottleneck for only one population and a range-wide decline in Ne dating back some 300 – 6,000 years ago, a period predating European arrival in NZ. These results suggest that despite a recent human persecution, kea might have experienced a large population decline before stabilizing in numbers prior to human settlement of New Zealand in response to Holocene changes in habitat distribution. Our study therefore highlights the need to understand the respective effects of climate change and human activities on endangered species dynamics when proposing conservation guidelines.
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Wei F, Hu Y, Yan L, Nie Y, Wu Q, Zhang Z. Giant pandas are not an evolutionary cul-de-sac: evidence from multidisciplinary research. Mol Biol Evol 2014; 32:4-12. [PMID: 25274274 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msu278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) is one of the world's most endangered mammals and remains threatened by environmental and anthropogenic pressure. It is commonly argued that giant pandas are an evolutionary cul-de-sac because of their specialized bamboo diet, phylogenetic changes in body size, small population, low genetic diversity, and low reproductive rate. This notion is incorrect, arose from a poor understanding or appreciation of giant panda biology, and is in need of correction. In this review, we summarize research across morphology, ecology, and genetics to dispel the idea, once and for all, that giant pandas are evolutionary dead-end. The latest and most advanced research shows that giant pandas are successful animals highly adapted to a specialized bamboo diet via morphological, ecological, and genetic adaptations and coadaptation of gut microbiota. We also debunk misconceptions around population size, population growth rate, and genetic variation. During their evolutionary history spanning 8 My, giant pandas have survived diet specialization, massive bamboo flowering and die off, and rapid climate oscillations. Now, they are suffering from enormous human interference. Fortunately, continued conservation effort is greatly reducing impacts from anthropogenic interference and allowing giant panda populations and habitat to recover. Previous ideas of a giant panda evolutionary cul-de-sac resulted from an unsystematic and unsophisticated understanding of their biology and it is time to shed this baggage and focus on the survival and maintenance of this high-profile species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fuwen Wei
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yibo Hu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Li Yan
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yonggang Nie
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qi Wu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zejun Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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Aimé C, Verdu P, Ségurel L, Martinez-Cruz B, Hegay T, Heyer E, Austerlitz F. Microsatellite data show recent demographic expansions in sedentary but not in nomadic human populations in Africa and Eurasia. Eur J Hum Genet 2014; 22:1201-7. [PMID: 24518830 DOI: 10.1038/ejhg.2014.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2013] [Revised: 12/10/2013] [Accepted: 12/12/2013] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The transition from hunting and gathering to plant and animal domestication was one of the most important cultural and technological revolutions in human history. According to archeologists and paleoanthropologists, this transition triggered major demographic expansions. However, few genetic studies have found traces of Neolithic expansions in the current repartition of genetic polymorphism, pointing rather toward Paleolithic expansions. Here, we used microsatellite autosomal data to investigate the past demographic history of 87 African and Eurasian human populations with contrasted lifestyles (nomadic hunter-gatherers, semi-nomadic herders and sedentary farmers). Likely due to the combination of a higher mutation rate and the possibility to analyze several loci as independent replicates of the coalescent process, the analysis of microsatellite data allowed us to infer more recent expansions than previous genetic studies, potentially resulting from the Neolithic transition. Despite the variability in their location and environment, we found consistent expansions for all sedentary farmers, while we inferred constant population sizes for all hunter-gatherers and most herders that could result from constraints linked to a nomadic or semi-nomadic lifestyle and/or competition for land between herders and farmers. As an exception, we inferred expansions for Central Asian herders. This might be linked with the arid environment of this area that may have been more favorable to nomadic herders than to sedentary farmers. Alternatively, current Central Asian herders may descent from populations who have first experienced a transition from hunter-gathering to sedentary agropastoralism, and then a second transition to nomadic herding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Aimé
- Laboratoire d'Eco-Anthropologie et Ethnobiologie, UMR 7206, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle-Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique-Université Paris 7 Diderot, Paris, France
| | - Paul Verdu
- Laboratoire d'Eco-Anthropologie et Ethnobiologie, UMR 7206, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle-Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique-Université Paris 7 Diderot, Paris, France
| | - Laure Ségurel
- Laboratoire d'Eco-Anthropologie et Ethnobiologie, UMR 7206, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle-Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique-Université Paris 7 Diderot, Paris, France
| | - Begoña Martinez-Cruz
- Integrative Ecology Group, Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD-CSIC), Sevilla, Spain
| | - Tatyana Hegay
- Academy of Sciences, Institute of Immunology, Tashkent, Uzbekistan
| | - Evelyne Heyer
- Laboratoire d'Eco-Anthropologie et Ethnobiologie, UMR 7206, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle-Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique-Université Paris 7 Diderot, Paris, France
| | - Frédéric Austerlitz
- Laboratoire d'Eco-Anthropologie et Ethnobiologie, UMR 7206, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle-Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique-Université Paris 7 Diderot, Paris, France
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Human influence on the population decline and loss of genetic diversity in a small and isolated population of Sichuan snub-nosed monkeys (Rhinopithecus roxellana). Genetica 2012; 140:105-14. [DOI: 10.1007/s10709-012-9662-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2011] [Accepted: 06/07/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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