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Anka IZ, Uren Webster TM, Berbel-Filho WM, Hitchings M, Overland B, Weller S, Garcia de Leaniz C, Consuegra S. Microbiome and epigenetic variation in wild fish with low genetic diversity. Nat Commun 2024; 15:4725. [PMID: 38830879 PMCID: PMC11148108 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49162-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Non-genetic sources of phenotypic variation, such as the epigenome and the microbiome, could be important contributors to adaptive variation for species with low genetic diversity. However, little is known about the complex interaction between these factors and the genetic diversity of the host, particularly in wild populations. Here, we examine the skin microbiome composition of two closely-related mangrove killifish species with different mating systems (self-fertilising and outcrossing) under sympatric and allopatric conditions. This allows us to partition the influence of the genotype and the environment on their microbiome and (previously described) epigenetic profiles. We find the diversity and community composition of the skin microbiome are strongly shaped by the environment and, to a lesser extent, by species-specific influences. Heterozygosity and microbiome alpha diversity, but not epigenetic variation, are associated with the fluctuating asymmetry of traits related to performance (vision) and behaviour (aggression). Our study identifies that a proportion of the epigenetic diversity and microbiome differentiation is unrelated to genetic variation, and we find evidence for an associative relationship between microbiome and epigenetic diversity in these wild populations. This suggests that both mechanisms could potentially contribute to variation in species with low genetic diversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ishrat Z Anka
- Department of Biosciences, Centre for Sustainable Aquatic Research, Swansea University, Swansea, Wales, SA2 8PP, UK
- Department of Aquaculture, Chattogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chattogram, 4225, Bangladesh
| | - Tamsyn M Uren Webster
- Department of Biosciences, Centre for Sustainable Aquatic Research, Swansea University, Swansea, Wales, SA2 8PP, UK
| | - Waldir M Berbel-Filho
- Department of Biology, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK, 73019, USA
- Department of Biology, University of West Florida, Pensacola, FL, USA
| | - Matthew Hitchings
- Institute of Life Science, Swansea University, Swansea, Wales, SA2 8PP, UK
| | - Benjamin Overland
- Department of Biosciences, Centre for Sustainable Aquatic Research, Swansea University, Swansea, Wales, SA2 8PP, UK
| | - Sarah Weller
- Department of Biosciences, Centre for Sustainable Aquatic Research, Swansea University, Swansea, Wales, SA2 8PP, UK
| | - Carlos Garcia de Leaniz
- Department of Biosciences, Centre for Sustainable Aquatic Research, Swansea University, Swansea, Wales, SA2 8PP, UK
- Marine Research Centre (CIM-UVIGO), Universidade de Vigo, Vigo, Spain
| | - Sofia Consuegra
- Department of Biosciences, Centre for Sustainable Aquatic Research, Swansea University, Swansea, Wales, SA2 8PP, UK.
- Grupo de Biotecnología Acuática, Departamento de Biotecnología y Acuicultura, Instituto de Investigacións Mariñas, IIM-CSIC, Vigo, Spain.
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Kondo K, Suzuki M, Amadaira M, Araki C, Watanabe R, Murakami K, Ochiai S, Ogura T, Hayakawa T. Association of maternal genetics with the gut microbiome and eucalypt diet selection in captive koalas. PeerJ 2024; 12:e17385. [PMID: 38818452 PMCID: PMC11138522 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.17385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Koalas, an Australian arboreal marsupial, depend on eucalypt tree leaves for their diet. They selectively consume only a few of the hundreds of available eucalypt species. Since the koala gut microbiome is essential for the digestion and detoxification of eucalypts, their individual differences in the gut microbiome may lead to variations in their eucalypt selection and eucalypt metabolic capacity. However, research focusing on the relationship between the gut microbiome and differences in food preferences is very limited. We aimed to determine whether individual and regional differences exist in the gut microbiome of koalas as well as the mechanism by which these differences influence eucalypt selection. Methods Foraging data were collected from six koalas and a total of 62 feces were collected from 15 koalas of two zoos in Japan. The mitochondrial phylogenetic analysis was conducted to estimate the mitochondrial maternal origin of each koala. In addition, the 16S-based gut microbiome of 15 koalas was analyzed to determine the composition and diversity of each koala's gut microbiome. We used these data to investigate the relationship among mitochondrial maternal origin, gut microbiome and eucalypt diet selection. Results and Discussion This research revealed that diversity and composition of the gut microbiome and that eucalypt diet selection of koalas differs among regions. We also revealed that the gut microbiome alpha diversity was correlated with foraging diversity in koalas. These individual and regional differences would result from vertical (maternal) transmission of the gut microbiome and represent an intraspecific variation in koala foraging strategies. Further, we demonstrated that certain gut bacteria were strongly correlated with both mitochondrial maternal origin and eucalypt foraging patterns. Bacteria found to be associated with mitochondrial maternal origin included bacteria involved in fiber digestion and degradation of secondary metabolites, such as the families Rikenellaceae and Synergistaceae. These bacteria may cause differences in metabolic capacity between individual and regional koalas and influence their eucalypt selection. Conclusion We showed that the characteristics (composition and diversity) of the gut microbiome and eucalypt diet selection of koalas differ by individuals and regional origins as we expected. In addition, some gut bacteria that could influence eucalypt foraging of koalas showed the relationships with both mitochondrial maternal origin and eucalypt foraging pattern. These differences in the gut microbiome between regional origins may make a difference in eucalypt selection. Given the importance of the gut microbiome to koalas foraging on eucalypts and their strong symbiotic relationship, future studies should focus on the symbiotic relationship and coevolution between koalas and the gut microbiome to understand individual and regional differences in eucalypt diet selection by koalas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kotaro Kondo
- Graduate School of Environmental Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Mirei Suzuki
- Graduate School of Environmental Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Mana Amadaira
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University, Towada, Aomori, Japan
| | - Chiharu Araki
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University, Towada, Aomori, Japan
| | - Rie Watanabe
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University, Towada, Aomori, Japan
| | | | | | - Tadatoshi Ogura
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University, Towada, Aomori, Japan
| | - Takashi Hayakawa
- Faculty of Environmental Earth Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
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Bampidis V, Azimonti G, Bastos MDL, Christensen H, Dusemund B, Durjava M, Kouba M, López‐Alonso M, López Puente S, Marcon F, Mayo B, Pechová A, Petkova M, Ramos F, Villa RE, Woutersen R, Brantom P, Chesson A, Schlatter J, Westendorf J, Dirven Y, Manini P, Dusemund B. Safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of a tincture derived from the leaves of Eucalyptus globulus Labill. (eucalyptus tincture) for all animal species (FEFANA asbl). EFSA J 2024; 22:e8801. [PMID: 38764477 PMCID: PMC11099768 DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2024.8801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of a tincture from the leaves of Eucalyptus globulus Labill. (eucalyptus tincture) when used as a sensory additive for all animal species. The product is a ■■■■■ solution, with a dry matter content of ~ 1.86%, which contains on average 0.454% phenolic acids and flavonoids (of which 0.280% was gallic acid), 0.0030% 1,8-cineole and 0.00012% methyleugenol. In the absence of analytical data on the occurrence of mono- or diformylated adducts of acylphloroglucinols with terpenes in the tincture and in the absence of toxicity data, the Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) could not conclude on the use of eucalyptus tincture for long-living and reproductive animals. For short-living animals (species for fattening), the additive was considered of no concern at 4 mg/kg complete feed for chickens for fattening, 5 mg/kg for turkeys for fattening, 6 mg/kg for piglets and rabbits for meat production, 7 mg/kg for pigs for fattening, 16 mg/kg for veal calves (milk replacer), 14 mg/kg for cattle for fattening, sheep/goats and horses for fattening, and 15 mg/kg for salmonids. These levels were extrapolated to physiologically related minor species. No safety concern would arise for the consumer from the use of eucalyptus tincture up to the levels in feed considered of no concern. Eucalyptus tincture should be considered as irritant to skin and eyes, and as a dermal and respiratory sensitiser. The use of eucalyptus tincture as a flavour in animal feed was not expected to pose a risk for the environment. Since the leaves of E. globulus and their preparations were recognised to flavour food and their function in feed would be essentially the same, no demonstration of efficacy was considered necessary.
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4
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Foysal MJ, Timms V, Neilan BA. Dynamics of the benthic and planktic microbiomes in a Planktothrix-dominated toxic cyanobacterial bloom in Australia. WATER RESEARCH 2024; 249:120980. [PMID: 38101053 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.120980] [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: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Cyanobacterial blooms are a concerning issue that threaten ecosystems, ecology and animal health. Bloom frequency has increased tremendously in recent times due to pollution, eutrophication of waterways, climate change, and changes in microbial community dynamics within the aquatic environment. Information about the spatiotemporal variation in microbial communities that drive a cyanobacterial bloom is very limited. Here, we analysed the spatiotemporal diversity and composition of bacterial communities, with a focus on cyanobacteria, during the bloom phase in a natural reservoir in Eastern Australia using high throughput amplicon sequencing. Sampling points and season had no influence on the richness and evenness of microbial communities during the bloom period, however some compositional differences were apparent across the seasons. Cyanobacteria were highly abundant during summer and autumn compared to winter and spring. The dominant cyanobacterial taxa were Planktothrix, Cyanobium and Microcystis and were found to be significantly abundant during summer and autumn. While cyanobacterial abundance soared in summer (25.4 %), dominated by Planktothrix (12.2 %) and Cyanobium (8.0 %), the diversity was highest in autumn (24.9 %) and consisted of Planktothrix (7.8 %), Nodularia (5.3 %), Planktothricoides (4.6 %), Microcystis (3.5 %), and Cyanobium (2.3 %). The strongly correlated non-photosynthetic Gastranaerophilales found in the sediment and water, suggested vertical transmission from the animal gut through faeces. To our knowledge, this is the first report of Planktothrix-driven toxic cyanobacterial bloom in Australia. Our study expands current understanding of the spatiotemporal variation in bacterial communities during a cyanobacterial bloom and sheds light on setting future management strategies for its control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Javed Foysal
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Verlaine Timms
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Brett A Neilan
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia.
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Oliveros A, Terraube J, Levengood AL, Powell D, Frère CH. Influence of scat ageing on the gut microbiome: how old is too old? BMC Genomics 2023; 24:427. [PMID: 37525141 PMCID: PMC10388479 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-023-09520-0] [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: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The study of the host-microbiome by the collection of non-invasive samples has the potential to become a powerful tool for conservation monitoring and surveillance of wildlife. However, multiple factors can bias the quality of data recovered from scats, particularly when field-collected samples are used given that the time of defecation is unknown. Previous studies using scats have shown that the impact of aerobic exposure on the microbial composition is species-specific, leading to different rates of change in microbial communities. However, the impact that this aging process has on the relationship between the bacterial and fungal composition has yet to be explored. In this study, we measured the effects of time post-defecation on bacterial and fungal compositions in a controlled experiment using scat samples from the endangered koala (Phascolarctos cinereus). RESULTS We found that the bacterial composition remained stable through the scat aging process, while the fungal composition did not. The absence of an increase in facultative anaerobes and the stable population of obligate anaerobic bacteria were likely due to our sampling from the inner portion of the scat. We report a cluster of fungal taxa that colonises scats after defecation which can dilute the genetic material from the autochthonous mycoflora and inhibit recovery. CONCLUSION We emphasize the need to preserve the integrity of scat samples collected in the wild and combat the effects of time and provide strategies for doing so.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Oliveros
- The School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia.
- School of Science, Technology and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, QLD, Australia.
| | - Julien Terraube
- Vulture Conservation Foundation, Wuhrstrasse 12, Zürich, CH-8003, Switzerland
- School of Science, Technology and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, QLD, Australia
| | - Alexis L Levengood
- School of Science, Technology and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, QLD, Australia
| | - Daniel Powell
- School of Science, Technology and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, QLD, Australia
| | - Céline H Frère
- The School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
- School of Science, Technology and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, QLD, Australia
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Eisenhofer R, Brice KL, Blyton MDJ, Bevins SE, Leigh K, Singh BK, Helgen KM, Hough I, Daniels CB, Speight N, Moore BD. Individuality and stability of the koala ( Phascolarctos cinereus) faecal microbiota through time. PeerJ 2023; 11:e14598. [PMID: 36710873 PMCID: PMC9879153 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.14598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Gut microbiota studies often rely on a single sample taken per individual, representing a snapshot in time. However, we know that gut microbiota composition in many animals exhibits intra-individual variation over the course of days to months. Such temporal variations can be a confounding factor in studies seeking to compare the gut microbiota of different wild populations, or to assess the impact of medical/veterinary interventions. To date, little is known about the variability of the koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) gut microbiota through time. Here, we characterise the gut microbiota from faecal samples collected at eight timepoints over a month for a captive population of South Australian koalas (n individuals = 7), and monthly over 7 months for a wild population of New South Wales koalas (n individuals = 5). Using 16S rRNA gene sequencing, we found that microbial diversity was stable over the course of days to months. Each koala had a distinct faecal microbiota composition which in the captive koalas was stable across days. The wild koalas showed more variation across months, although each individual still maintained a distinct microbial composition. Per koala, an average of 57 (±16) amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) were detected across all time points; these ASVs accounted for an average of 97% (±1.9%) of the faecal microbial community per koala. The koala faecal microbiota exhibits stability over the course of days to months. Such knowledge will be useful for future studies comparing koala populations and developing microbiota interventions for this regionally endangered marsupial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raphael Eisenhofer
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia,Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Australian Biodiversity and Heritage, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Kylie L. Brice
- Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, Richmond, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Michaela DJ Blyton
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, Faculty of Science, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Scott E. Bevins
- Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, Richmond, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Kellie Leigh
- Science for Wildlife Ltd, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Brajesh K. Singh
- Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, Richmond, New South Wales, Australia,Global Centre for Land Based Innovation, Western Sydney University, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Kristofer M. Helgen
- Australian Museum Research Institute, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia,Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Australian Biodiversity and Heritage, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia,Koala Life Foundation, Cleland Wildlife Park, Department for Environment and Water, 365c Mt Lofty Summit Road, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Ian Hough
- Koala Life Foundation, Cleland Wildlife Park, Department for Environment and Water, 365c Mt Lofty Summit Road, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Christopher B. Daniels
- Koala Life Foundation, Cleland Wildlife Park, Department for Environment and Water, 365c Mt Lofty Summit Road, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Natasha Speight
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Ben D. Moore
- Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, Richmond, New South Wales, Australia
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7
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Goldenberg SZ, Parker JM, Chege SM, Greggor AL, Hunt M, Lamberski N, Leigh KA, Nollens HH, Ruppert KA, Thouless C, Wittemyer G, Owen MA. Revisiting the 4 R’s: Improving post-release outcomes for rescued mammalian wildlife by fostering behavioral competence during rehabilitation. FRONTIERS IN CONSERVATION SCIENCE 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fcosc.2022.910358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Rescue, rehabilitation, and release (‘rescue-rehab-release’) of wildlife is an increasingly widespread practice across ecosystems, largely driven by habitat loss, wildlife exploitation and a changing climate. Despite this, its conservation value has not been realized, in part due to the scarcity of what has been termed “the 4th R”, research. Similar to conservation breeding and headstarting, rescue and rehabilitation entails close association of humans and the wildlife in their care over impressionable and extended periods. However, unlike these interventions, rescue and rehabilitation require an initial, and sometimes sustained, focus on crisis management and veterinary needs which can impede the development of natural behaviors and promote habituation to humans, both of which can compromise post-release survival and recruitment. In this perspective, we discuss the pathways toward, and implications of, behavioral incompetence and highlight opportunities for testable interventions to curtail negative outcomes post-release, without compromising the health or welfare of rescued individuals. We propose that practitioners ‘switch gears’ from triage to fostering behavioral competence as early in the rehabilitation process as is possible, and that research be implemented in order to develop an evidence-base for best practices that can be shared amongst practitioners. We focus on four mammalian species to illustrate specific contexts and considerations for fostering behavioral competence by building on research in the conservation translocation literature. Finally, we discuss a way forward that calls for greater cross-pollination among translocation scenarios involving extended time under human care during developmentally sensitive periods.
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8
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Paddock KJ, Finke DL, Kim KS, Sappington TW, Hibbard BE. Patterns of Microbiome Composition Vary Across Spatial Scales in a Specialist Insect. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:898744. [PMID: 35722352 PMCID: PMC9201478 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.898744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Microbial communities associated with animals vary based on both intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Of many possible determinants affecting microbiome composition, host phylogeny, host diet, and local environment are the most important. How these factors interact across spatial scales is not well understood. Here, we seek to identify the main influences on microbiome composition in a specialist insect, the western corn rootworm (WCR; Diabrotica virgifera virgifera), by analyzing the bacterial communities of adults collected from their obligate host plant, corn (Zea mays), across several geographic locations and comparing the patterns in communities to its congeneric species, the northern corn rootworm (NCR; Diabrotica barberi). We found that bacterial communities of WCR and NCR shared a portion of their bacterial communities even when collected from disparate locations. However, within each species, the location of collection significantly influenced the composition of their microbiome. Correlations of geographic distance between sites with WCR bacterial community composition revealed different patterns at different spatial scales. Community similarity decreased with increased geographic distance at smaller spatial scales (~25 km between the nearest sites). At broad spatial scales (>200 km), community composition was not correlated with distances between sites, but instead reflected the historical invasion path of WCR across the United States. These results suggest bacterial communities are structured directly by dispersal dynamics at small, regional spatial scales, while landscape-level genetic or environmental differences may drive community composition across broad spatial scales in this specialist insect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle J Paddock
- Division of Plant Science and Technology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Deborah L Finke
- Division of Plant Science and Technology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Kyung Seok Kim
- Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States
| | - Thomas W Sappington
- USDA-ARS, Corn Insects and Crop Genetics Research Unit, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States
| | - Bruce E Hibbard
- USDA-ARS, Plant Genetics Research Unit, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
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Howell LG, Johnston SD, O’Brien JK, Frankham R, Rodger JC, Ryan SA, Beranek CT, Clulow J, Hudson DS, Witt RR. Modelling Genetic Benefits and Financial Costs of Integrating Biobanking into the Captive Management of Koalas. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12080990. [PMID: 35454237 PMCID: PMC9028793 DOI: 10.3390/ani12080990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Managed wildlife breeding faces high costs and genetic diversity challenges associated with caring for small populations. Biobanking (freezing of sex cells and tissues for use in assisted breeding) and associated reproductive technologies could help alleviate these issues in koala captive management by enhancing retention of genetic diversity in captive-bred animals and lowering program costs through reductions in the size of the required live captive colonies. Australia’s zoos and wildlife hospitals provide rare opportunities to refine and cost-effectively integrate these tools into conservation outcomes for koalas due to extensive already-existing infrastructure, technical expertise, and captive animals. Abstract Zoo and wildlife hospital networks are set to become a vital component of Australia’s contemporary efforts to conserve the iconic and imperiled koala (Phascolarctos cinereus). Managed breeding programs held across zoo-based networks typically face high economic costs and can be at risk of adverse genetic effects typical of unavoidably small captive colonies. Emerging evidence suggests that biobanking and associated assisted reproductive technologies could address these economic and genetic challenges. We present a modelled scenario, supported by detailed costings, where these technologies are optimized and could be integrated into conservation breeding programs of koalas across the established zoo and wildlife hospital network. Genetic and economic modelling comparing closed captive koala populations suggest that supplementing them with cryopreserved founder sperm using artificial insemination or intracytoplasmic sperm injection could substantially reduce inbreeding, lower the required colony sizes of conservation breeding programs, and greatly reduce program costs. Ambitious genetic retention targets (maintaining 90%, 95% and 99% of source population heterozygosity for 100 years) could be possible within realistic cost frameworks, with output koalas suited for wild release. Integrating biobanking into the zoo and wildlife hospital network presents a cost-effective and financially feasible model for the uptake of these tools due to the technical and research expertise, captive koala colonies, and ex situ facilities that already exist across these networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lachlan G. Howell
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University Geelong, Melbourne Burwood Campus, 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood, VIC 3125, Australia
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Biology Building, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; (J.C.R.); (S.A.R.); (C.T.B.); (J.C.)
- FAUNA Research Alliance, P.O. Box 5092, Kahibah, NSW 2290, Australia
- Correspondence: (L.G.H.); (R.R.W.)
| | - Stephen D. Johnston
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD 4343, Australia;
| | - Justine K. O’Brien
- Taronga Institute of Science and Learning, Taronga Conservation Society, Bradleys Head Rd., Mosman, NSW 2088, Australia;
| | - Richard Frankham
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia;
| | - John C. Rodger
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Biology Building, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; (J.C.R.); (S.A.R.); (C.T.B.); (J.C.)
- FAUNA Research Alliance, P.O. Box 5092, Kahibah, NSW 2290, Australia
| | - Shelby A. Ryan
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Biology Building, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; (J.C.R.); (S.A.R.); (C.T.B.); (J.C.)
- FAUNA Research Alliance, P.O. Box 5092, Kahibah, NSW 2290, Australia
| | - Chad T. Beranek
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Biology Building, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; (J.C.R.); (S.A.R.); (C.T.B.); (J.C.)
- FAUNA Research Alliance, P.O. Box 5092, Kahibah, NSW 2290, Australia
| | - John Clulow
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Biology Building, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; (J.C.R.); (S.A.R.); (C.T.B.); (J.C.)
- FAUNA Research Alliance, P.O. Box 5092, Kahibah, NSW 2290, Australia
| | - Donald S. Hudson
- Port Stephens Koala & Wildlife Preservation Society LTD., t/a Port Stephens Koala Hospital, One Mile, NSW 2316, Australia;
| | - Ryan R. Witt
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Biology Building, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; (J.C.R.); (S.A.R.); (C.T.B.); (J.C.)
- FAUNA Research Alliance, P.O. Box 5092, Kahibah, NSW 2290, Australia
- Correspondence: (L.G.H.); (R.R.W.)
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