1
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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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2
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Dussex N, Tørresen OK, van der Valk T, Le Moullec M, Veiberg V, Tooming-Klunderud A, Skage M, Garmann-Aarhus B, Wood J, Rasmussen JA, Pedersen ÅØ, Martin SL, Røed KH, Jakobsen KS, Dalén L, Hansen BB, Martin MD. Adaptation to the High-Arctic island environment despite long-term reduced genetic variation in Svalbard reindeer. iScience 2023; 26:107811. [PMID: 37744038 PMCID: PMC10514459 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Typically much smaller in number than their mainland counterparts, island populations are ideal systems to investigate genetic threats to small populations. The Svalbard reindeer (Rangifer tarandus platyrhynchus) is an endemic subspecies that colonized the Svalbard archipelago ca. 6,000-8,000 years ago and now shows numerous physiological and morphological adaptations to its arctic habitat. Here, we report a de-novo chromosome-level assembly for Svalbard reindeer and analyze 133 reindeer genomes spanning Svalbard and most of the species' Holarctic range, to examine the genomic consequences of long-term isolation and small population size in this insular subspecies. Empirical data, demographic reconstructions, and forward simulations show that long-term isolation and high inbreeding levels may have facilitated the reduction of highly deleterious-and to a lesser extent, moderately deleterious-variation. Our study indicates that long-term reduced genetic diversity did not preclude local adaptation to the High Arctic, suggesting that even severely bottlenecked populations can retain evolutionary potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Dussex
- Department of Natural History, University Museum, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Erling Skakkes gate 47A, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Ole K. Tørresen
- Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis (CEES), Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, PO Box 1066 Blindern, N-0316 Oslo, Norway
| | - Tom van der Valk
- Centre for PalaeoGenetics, Svante Arrhenius väg 20C, SE 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Bioinformatics and Genetics, Swedish Museum of Natural History, SE 104 05 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mathilde Le Moullec
- Centre for Biodiversity Dynamics, Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), NO 7491 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Vebjørn Veiberg
- Department of Terrestrial Ecology, Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA), NO 7034 Trondheim, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Ave Tooming-Klunderud
- Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis (CEES), Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, PO Box 1066 Blindern, N-0316 Oslo, Norway
| | - Morten Skage
- Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis (CEES), Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, PO Box 1066 Blindern, N-0316 Oslo, Norway
| | - Benedicte Garmann-Aarhus
- Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis (CEES), Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, PO Box 1066 Blindern, N-0316 Oslo, Norway
- Natural History Museum, University of Oslo, NO 0318 Oslo, Norway
| | - Jonathan Wood
- Tree of Life, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton CB10 1SA Cambridge, UK
| | - Jacob A. Rasmussen
- Department of Natural History, University Museum, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Erling Skakkes gate 47A, Trondheim, Norway
- Globe Institute, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Sarah L.F. Martin
- Department of Natural History, University Museum, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Erling Skakkes gate 47A, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Knut H. Røed
- Department of Preclinical Sciences and Pathology, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, P.O. Box 5003, 1432 Ås, Norway
| | - Kjetill S. Jakobsen
- Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis (CEES), Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, PO Box 1066 Blindern, N-0316 Oslo, Norway
| | - Love Dalén
- Centre for PalaeoGenetics, Svante Arrhenius väg 20C, SE 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Bioinformatics and Genetics, Swedish Museum of Natural History, SE 104 05 Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Zoology, Stockholm University, SE-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Brage B. Hansen
- Centre for Biodiversity Dynamics, Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), NO 7491 Trondheim, Norway
- Department of Terrestrial Ecology, Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA), NO 7034 Trondheim, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Michael D. Martin
- Department of Natural History, University Museum, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Erling Skakkes gate 47A, Trondheim, Norway
- Centre for Biodiversity Dynamics, Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), NO 7491 Trondheim, Norway
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3
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Dussex N, Morales HE, Grossen C, Dalén L, van Oosterhout C. Purging and accumulation of genetic load in conservation. Trends Ecol Evol 2023; 38:961-969. [PMID: 37344276 DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2023.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
Our ability to assess the threat posed by the genetic load to small and declining populations has been greatly improved by advances in genome sequencing and computational approaches. Yet, considerable confusion remains around the definitions of the genetic load and its dynamics, and how they impact individual fitness and population viability. We illustrate how both selective purging and drift affect the distribution of deleterious mutations during population size decline and recovery. We show how this impacts the composition of the genetic load, and how this affects the extinction risk and recovery potential of populations. We propose a framework to examine load dynamics and advocate for the introduction of load estimates in the management of endangered populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Dussex
- Department of Natural History, NTNU University Museum, Erling Skakkes Gate 47A, 7012 Trondheim, Norway.
| | - Hernán E Morales
- Center for Evolutionary Hologenomics, Globe Institute, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, DK-2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Christine Grossen
- WSL Swiss Federal Research Institute, CH-8903 Birmensdorf, Switzerland
| | - Love Dalén
- Centre for Palaeogenetics, Svante Arrhenius väg 20C, SE-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Cock van Oosterhout
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, NR4 7TJ Norwich, UK
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4
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Kardos M, Zhang Y, Parsons KM, A Y, Kang H, Xu X, Liu X, Matkin CO, Zhang P, Ward EJ, Hanson MB, Emmons C, Ford MJ, Fan G, Li S. Inbreeding depression explains killer whale population dynamics. Nat Ecol Evol 2023; 7:675-686. [PMID: 36941343 DOI: 10.1038/s41559-023-01995-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the factors that cause endangered populations to either grow or decline is crucial for preserving biodiversity. Conservation efforts often address extrinsic threats, such as environmental degradation and overexploitation, that can limit the recovery of endangered populations. Genetic factors such as inbreeding depression can also affect population dynamics but these effects are rarely measured in the wild and thus often neglected in conservation efforts. Here we show that inbreeding depression strongly influences the population dynamics of an endangered killer whale population, despite genomic signatures of purging of deleterious alleles via natural selection. We find that the 'Southern Residents', which are currently endangered despite nearly 50 years of conservation efforts, exhibit strong inbreeding depression for survival. Our population models suggest that this inbreeding depression limits population growth and predict further decline if the population remains genetically isolated and typical environmental conditions continue. The Southern Residents also had more inferred homozygous deleterious alleles than three other, growing, populations, further suggesting that inbreeding depression affects population fitness. These results demonstrate that inbreeding depression can substantially limit the recovery of endangered populations. Conservation actions focused only on extrinsic threats may therefore fail to account for key intrinsic genetic factors that also limit population growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marty Kardos
- Northwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - Yaolei Zhang
- BGI-Qingdao, BGI-Shenzhen, Qingdao, China
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
| | - Kim M Parsons
- Northwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Yunga A
- BGI-Qingdao, BGI-Shenzhen, Qingdao, China
| | - Hui Kang
- Marine Mammal and Marine Bioacoustics Laboratory, Institute of Deep-sea Science and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya, China
| | - Xun Xu
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xin Liu
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
| | | | - Peijun Zhang
- Marine Mammal and Marine Bioacoustics Laboratory, Institute of Deep-sea Science and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya, China
| | - Eric J Ward
- Northwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - M Bradley Hanson
- Northwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Candice Emmons
- Northwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Michael J Ford
- Northwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - Guangyi Fan
- BGI-Qingdao, BGI-Shenzhen, Qingdao, China.
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Genomics, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Songhai Li
- Marine Mammal and Marine Bioacoustics Laboratory, Institute of Deep-sea Science and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya, China.
- Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China.
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5
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Romanov MN, Da Y, Chemnick LG, Thomas SM, Dandekar SS, Papp JC, Ryder OA. Towards a Genetic Linkage Map of the California Condor, an Endangered New World Vulture Species. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12233266. [PMID: 36496789 PMCID: PMC9739316 DOI: 10.3390/ani12233266] [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: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of a linkage map is an important component for promoting genetic and genomic studies in California condors, an endangered New World vulture species. Using a set of designed anonymous microsatellite markers, we genotyped a reference condor population involving 121 individuals. After marker validation and genotype filtering, the genetic linkage analysis was performed using 123 microsatellite loci. This resulted in the identification of 15 linkage groups/subgroups that formed a first-generation condor genetic map, while no markers linked to a lethal chondrodystrophy mutation were found. A panel of polymorphic markers that is instrumental in molecular parentage diagnostics and other genetic studies in the California condor was selected. Further condor conservation genomics research will be focused on updating the linkage map and integrating it with cytogenetic and BAC-based physical maps and ultimately with the genome sequence assembly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael N. Romanov
- Conservation Genetics, Beckman Center for Conservation Research, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, Escondido, CA 92027, USA
- Correspondence:
| | - Yang Da
- Department of Animal Science, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN 55108, USA
| | - Leona G. Chemnick
- Conservation Genetics, Beckman Center for Conservation Research, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, Escondido, CA 92027, USA
| | - Steven M. Thomas
- Conservation Genetics, Beckman Center for Conservation Research, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, Escondido, CA 92027, USA
| | - Sugandha S. Dandekar
- Human Genetics Department, GenoSeq Core, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Jeanette C. Papp
- Human Genetics Department, GenoSeq Core, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Oliver A. Ryder
- Conservation Genetics, Beckman Center for Conservation Research, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, Escondido, CA 92027, USA
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6
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Genetic approaches for increasing fitness in endangered species. Trends Ecol Evol 2022; 37:332-345. [PMID: 35027225 DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2021.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The global rate of wildlife extinctions is accelerating, and the persistence of many species requires conservation breeding programs. A central paradigm of these programs is to preserve the genetic diversity of the founder populations. However, this may preserve original characteristics that make them vulnerable to extinction. We introduce targeted genetic intervention (TGI) as an alternative approach that promotes traits that enable species to persist in the face of threats by changing the incidence of alleles that impact on fitness. The TGI toolkit includes methods with established efficacy in model organisms and agriculture but are largely untried for conservation, such as synthetic biology and artificial selection. We explore TGI approaches as a species-restoration tool for intractable threats including infectious disease and climate change.
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7
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Kardos M, Armstrong EE, Fitzpatrick SW, Hauser S, Hedrick PW, Miller JM, Tallmon DA, Funk WC. The crucial role of genome-wide genetic variation in conservation. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:e2104642118. [PMID: 34772759 PMCID: PMC8640931 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2104642118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The unprecedented rate of extinction calls for efficient use of genetics to help conserve biodiversity. Several recent genomic and simulation-based studies have argued that the field of conservation biology has placed too much focus on conserving genome-wide genetic variation, and that the field should instead focus on managing the subset of functional genetic variation that is thought to affect fitness. Here, we critically evaluate the feasibility and likely benefits of this approach in conservation. We find that population genetics theory and empirical results show that conserving genome-wide genetic variation is generally the best approach to prevent inbreeding depression and loss of adaptive potential from driving populations toward extinction. Focusing conservation efforts on presumably functional genetic variation will only be feasible occasionally, often misleading, and counterproductive when prioritized over genome-wide genetic variation. Given the increasing rate of habitat loss and other environmental changes, failure to recognize the detrimental effects of lost genome-wide genetic variation on long-term population viability will only worsen the biodiversity crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marty Kardos
- Northwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Seattle, WA 98112;
| | | | - Sarah W Fitzpatrick
- W.K. Kellogg Biological Station, Michigan State University, Hickory Corners, MI 49060
- Department of Integrative Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824
- Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824
| | - Samantha Hauser
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI 53211
| | - Philip W Hedrick
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287
| | - Joshua M Miller
- San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, Escondido, CA 92027
- Polar Bears International, Bozeman, MT 59772
- Department of Biological Sciences, MacEwan University, Edmonton, AB T5J 4S2, Canada
| | - David A Tallmon
- Biology and Marine Biology Program, University of Alaska Southeast, Juneau, AK 99801
| | - W Chris Funk
- Department of Biology, Graduate Degree Program in Ecology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523
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8
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Ryder OA, Thomas S, Judson JM, Romanov MN, Dandekar S, Papp JC, Sidak-Loftis LC, Walker K, Stalis IH, Mace M, Steiner CC, Chemnick LG. Facultative Parthenogenesis in California Condors. J Hered 2021; 112:569-574. [PMID: 34718632 PMCID: PMC8683835 DOI: 10.1093/jhered/esab052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Parthenogenesis is a relatively rare event in birds, documented in unfertilized eggs from columbid, galliform, and passerine females with no access to males. In the critically endangered California condor, parentage analysis conducted utilizing polymorphic microsatellite loci has identified two instances of parthenogenetic development from the eggs of two females in the captive breeding program, each continuously housed with a reproductively capable male with whom they had produced offspring. Paternal genetic contribution to the two chicks was excluded. Both parthenotes possessed the expected male ZZ sex chromosomes and were homozygous for all evaluated markers inherited from their dams. These findings represent the first molecular marker-based identification of facultative parthenogenesis in an avian species, notably of females in regular contact with fertile males, and add to the phylogenetic breadth of vertebrate taxa documented to have reproduced via asexual reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver A Ryder
- Conservation Genetics, Beckman Center for Conservation Research, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, Escondido, CA 92027, USA
| | - Steven Thomas
- Conservation Genetics, Beckman Center for Conservation Research, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, Escondido, CA 92027, USA.,SGI-DNA, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Jessica Martin Judson
- Conservation Genetics, Beckman Center for Conservation Research, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, Escondido, CA 92027, USA.,W.K. Kellogg Biological Station, Michigan State University, Hickory Corners, MI 49060, USA
| | - Michael N Romanov
- Conservation Genetics, Beckman Center for Conservation Research, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, Escondido, CA 92027, USA.,School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent CT2 7NJ, UK
| | - Sugandha Dandekar
- Human Genetics Department, GenoSeq Core, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Jeanette C Papp
- Human Genetics Department, GenoSeq Core, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Lindsay C Sidak-Loftis
- Conservation Genetics, Beckman Center for Conservation Research, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, Escondido, CA 92027, USA.,Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Program in Vector-borne Diseases, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | | | - Ilse H Stalis
- Disease Investigations, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
| | - Michael Mace
- San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
| | - Cynthia C Steiner
- Conservation Genetics, Beckman Center for Conservation Research, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, Escondido, CA 92027, USA
| | - Leona G Chemnick
- Conservation Genetics, Beckman Center for Conservation Research, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, Escondido, CA 92027, USA
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9
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Foster Y, Dutoit L, Grosser S, Dussex N, Foster BJ, Dodds KG, Brauning R, Van Stijn T, Robertson F, McEwan JC, Jacobs JME, Robertson BC. Genomic signatures of inbreeding in a critically endangered parrot, the kākāpō. G3 (BETHESDA, MD.) 2021; 11:jkab307. [PMID: 34542587 PMCID: PMC8527487 DOI: 10.1093/g3journal/jkab307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Events of inbreeding are inevitable in critically endangered species. Reduced population sizes and unique life-history traits can increase the severity of inbreeding, leading to declines in fitness and increased risk of extinction. Here, we investigate levels of inbreeding in a critically endangered flightless parrot, the kākāpō (Strigops habroptilus), wherein a highly inbred island population and one individual from the mainland of New Zealand founded the entire extant population. Genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS), and a genotype calling approach using a chromosome-level genome assembly, identified a filtered set of 12,241 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) among 161 kākāpō, which together encompass the total genetic potential of the extant population. Multiple molecular-based estimates of inbreeding were compared, including genome-wide estimates of heterozygosity (FH), the diagonal elements of a genomic-relatedness matrix (FGRM), and runs of homozygosity (RoH, FRoH). In addition, we compared levels of inbreeding in chicks from a recent breeding season to examine if inbreeding is associated with offspring survival. The density of SNPs generated with GBS was sufficient to identify chromosomes that were largely homozygous with RoH distributed in similar patterns to other inbred species. Measures of inbreeding were largely correlated and differed significantly between descendants of the two founding populations. However, neither inbreeding nor ancestry was found to be associated with reduced survivorship in chicks, owing to unexpected mortality in chicks exhibiting low levels of inbreeding. Our study highlights important considerations for estimating inbreeding in critically endangered species, such as the impacts of small population sizes and admixture between diverse lineages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasmin Foster
- Department of Zoology, University of Otago, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
| | - Ludovic Dutoit
- Department of Zoology, University of Otago, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
| | - Stefanie Grosser
- Department of Zoology, University of Otago, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
| | - Nicolas Dussex
- Centre for Palaeogenetics, SE-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Bioinformatics and Genetics, Swedish Museum of Natural History, SE-104 05 Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Zoology, Stockholm University, SE-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Brodie J Foster
- Department of Zoology, University of Otago, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
| | - Ken G Dodds
- AgResearch Invermay Agricultural Centre, Mosgiel 9053, New Zealand
| | - Rudiger Brauning
- AgResearch Invermay Agricultural Centre, Mosgiel 9053, New Zealand
| | - Tracey Van Stijn
- AgResearch Invermay Agricultural Centre, Mosgiel 9053, New Zealand
| | - Fiona Robertson
- Department of Zoology, University of Otago, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
| | - John C McEwan
- AgResearch Invermay Agricultural Centre, Mosgiel 9053, New Zealand
| | | | - Bruce C Robertson
- Department of Zoology, University of Otago, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
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10
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Galla SJ, Brown L, Couch-Lewis Ngāi Tahu Te Hapū O Ngāti Wheke Ngāti Waewae Y, Cubrinovska I, Eason D, Gooley RM, Hamilton JA, Heath JA, Hauser SS, Latch EK, Matocq MD, Richardson A, Wold JR, Hogg CJ, Santure AW, Steeves TE. The relevance of pedigrees in the conservation genomics era. Mol Ecol 2021; 31:41-54. [PMID: 34553796 PMCID: PMC9298073 DOI: 10.1111/mec.16192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Revised: 09/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Over the past 50 years conservation genetics has developed a substantive toolbox to inform species management. One of the most long‐standing tools available to manage genetics—the pedigree—has been widely used to characterize diversity and maximize evolutionary potential in threatened populations. Now, with the ability to use high throughput sequencing to estimate relatedness, inbreeding, and genome‐wide functional diversity, some have asked whether it is warranted for conservation biologists to continue collecting and collating pedigrees for species management. In this perspective, we argue that pedigrees remain a relevant tool, and when combined with genomic data, create an invaluable resource for conservation genomic management. Genomic data can address pedigree pitfalls (e.g., founder relatedness, missing data, uncertainty), and in return robust pedigrees allow for more nuanced research design, including well‐informed sampling strategies and quantitative analyses (e.g., heritability, linkage) to better inform genomic inquiry. We further contend that building and maintaining pedigrees provides an opportunity to strengthen trusted relationships among conservation researchers, practitioners, Indigenous Peoples, and Local Communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie J Galla
- Department of Biological Sciences, Boise State University, Boise, Idaho, USA.,School of Biological Sciences, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand
| | - Liz Brown
- New Zealand Department of Conservation, Twizel, Canterbury, New Zealand
| | | | - Ilina Cubrinovska
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand
| | - Daryl Eason
- New Zealand Department of Conservation, Invercargill, Southland, New Zealand
| | - Rebecca M Gooley
- Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation, Front Royal, Maryland, USA.,Center for Species Survival, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, National Zoological Park, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Jill A Hamilton
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota, USA
| | - Julie A Heath
- Department of Biological Sciences, Boise State University, Boise, Idaho, USA
| | - Samantha S Hauser
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Emily K Latch
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Marjorie D Matocq
- Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Science, Program in Ecology, Evolution and Conservation Biology, University of Nevada Reno, Reno, Nevada, USA
| | - Anne Richardson
- The Isaac Conservation and Wildlife Trust, Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand
| | - Jana R Wold
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand
| | - Carolyn J Hogg
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Anna W Santure
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Tammy E Steeves
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand
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11
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Robinson JA, Bowie RCK, Dudchenko O, Aiden EL, Hendrickson SL, Steiner CC, Ryder OA, Mindell DP, Wall JD. Genome-wide diversity in the California condor tracks its prehistoric abundance and decline. Curr Biol 2021; 31:2939-2946.e5. [PMID: 33989525 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2021.04.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Due to their small population sizes, threatened and endangered species frequently suffer from a lack of genetic diversity, potentially leading to inbreeding depression and reduced adaptability.1 During the latter half of the twentieth century, North America's largest soaring bird,2 the California condor (Gymnogyps californianus; Critically Endangered3), briefly went extinct in the wild. Though condors once ranged throughout North America, by 1982 only 22 individuals remained. Following decades of captive breeding and release efforts, there are now >300 free-flying wild condors and ∼200 in captivity. The condor's recent near-extinction from lead poisoning, poaching, and loss of habitat is well documented,4 but much about its history remains obscure. To fill this gap and aid future management of the species, we produced a high-quality chromosome-length genome assembly for the California condor and analyzed its genome-wide diversity. For comparison, we also examined the genomes of two close relatives: the Andean condor (Vultur gryphus; Vulnerable3) and the turkey vulture (Cathartes aura; Least Concern3). The genomes of all three species show evidence of historic population declines. Interestingly, the California condor genome retains a high degree of variation, which our analyses reveal is a legacy of its historically high abundance. Correlations between genome-wide diversity and recombination rate further suggest a history of purifying selection against linked deleterious alleles, boding well for future restoration. We show how both long-term evolutionary forces and recent inbreeding have shaped the genome of the California condor, and provide crucial genomic resources to enable future research and conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline A Robinson
- Institute for Human Genetics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | - Rauri C K Bowie
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA; Museum of Vertebrate Zoology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Olga Dudchenko
- The Center for Genome Architecture, Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA; Center for Theoretical and Biological Physics, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Erez Lieberman Aiden
- The Center for Genome Architecture, Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA; Center for Theoretical and Biological Physics, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA; Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, ShanghaiTech, Pudong, China; Faculty of Science, UWA School of Agriculture and Environment, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | | | - Cynthia C Steiner
- San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, Beckman Center for Conservation Research, Escondido, CA, USA
| | - Oliver A Ryder
- San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, Beckman Center for Conservation Research, Escondido, CA, USA; Department of Evolution, Behavior, and Ecology, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - David P Mindell
- Museum of Vertebrate Zoology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Jeffrey D Wall
- Institute for Human Genetics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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12
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Pacheco MA, Parish CN, Hauck TJ, Aguilar RF, Escalante AA. The endangered California Condor (Gymnogyps californianus) population is exposed to local haemosporidian parasites. Sci Rep 2020; 10:17947. [PMID: 33087805 PMCID: PMC7578645 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-74894-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The endangered California Condor (Gymnogyps californianus) is the largest New World Vulture in North America. Despite recovery program success in saving the species from extinction, condors remain compromised by lead poisoning and limited genetic diversity. The latter makes this species especially vulnerable to infectious diseases. Thus, taking advantage of the program of blood lead testing in Arizona, condor blood samples from 2008 to 2018 were screened for haemosporidian parasites using a nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) protocol that targets the parasite mitochondrial cytochrome b gene. Plasmodium homopolare (Family Plasmodiidae, Order Haemosporida, Phylum Apicomplexa), was detected in condors captured in 2014 and 2017. This is the first report of a haemosporidian species infecting California Condors, and the first evidence of P. homopolare circulating in the Condor population from Arizona. Although no evidence of pathogenicity of P. homopolare in Condors was found, this study showed that the California Condors from Arizona are exposed to haemosporidian parasites that likely are spilling over from other local bird species. Thus, active surveillance should be an essential part of conservation efforts to mitigate the impact of infectious diseases, an increasingly recognized cause of global wildlife extinctions worldwide, particularly in avian populations considered vulnerable or endangered.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Andreína Pacheco
- Biology Department/Institute of Genomics and Evolutionary Medicine (iGEM), Temple University (SERC - 645), 1925 N. 12th St., Philadelphia, PA, 19122-1801, USA.
| | - Chris N Parish
- The Peregrine Fund, 5668 West Flying Hawk Lane, Boise, ID, 83709, USA
| | - Timothy J Hauck
- The Peregrine Fund, 5668 West Flying Hawk Lane, Boise, ID, 83709, USA
| | - Roberto F Aguilar
- Tucson Wildlife Center, 13275 East Speedway, Tucson, AZ, 85748-7125, USA
| | - Ananias A Escalante
- Biology Department/Institute of Genomics and Evolutionary Medicine (iGEM), Temple University (SERC - 645), 1925 N. 12th St., Philadelphia, PA, 19122-1801, USA.
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13
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Zhu Y, Grueber C, Li Y, He M, Hu L, He K, Liu H, Zhang H, Wu H. MHC-associated Baylisascaris schroederi load informs the giant panda reintroduction program. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-PARASITES AND WILDLIFE 2020; 12:113-120. [PMID: 32528846 PMCID: PMC7283101 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2020.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Revised: 05/24/2020] [Accepted: 05/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Reintroducing captive giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) to the wild is the ultimate goal of their ex situ conservation. Choosing higher fitness candidates to train prior to release is the first step in the giant panda reintroduction program. Disease resistance is one important index of individual fitness and presumed to be related to variation at major histocompatibility complex genes (MHC). Here, we used seven polymorphic functional MHC genes (Aime-C, Aime-I, Aime-L, Aime-DQA1, Aime-DQA2, Aime-DQB1 and Aime-DRB3) and estimate their relationship with Baylisascaris schroederi (Ascarididae) infection in giant panda. We found that DQA1 heterozygous pandas were less frequently infected than homozygotes. The presence of one MHC genotype and one MHC allele were also associated with B. schroederi infection: Aime-C*0203 and Aime-L*08 were both associated with B. schroederi resistance. Our results indicate that both heterozygosity and certain MHC variants are important for panda disease resistance, and should therefore be considered in future reintroduction programs for this species alongside conventional selection criteria (such as physical condition and pedigree-based information). MHC heterozygous pandas were less frequently infected by Baylisascaris schroederi than homozygotes. Presence of Aime-C*0203 and Aime-L*08 are associated with Baylisascaris schroederi resistance. MHC types are important for panda parasite resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Zhu
- Sichuan Province Laboratory for Natural Resources Protection and Sustainable Utilization, Sichuan Provincial Academy of Natural Resource Sciences, Chengdu, China.,Faculty of Science, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Catherine Grueber
- Faculty of Science, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Yudong Li
- Sichuan Province Laboratory for Natural Resources Protection and Sustainable Utilization, Sichuan Provincial Academy of Natural Resource Sciences, Chengdu, China
| | - Ming He
- China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda, Dujiangyan, Sichuan, China
| | - Lan Hu
- China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda, Dujiangyan, Sichuan, China
| | - Ke He
- College of Animal Sciences & Technology, Zhejiang A & F University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hongyi Liu
- College of Biology and the Environment, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hemin Zhang
- China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda, Dujiangyan, Sichuan, China
| | - Honglin Wu
- China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda, Dujiangyan, Sichuan, China
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14
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Kardos M, Shafer AB. The Peril of Gene-Targeted Conservation. Trends Ecol Evol 2018; 33:827-839. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2018.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2018] [Revised: 08/27/2018] [Accepted: 08/28/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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15
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Sutton JT, Helmkampf M, Steiner CC, Bellinger MR, Korlach J, Hall R, Baybayan P, Muehling J, Gu J, Kingan S, Masuda BM, Ryder OA. A High-Quality, Long-Read De Novo Genome Assembly to Aid Conservation of Hawaii's Last Remaining Crow Species. Genes (Basel) 2018; 9:genes9080393. [PMID: 30071683 PMCID: PMC6115840 DOI: 10.3390/genes9080393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2018] [Revised: 07/23/2018] [Accepted: 07/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Genome-level data can provide researchers with unprecedented precision to examine the causes and genetic consequences of population declines, which can inform conservation management. Here, we present a high-quality, long-read, de novo genome assembly for one of the world’s most endangered bird species, the ʻAlalā (Corvus hawaiiensis; Hawaiian crow). As the only remaining native crow species in Hawaiʻi, the ʻAlalā survived solely in a captive-breeding program from 2002 until 2016, at which point a long-term reintroduction program was initiated. The high-quality genome assembly was generated to lay the foundation for both comparative genomics studies and the development of population-level genomic tools that will aid conservation and recovery efforts. We illustrate how the quality of this assembly places it amongst the very best avian genomes assembled to date, comparable to intensively studied model systems. We describe the genome architecture in terms of repetitive elements and runs of homozygosity, and we show that compared with more outbred species, the ʻAlalā genome is substantially more homozygous. We also provide annotations for a subset of immunity genes that are likely to be important in conservation management, and we discuss how this genome is currently being used as a roadmap for downstream conservation applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jolene T Sutton
- Department of Biology, University of Hawaii at Hilo, Hilo, HI 96720, USA.
| | - Martin Helmkampf
- Department of Biology, University of Hawaii at Hilo, Hilo, HI 96720, USA.
| | - Cynthia C Steiner
- Institute for Conservation Research, San Diego Zoo, Escondido, CA 92027, USA.
| | - M Renee Bellinger
- Department of Biology, University of Hawaii at Hilo, Hilo, HI 96720, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | - Jenny Gu
- Pacific Biosciences, Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA.
| | | | - Bryce M Masuda
- Institute for Conservation Research, San Diego Zoo Global, Volcano, HI 96785, USA.
| | - Oliver A Ryder
- Institute for Conservation Research, San Diego Zoo, Escondido, CA 92027, USA.
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16
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Lucena-Perez M, Soriano L, López-Bao JV, Marmesat E, Fernández L, Palomares F, Godoy JA. Reproductive biology and genealogy in the endangered Iberian lynx: Implications for conservation. Mamm Biol 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mambio.2017.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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17
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Kardos M, Taylor HR, Ellegren H, Luikart G, Allendorf FW. Genomics advances the study of inbreeding depression in the wild. Evol Appl 2016; 9:1205-1218. [PMID: 27877200 PMCID: PMC5108213 DOI: 10.1111/eva.12414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 143] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2016] [Accepted: 08/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Inbreeding depression (reduced fitness of individuals with related parents) has long been a major focus of ecology, evolution, and conservation biology. Despite decades of research, we still have a limited understanding of the strength, underlying genetic mechanisms, and demographic consequences of inbreeding depression in the wild. Studying inbreeding depression in natural populations has been hampered by the inability to precisely measure individual inbreeding. Fortunately, the rapidly increasing availability of high-throughput sequencing data means it is now feasible to measure the inbreeding of any individual with high precision. Here, we review how genomic data are advancing our understanding of inbreeding depression in the wild. Recent results show that individual inbreeding and inbreeding depression can be measured more precisely with genomic data than via traditional pedigree analysis. Additionally, the availability of genomic data has made it possible to pinpoint loci with large effects contributing to inbreeding depression in wild populations, although this will continue to be a challenging task in many study systems due to low statistical power. Now that reliably measuring individual inbreeding is no longer a limitation, a major focus of future studies should be to more accurately quantify effects of inbreeding depression on population growth and viability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marty Kardos
- Department of Evolutionary BiologyEvolutionary Biology CentreUppsala UniversityUppsalaSweden
| | | | - Hans Ellegren
- Department of Evolutionary BiologyEvolutionary Biology CentreUppsala UniversityUppsalaSweden
| | - Gordon Luikart
- Division of Biological SciencesUniversity of MontanaMissoulaMTUSA
- Flathead Lake Biological StationDivision of Biological SciencesUniversity of MontanaPolsonMTUSA
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18
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Yashima AS, Innan H. varver: a database of microsatellite variation in vertebrates. Mol Ecol Resour 2016; 17:824-833. [PMID: 27796069 DOI: 10.1111/1755-0998.12625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2015] [Revised: 09/24/2016] [Accepted: 10/04/2016] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Understanding how genetic variation is maintained within a species is important in ecology, evolution, conservation and population genetics. Tremendous efforts have been made to evaluate the patterns of genetic variation in natural populations of various species. For this purpose, microsatellites have played a major role since the 1990s. Here we describe a comprehensive database, varver (Variation in Vertebrates) that provides complete information regarding microsatellite variation in natural populations of vertebrates. For each species, varver includes basic information of the species, a list of publications reporting the microsatellite variation, and tables of genetic variation within and between populations (heterozygosity and FST ). The geographic location and rough sampling range are also shown for each sampled population. The database should be useful for researchers interested in not only specific species but also comparing multiple species. We discuss the utility of microsatellite data, particularly for meta-analyses that involve multiple microsatellite loci from various species. We show that in such analyses, it is extremely important to correct for biases caused by differences in mutation rate, mainly due to repeat unit and number.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akiko Sato Yashima
- Department of Evolutionary Studies of Biosystems, Graduate University for Advanced Studies (SOKENDAI), Hayama, Kanagawa, 240-0193, Japan.,Department of Mathematical Engineering, Musashino University, 3-3-3 Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo, 135-8181, Japan
| | - Hideki Innan
- Department of Evolutionary Studies of Biosystems, Graduate University for Advanced Studies (SOKENDAI), Hayama, Kanagawa, 240-0193, Japan
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19
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Pryor DL, Ralls K. Fourteen tail feathers: An autosomal recessive trait in california condors (Gymnogyps californianus). Zoo Biol 2016; 36:1-4. [PMID: 27862255 DOI: 10.1002/zoo.21335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2016] [Revised: 09/30/2016] [Accepted: 10/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Eight pairs of California Condors (Gymnogyps californianus) have produced 12 chicks with 14 tail feathers instead of the normal 12. The 14 tail feather trait appears to follow an autosomal recessive pattern of inheritance and is not known to be deleterious. The putative allele for the trait was present in at least seven of the 13 founders of the population. The 14 tail feather allele is the second recessive allele discovered in the condor population. Due to the founder effect, which changes the frequency of many formerly rare recessive alleles, and genetic management to minimize mean kinship, which reduces the expression of recessive traits, it is likely that this population carries other recessive alleles that have not yet been detected. Zoo Biol. 36:1-4, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Katherine Ralls
- Center for Conservation Genomics, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, National Zoological Park, Washington, District of Columbia
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20
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Johnson JA, Altwegg R, Evans DM, Ewen JG, Gordon IJ, Pettorelli N, Young JK. Is there a future for genome-editing technologies in conservation? Anim Conserv 2016. [DOI: 10.1111/acv.12273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- J. A. Johnson
- Department of Biological Sciences; Institute of Applied Sciences; University of North Texas; Denton TX USA
| | - R. Altwegg
- Statistics in Ecology, Environment and Conservation; Department of Statistical Sciences, and African Climate and Development Initiative; University of Cape Town; Cape Town South Africa
| | - D. M. Evans
- School of Biology; Newcastle University; Newcastle upon Tyne UK
| | - J. G. Ewen
- Institute of Zoology; Zoological Society of London; London UK
| | - I. J. Gordon
- Division of Tropical Environments and Societies; James Cook University; Townsville Australia
| | - N. Pettorelli
- Institute of Zoology; Zoological Society of London; London UK
| | - J. K. Young
- USDA-NWRC-Predator Research Facility; Department of Wildland Resources; Utah State University; Logan UT USA
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21
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Trask AE, Bignal EM, McCracken DI, Monaghan P, Piertney SB, Reid JM. Evidence of the phenotypic expression of a lethal recessive allele under inbreeding in a wild population of conservation concern. J Anim Ecol 2016; 85:879-91. [PMID: 26996516 DOI: 10.1111/1365-2656.12503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2015] [Accepted: 01/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Deleterious recessive alleles that are masked in outbred populations are predicted to be expressed in small, inbred populations, reducing both individual fitness and population viability. However, there are few definitive examples of phenotypic expression of lethal recessive alleles under inbreeding conditions in wild populations. Studies that demonstrate the action of such alleles, and infer their distribution and dynamics, are required to understand their potential impact on population viability and inform management responses. The Scottish population of red-billed choughs (Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax), which currently totals <60 breeding pairs and is of major conservation concern, has recently been affected by lethal blindness in nestlings. We used family data to show that the pattern of occurrence of blindness within and across affected families that produced blind nestlings was exactly 0·25, matching that expected given a single-locus autosomal lethal recessive allele. Furthermore, the observed distribution of blind nestlings within affected families did not differ from that expected given Mendelian inheritance of such an allele. Relatedness estimates showed that individuals from affected families were not more closely related to each other than they were to individuals from unaffected families that did not produce blind nestlings. Blind individuals tended to be less heterozygous than non-blind individuals, as expected if blindness was caused by the expression of a recessive allele under inbreeding. However, there was no difference in the variance in heterozygosity estimates, suggesting that some blind individuals were relatively outbred. These results suggest carriers of the blindness allele may be widely distributed across contemporary families rather than restricted to a single family lineage, implying that the allele has persisted across multiple generations. Blindness occurred at low frequency (affecting 1·6% of observed nestlings since 1981). However, affected families had larger initial brood sizes than unaffected families. Such high fecundity of carriers of a lethal recessive allele might reflect overdominance, potentially reducing purging and increasing allele persistence probability. We thereby demonstrate the phenotypic expression of a lethal recessive allele in a wild population of conservation concern, and provide a general framework for inferring allele distribution and persistence and informing management responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda E Trask
- Institute of Biological & Environmental Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Zoology Building, Tillydrone Avenue, Aberdeen, AB24 2TZ, UK
| | - Eric M Bignal
- Scottish Chough Study Group, Kindrochaid, Bridgend, Isle of Islay, Argyll, PA44 7PT, UK
| | - Davy I McCracken
- Future Farming Systems, Scotland's Rural College, Auchincruive, Ayr, KA6 5HW, UK
| | - Pat Monaghan
- College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Graham Kerr Building, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK
| | - Stuart B Piertney
- Institute of Biological & Environmental Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Zoology Building, Tillydrone Avenue, Aberdeen, AB24 2TZ, UK
| | - Jane M Reid
- Institute of Biological & Environmental Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Zoology Building, Tillydrone Avenue, Aberdeen, AB24 2TZ, UK
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22
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The Use of Genomics in Conservation Management of the Endangered Visayan Warty Pig (Sus cebifrons). Int J Genomics 2016; 2016:5613862. [PMID: 27069913 PMCID: PMC4812450 DOI: 10.1155/2016/5613862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2015] [Accepted: 02/07/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The list of threatened and endangered species is growing rapidly, due to various anthropogenic causes. Many endangered species are present in captivity and actively managed in breeding programs in which often little is known about the founder individuals. Recent developments in genetic research techniques have made it possible to sequence and study whole genomes. In this study we used the critically endangered Visayan warty pig (Sus cebifrons) as a case study to test the use of genomic information as a tool in conservation management. Two captive populations of S. cebifrons exist, which originated from two different Philippine islands. We found some evidence for a recent split between the two island populations; however all individuals that were sequenced show a similar demographic history. Evidence for both past and recent inbreeding indicated that the founders were at least to some extent related. Together with this, the low level of nucleotide diversity compared to other Sus species potentially poses a threat to the viability of the captive populations. In conclusion, genomic techniques answered some important questions about this critically endangered mammal and can be a valuable toolset to inform future conservation management in other species as well.
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23
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Grueber CE. Comparative genomics for biodiversity conservation. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2015; 13:370-5. [PMID: 26106461 PMCID: PMC4475778 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2015.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2015] [Revised: 05/13/2015] [Accepted: 05/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Genomic approaches are gathering momentum in biology and emerging opportunities lie in the creative use of comparative molecular methods for revealing the processes that influence diversity of wildlife. However, few comparative genomic studies are performed with explicit and specific objectives to aid conservation of wild populations. Here I provide a brief overview of comparative genomic approaches that offer specific benefits to biodiversity conservation. Because conservation examples are few, I draw on research from other areas to demonstrate how comparing genomic data across taxa may be used to inform the characterisation of conservation units and studies of hybridisation, as well as studies that provide conservation outcomes from a better understanding of the drivers of divergence. A comparative approach can also provide valuable insight into the threatening processes that impact rare species, such as emerging diseases and their management in conservation. In addition to these opportunities, I note areas where additional research is warranted. Overall, comparing and contrasting the genomic composition of threatened and other species provide several useful tools for helping to preserve the molecular biodiversity of the global ecosystem.
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24
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Grueber CE, Hogg CJ, Ivy JA, Belov K. Impacts of early viability selection on management of inbreeding and genetic diversity in conservation. Mol Ecol 2015; 24:1645-53. [DOI: 10.1111/mec.13141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2014] [Revised: 02/17/2015] [Accepted: 02/25/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Catherine E. Grueber
- Faculty of Veterinary Science; University of Sydney; Sydney NSW 2006 Australia
- San Diego Zoo Global; PO Box 120551 San Diego CA 92112 USA
| | - Carolyn J. Hogg
- Zoo and Aquarium Association Australasia; PO Box 20 Mosman NSW 2088 Australia
| | - Jamie A. Ivy
- San Diego Zoo Global; PO Box 120551 San Diego CA 92112 USA
| | - Katherine Belov
- Faculty of Veterinary Science; University of Sydney; Sydney NSW 2006 Australia
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25
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Theodorou K, Couvet D. The efficiency of close inbreeding to reduce genetic adaptation to captivity. Heredity (Edinb) 2015; 114:38-47. [PMID: 25052417 PMCID: PMC4815592 DOI: 10.1038/hdy.2014.63] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2013] [Revised: 04/02/2014] [Accepted: 05/21/2014] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Although ex situ conservation is indispensable for thousands of species, captive breeding is associated with negative genetic changes: loss of genetic variance and genetic adaptation to captivity that is deleterious in the wild. We used quantitative genetic individual-based simulations to model the effect of genetic management on the evolution of a quantitative trait and the associated fitness of wild-born individuals that are brought to captivity. We also examined the feasibility of the breeding strategies under a scenario of a large number of loci subject to deleterious mutations. We compared two breeding strategies: repeated half-sib mating and a method of minimizing mean coancestry (referred to as gc/mc). Our major finding was that half-sib mating is more effective in reducing genetic adaptation to captivity than the gc/mc method. Moreover, half-sib mating retains larger allelic and adaptive genetic variance. Relative to initial standing variation, the additive variance of the quantitative trait increased under half-sib mating during the sojourn in captivity. Although fragmentation into smaller populations improves the efficiency of the gc/mc method, half-sib mating still performs better in the scenarios tested. Half-sib mating shows two caveats that could mitigate its beneficial effects: low heterozygosity and high risk of extinction when populations are of low fecundity and size and one of the following conditions are met: (i) the strength of selection in captivity is comparable with that in the wild, (ii) deleterious mutations are numerous and only slightly deleterious. Experimental validation of half-sib mating is therefore needed for the advancement of captive breeding programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Theodorou
- Biodiversity Conservation Laboratory, Department of Environment, University of the Aegean, Mytilene, Greece
| | - D Couvet
- UMR 7204CESCO MNHN-CNRS-UPMC, CP 51, Paris, France
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26
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Chargé R, Teplitsky C, Sorci G, Low M. Can sexual selection theory inform genetic management of captive populations? A review. Evol Appl 2014; 7:1120-33. [PMID: 25553072 PMCID: PMC4231600 DOI: 10.1111/eva.12229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2014] [Accepted: 10/07/2014] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Captive breeding for conservation purposes presents a serious practical challenge because several conflicting genetic processes (i.e., inbreeding depression, random genetic drift and genetic adaptation to captivity) need to be managed in concert to maximize captive population persistence and reintroduction success probability. Because current genetic management is often only partly successful in achieving these goals, it has been suggested that management insights may be found in sexual selection theory (in particular, female mate choice). We review the theoretical and empirical literature and consider how female mate choice might influence captive breeding in the context of current genetic guidelines for different sexual selection theories (i.e., direct benefits, good genes, compatible genes, sexy sons). We show that while mate choice shows promise as a tool in captive breeding under certain conditions, for most species, there is currently too little theoretical and empirical evidence to provide any clear guidelines that would guarantee positive fitness outcomes and avoid conflicts with other genetic goals. The application of female mate choice to captive breeding is in its infancy and requires a goal-oriented framework based on the needs of captive species management, so researchers can make honest assessments of the costs and benefits of such an approach, using simulations, model species and captive animal data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rémi Chargé
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science, Centre of Excellence in Biological Interactions, University of Jyväskylä Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Céline Teplitsky
- Centre d'Ecologie et de Sciences de la Conservation UMR 7204 CNRS/MNHN/UPMC, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle Paris, France
| | - Gabriele Sorci
- Biogéosciences, UMR CNRS 6282, Université de Bourgogne Dijon, France
| | - Matthew Low
- Department of Ecology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences Uppsala, Sweden
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Chargé R, Sorci G, Saint Jalme M, Lesobre L, Hingrat Y, Lacroix F, Teplitsky C. Does recognized genetic management in supportive breeding prevent genetic changes in life-history traits? Evol Appl 2014; 7:521-32. [PMID: 24944566 PMCID: PMC4055174 DOI: 10.1111/eva.12150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2013] [Accepted: 02/02/2014] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Supportive breeding is one of the last resort conservation strategies to avoid species extinction. Management of captive populations is challenging because several harmful genetic processes need to be avoided. Several recommendations have been proposed to limit these deleterious effects, but empirical assessments of these strategies remain scarce. We investigated the outcome of a genetic management in a supportive breeding for the Houbara Bustard. At the phenotypic level, we found an increase over generations in the mean values of gamete production, body mass and courtship display rate. Using an animal model, we found that phenotypic changes reflected genetic changes as evidenced by an increase in breeding values for all traits. These changes resulted from selection acting on gamete production and to a lesser extent on courtship display. Selection decreased over years for female gametes, emphasizing the effort of managers to increase the contribution of poor breeders to offspring recruited in the captive breeding. Our results shed light on very fast genetic changes in an exemplary captive programme that follows worldwide used recommendations and emphasizes the need of more empirical evidence of the effects of genetic guidelines on the prevention of genetic changes in supportive breeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rémi Chargé
- Centre d'Ecologie et de Sciences de la Conservation UMR 7204 CNRS/MNHN/UPMC, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle Paris, France ; Emirates Center for Wildlife Propagation (ECWP), Province de Boulemane Missour, Morocco ; Centre of Excellence in Biological Interactions, Department of Biological and Environmental Science, University of Jyväskylä Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Gabriele Sorci
- Biogéosciences, UMR CNRS 6282, Université de Bourgogne Dijon, France
| | - Michel Saint Jalme
- Centre d'Ecologie et de Sciences de la Conservation UMR 7204 CNRS/MNHN/UPMC, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle Paris, France
| | - Loïc Lesobre
- Reneco Wildlife Consultants LLC Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Yves Hingrat
- Reneco Wildlife Consultants LLC Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | | | - Céline Teplitsky
- Centre d'Ecologie et de Sciences de la Conservation UMR 7204 CNRS/MNHN/UPMC, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle Paris, France
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Hammerly SC, Morrow ME, Johnson JA. A comparison of pedigree- and DNA-based measures for identifying inbreeding depression in the critically endangered Attwater's Prairie-chicken. Mol Ecol 2013; 22:5313-28. [DOI: 10.1111/mec.12482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2013] [Revised: 07/19/2013] [Accepted: 07/23/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Susan C. Hammerly
- Department of Biological Sciences; Institute of Applied Sciences; University of North Texas; 1155 Union Circle, #310559 Denton TX 76203 USA
| | - Michael E. Morrow
- United States Fish and Wildlife Service; Attwater Prairie Chicken National Wildlife Refuge; PO Box 519 Eagle Lake TX 77434 USA
| | - Jeff A. Johnson
- Department of Biological Sciences; Institute of Applied Sciences; University of North Texas; 1155 Union Circle, #310559 Denton TX 76203 USA
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Marsden CD, Verberkmoes H, Thomas R, Wayne RK, Mable BK. Pedigrees, MHC and microsatellites: an integrated approach for genetic management of captive African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus). CONSERV GENET 2013. [DOI: 10.1007/s10592-012-0440-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Abstract
The genomics era has opened up exciting possibilities in the field of conservation biology by enabling genomic analyses of threatened species that previously were limited to model organisms. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) and the collection of genome-wide data allow for more robust studies of the demographic history of populations and adaptive variation associated with fitness and local adaptation. Genomic analyses can also advance management efforts for threatened wild and captive populations by identifying loci contributing to inbreeding depression and disease susceptibility, and predicting fitness consequences of introgression. However, the development of genomic tools in wild species still carries multiple challenges, particularly those associated with computational and sampling constraints. This review provides an overview of the most significant applications of NGS and the implications and limitations of genomic studies in conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia C Steiner
- Institute for Conservation Research, San Diego Zoo Global, Escondido, California 92027; ; ;
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Baker KH, Rus Hoelzel A. Evolution of population genetic structure of the British roe deer by natural and anthropogenic processes (Capreolus capreolus). Ecol Evol 2012; 3:89-102. [PMID: 23403955 PMCID: PMC3568846 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2012] [Revised: 10/17/2012] [Accepted: 10/21/2012] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Human influence typically impacts on natural populations of conservation interest. These interactions are varied and sometimes complex, and may be negative and unintended or associated with conservation and management strategy. Understanding the details of how these interactions influence and are influenced by natural evolutionary processes is essential to the development of effective conservation strategies. In this study, we investigate a species in Britain that has experienced both negative impact through overhunting in historical times and management efforts through culls and translocations. At the same time, there are regional populations that have been less affected by human influence. We use mtDNA and nuclear microsatellite DNA markers to investigate patterns of connectivity and diversity and find multiple insular populations in Britain that probably evolved within the Holocene (when the habitat was free of ice). We identify three concurrent processes. First, surviving indigenous populations show highly provincial patterns of philopatry, maintaining and generating population structure on a small geographic scale. Second, founder populations into habitat extirpated of native populations have expanded, but remained largely insular. Third, introductions into established populations generate some admixture. We discuss the implications for the evolution of diversity of the integration of natural processes with anthropogenic influences on population size and distribution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karis H Baker
- School of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Durham University South Road, Durham, DH1 3LE, UK
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Angeloni F, Wagemaker N, Vergeer P, Ouborg J. Genomic toolboxes for conservation biologists. Evol Appl 2011; 5:130-43. [PMID: 25568036 PMCID: PMC3353346 DOI: 10.1111/j.1752-4571.2011.00217.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2011] [Accepted: 10/18/2011] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Conservation genetics is expanding its research horizon with a genomic approach, by incorporating the modern techniques of next-generation sequencing (NGS). Application of NGS overcomes many limitations of conservation genetics. First, NGS allows for genome-wide screening of markers, which may lead to a more representative estimation of genetic variation within and between populations. Second, NGS allows for distinction between neutral and non-neutral markers. By screening populations on thousands of single nucleotide polymorphism markers, signals of selection can be found for some markers. Variation in these markers will give insight into functional rather than neutral genetic variation. Third, NGS facilitates the study of gene expression. Conservation genomics will increase our insight in how the environment and genes interact to affect phenotype and fitness. In addition, the NGS approach opens a way to study processes such as inbreeding depression and local adaptation mechanistically. Conservation genetics programs are directed to a fundamental understanding of the processes involved in conservation genetics and should preferably be started in species for which large databases on ecology, demography and genetics are available. Here, we describe and illustrate the connection between the application of NGS technologies and the research questions in conservation. The perspectives of conservation genomics programs are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Angeloni
- Institute for Water and Wetland Research (IWWR), Department of Molecular Ecology, Radboud University Nijmegen AJ Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Niels Wagemaker
- Institute for Water and Wetland Research (IWWR), Department of Molecular Ecology, Radboud University Nijmegen AJ Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Philippine Vergeer
- Institute for Water and Wetland Research (IWWR), Department of Molecular Ecology, Radboud University Nijmegen AJ Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Joop Ouborg
- Institute for Water and Wetland Research (IWWR), Department of Molecular Ecology, Radboud University Nijmegen AJ Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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Population genetic structure of the endangered Eastern Bristlebird, Dasyornis brachypterus; implications for conservation. CONSERV GENET 2011. [DOI: 10.1007/s10592-011-0210-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Fine-scale genetic structure of an endangered population of the Mormon metalmark butterfly (Apodemia mormo) revealed using AFLPs. CONSERV GENET 2011. [DOI: 10.1007/s10592-011-0202-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Abstract
Although the application of population and evolutionary genetic theory and methods to address issues of conservation relevance has a long history, the formalization of conservation genetics as a research field is still relatively recent. One of the periodic catalysts for increased research effort in the field has been advances in molecular technologies, leading to an increasingly wider variety of molecular markers for application in conservation genetic studies. To date, genetic methods have been applied in conservation biology primarily as selectively neutral molecular tools for resolving questions of conservation relevance. However, there has been renewed interest in complementing the analysis of neutral markers with the assessment of loci that may be directly involved in responses to processes such as environmental change, with a view to identifying the genes involved in them. These kinds of studies are now possible due to the increase in availability of genomic resources for nonmodel organisms, and there will likely be an even more rapid increase in the near future due to the advent of new ultrahigh throughput-sequencing technologies. This review considers the implications of the most recent developments in genomic technologies and their potential for contributing to the conservation of populations and species. Three "conservation genomics" case studies are presented (Atlantic salmon, Salmo sala; the butterfly, Melitaea cinxia; and the California condor, Gymnogyps californianus) in order to demonstrate the diversity of applications now possible. While it is clear that genomics approaches in conservation will not replace other tried-and-true methods, these recent developments open up an exciting new range of possibilities that will enable further diversification of the application of genomics in conservation biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Craig R Primmer
- Division of Genetics and Physiology, Department of Biology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.
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Johnson JA, Tingay RE, Culver M, Hailer F, Clarke ML, Mindell DP. Long-term survival despite low genetic diversity in the critically endangered Madagascar fish-eagle. Mol Ecol 2009; 18:54-63. [PMID: 19140964 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-294x.2008.04012.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The critically endangered Madagascar fish-eagle (Haliaeetus vociferoides) is considered to be one of the rarest birds of prey globally and at significant risk of extinction. In the most recent census, only 222 adult individuals were recorded with an estimated total breeding population of no more than 100-120 pairs. Here, levels of Madagascar fish-eagle population genetic diversity based on 47 microsatellite loci were compared with its sister species, the African fish-eagle (Haliaeetus vocifer), and 16 of these loci were also characterized in the white-tailed eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla) and the bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus). Overall, extremely low genetic diversity was observed in the Madagascar fish-eagle compared to other surveyed Haliaeetus species. Determining whether this low diversity is the result of a recent bottleneck or a more historic event has important implications for their conservation. Using a Bayesian coalescent-based method, we show that Madagascar fish-eagles have maintained a small effective population size for hundreds to thousands of years and that its low level of neutral genetic diversity is not the result of a recent bottleneck. Therefore, efforts made to prevent Madagascar fish-eagle extinction should place high priority on maintenance of habitat requirements and reducing direct and indirect human persecution. Given the current rate of deforestation in Madagascar, we further recommend that the population be expanded to occupy a larger geographical distribution. This will help the population persist when exposed to stochastic factors (e.g. climate and disease) that may threaten a species consisting of only 200 adult individuals while inhabiting a rapidly changing landscape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeff A Johnson
- The Peregrine Fund, 5668 West Flying Hawk Lane, Boise, ID 83709, USA.
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Romanov MN, Koriabine M, Nefedov M, de Jong PJ, Ryder OA. Construction of a California condor BAC library and first-generation chicken–condor comparative physical map as an endangered species conservation genomics resource. Genomics 2006; 88:711-718. [PMID: 16884891 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2006.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2006] [Revised: 06/13/2006] [Accepted: 06/14/2006] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
To support genomic analysis of the endangered California condor (Gymnogyps californianus), a BAC library (CHORI-262) was generated using DNA from the blood of a female. The library consists of 89,665 recombinant BAC clones providing approximately 14-fold coverage of the presumed approximately 1.48-Gb genome. Taking advantage of recent progress in chicken genomics, we developed a first-generation comparative chicken-condor physical map using an overgo hybridization approach. The overgos were derived from chicken (164 probes) and New World vulture (8 probes) sequences. Screening a 2.8x subset of the total library resulted in 236 BAC-gene assignments with 2.5 positive BAC clones per successful probe. A preliminary comparative chicken-condor BAC-based map included 93 genes. Comparison of selected condor BAC sequences with orthologous chicken sequences suggested a high degree of conserved synteny between the two avian genomes. This work will aid in identification and characterization of candidate loci for the chondrodystrophy mutation to advance genetic management of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael N Romanov
- Genetics Division, Conservation and Research for Endangered Species, Zoological Society of San Diego, Arnold and Mabel Beckman Center for Conservation Research, 15600 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA 92027, USA
| | - Maxim Koriabine
- BACPAC Resources Center, Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute, Oakland, CA 94609, USA
| | - Mikhail Nefedov
- BACPAC Resources Center, Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute, Oakland, CA 94609, USA
| | - Pieter J de Jong
- BACPAC Resources Center, Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute, Oakland, CA 94609, USA
| | - Oliver A Ryder
- Genetics Division, Conservation and Research for Endangered Species, Zoological Society of San Diego, Arnold and Mabel Beckman Center for Conservation Research, 15600 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA 92027, USA.
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RYDER OA. Genetic studies in zoological parks and their application to conservation: past, present and future. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2003. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1748-1090.2003.tb02069.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Measuring genetic diversity in translocation programmes: principles and application to a chimpanzee release project. Anim Conserv 2002. [DOI: 10.1017/s1367943002002275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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