1
|
Liu YF, Li YL, Xing TF, Xue DX, Liu JX. Genetic architecture of long-distance migration and population genomics of the endangered Japanese eel. iScience 2024; 27:110563. [PMID: 39165844 PMCID: PMC11334786 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.110563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2024] [Revised: 06/21/2024] [Accepted: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 08/22/2024] Open
Abstract
The Japanese eel (Anguilla japonica), a flagship anguillid species for conservation, is known for its long-distance-oriented migration. However, our understanding of the genetic architecture underlying long-distance migration and population genomic characteristics of A. japonica is still limited. Here, we generated a high-quality chromosome-level genome assembly and conducted whole-genome resequencing of 218 individuals to explore these aspects. Strong signals of selection were found on genes involved in long-distance aerobic exercise and navigation, which might be associated with evolutionary adaptation to long-distance migrations. Low genetic diversity was detected, which might result from genetic drift associated with demographic declines. Both mitochondrial and nuclear genomic datasets supported the existence of a single panmictic population for Japanese eel, despite signals of single-generation selection. Candidate genes for local selection involved in functions like development and circadian rhythm. The findings can provide insights to adaptative evolution to long-distance migration and inform conservation efforts for A. japonica.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Fang Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China
- Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Qingdao Marine Science and Technology Center, Qingdao 266237, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yu-Long Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China
- Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Qingdao Marine Science and Technology Center, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Teng-Fei Xing
- CAS Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China
- Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Qingdao Marine Science and Technology Center, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Dong-Xiu Xue
- CAS Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China
- Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Qingdao Marine Science and Technology Center, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Jin-Xian Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China
- Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Qingdao Marine Science and Technology Center, Qingdao 266237, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Liu X, Lin L, Sinding MHS, Bertola LD, Hanghøj K, Quinn L, Garcia-Erill G, Rasmussen MS, Schubert M, Pečnerová P, Balboa RF, Li Z, Heaton MP, Smith TPL, Pinto RR, Wang X, Kuja J, Brüniche-Olsen A, Meisner J, Santander CG, Ogutu JO, Masembe C, da Fonseca RR, Muwanika V, Siegismund HR, Albrechtsen A, Moltke I, Heller R. Introgression and disruption of migration routes have shaped the genetic integrity of wildebeest populations. Nat Commun 2024; 15:2921. [PMID: 38609362 PMCID: PMC11014984 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47015-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The blue wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus) is a keystone species in savanna ecosystems from southern to eastern Africa, and is well known for its spectacular migrations and locally extreme abundance. In contrast, the black wildebeest (C. gnou) is endemic to southern Africa, barely escaped extinction in the 1900s and is feared to be in danger of genetic swamping from the blue wildebeest. Despite the ecological importance of the wildebeest, there is a lack of understanding of how its unique migratory ecology has affected its gene flow, genetic structure and phylogeography. Here, we analyze whole genomes from 121 blue and 22 black wildebeest across the genus' range. We find discrete genetic structure consistent with the morphologically defined subspecies. Unexpectedly, our analyses reveal no signs of recent interspecific admixture, but rather a late Pleistocene introgression of black wildebeest into the southern blue wildebeest populations. Finally, we find that migratory blue wildebeest populations exhibit a combination of long-range panmixia, higher genetic diversity and lower inbreeding levels compared to neighboring populations whose migration has recently been disrupted. These findings provide crucial insights into the evolutionary history of the wildebeest, and tangible genetic evidence for the negative effects of anthropogenic activities on highly migratory ungulates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaodong Liu
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Long Lin
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Laura D Bertola
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kristian Hanghøj
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Liam Quinn
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | | | - Mikkel Schubert
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Renzo F Balboa
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Zilong Li
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Michael P Heaton
- USDA, ARS, U.S. Meat Animal Research Center (USMARC), Clay Center, NE, USA
| | - Timothy P L Smith
- USDA, ARS, U.S. Meat Animal Research Center (USMARC), Clay Center, NE, USA
| | - Rui Resende Pinto
- CIIMAR-Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research-University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Section for Biodiversity, Globe Institute, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Xi Wang
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Josiah Kuja
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Jonas Meisner
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Copenhagen Research Centre for Mental Health, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Cindy G Santander
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Joseph O Ogutu
- Biostatistics Unit, Institute of Crop Science, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Charles Masembe
- Department of Zoology, Entomology and Fisheries Sciences, Makerere University, P. O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Rute R da Fonseca
- CIIMAR-Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research-University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Section for Biodiversity, Globe Institute, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Vincent Muwanika
- Department of Environmental Management, Makerere University, PO Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Hans R Siegismund
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Ida Moltke
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Rasmus Heller
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Cavedon M, Neufeld L, Finnegan L, Hervieux D, Michalak A, Pelletier A, Polfus J, Schwantje H, Skinner G, Steenweg R, Thacker C, Poissant J, Musiani M. Genomics of founders for conservation breeding: the Jasper caribou case. CONSERV GENET 2023; 24:855-867. [PMID: 37969360 PMCID: PMC10638200 DOI: 10.1007/s10592-023-01540-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
Conservation breeding programs are increasingly used as recovery actions for wild animals; bringing founders into captivity to rear captive populations for future reintroduction into the wild. The International Union for the Conservation of Nature recommends that founders should come from genetically close populations and should have sufficient genetic diversity to avoid mating among relatives. Genomic data are highly informative for evaluating founders due to their high resolution and ability to capture adaptive divergence, yet, their application in that context remains limited. Woodland caribou are federally listed as a Species at Risk in Canada, with several populations facing extirpation, such as those in the Rocky Mountains of Alberta and British Columbia (BC). To prevent local extirpation, Jasper National Park (JNP) is proposing a conservation breeding program. We examined single nucleotide polymorphisms for 144 caribou from 11 populations encompassing a 200,0002 km area surrounding JNP to provide information useful for identifying appropriate founders for this program. We found that this area likely hosts a caribou metapopulation historically characterized by high levels of gene flow, which indicates that multiple sources of founders would be appropriate for initiating a breeding program. However, population structure and adaptive divergence analyses indicate that JNP caribou are closest to populations in the BC Columbia range, which also have suitable genetic diversity for conservation breeding. We suggest that collaboration among jurisdictions would be beneficial to implement the program to promote recovery of JNP caribou and possibly other caribou populations in the surrounding area, which is strategically at the periphery of the distribution of this endangered species. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10592-023-01540-3.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Cavedon
- Deparment of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4 Canada
| | - Lalenia Neufeld
- Jasper National Park of Canada, Parks Canada, Jasper, Canada
| | - Laura Finnegan
- fRI Research, 1176 Switzer Drive, Hinton, AB T7V 1V3 Canada
| | - Dave Hervieux
- Fish and Wildlife Stewardship Branch, Alberta Environment and Protected Areas, Grande Prairie, AB T8V 6J4 Canada
| | - Anita Michalak
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4 Canada
| | - Agnes Pelletier
- Ministry of Land, Water and Resource Stewardship Northeast Region, 400-10003-110Th Avenue, Fort St. John, BC V1J 6M7 Canada
| | - Jean Polfus
- Canadian Wildlife Service – Pacific Region, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 1238 Discovery Ave, Kelowna, BC V1V 1V9 Canada
| | - Helen Schwantje
- Wildlife and Habitat Branch, Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development, Government of British Columbia, 2080 Labieux Road, Nanaimo, BC V9T 6J 9 Canada
| | - Geoff Skinner
- Jasper National Park of Canada, Parks Canada, Jasper, Canada
| | - Robin Steenweg
- Canadian Wildlife Service – Pacific Region, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 1238 Discovery Ave, Kelowna, BC V1V 1V9 Canada
| | - Caeley Thacker
- Wildlife and Habitat Branch, Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development, Government of British Columbia, 2080 Labieux Road, Nanaimo, BC V9T 6J 9 Canada
| | - Jocelyn Poissant
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4 Canada
| | - Marco Musiani
- Dipartimento Scienze Biologiche Geologiche Ambientali, Università Di Bologna, Via Zamboni, 33 - 40126 Bologna, Italia
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Bonar M, Anderson SJ, Anderson CR, Wittemyer G, Northrup JM, Shafer ABA. Genomic correlates for migratory direction in a free-ranging cervid. Proc Biol Sci 2022; 289:20221969. [PMID: 36475444 PMCID: PMC9727677 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2022.1969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Animal migrations are some of the most ubiquitous and one of the most threatened ecological processes globally. A wide range of migratory behaviours occur in nature, and this behaviour is not uniform among and within species, where even individuals in the same population can exhibit differences. While the environment largely drives migratory behaviour, it is necessary to understand the genetic mechanisms influencing migration to elucidate the potential of migratory species to cope with novel conditions and adapt to environmental change. In this study, we identified genes associated with a migratory trait by undertaking pooled genome-wide scans on a natural population of migrating mule deer. We identified genomic regions associated with variation in migratory direction, including FITM1, a gene linked to the formation of lipids, and DPPA3, a gene linked to epigenetic modifications of the maternal line. Such a genetic basis for a migratory trait contributes to the adaptive potential of the species and might affect the flexibility of individuals to change their behaviour in the face of changes in their environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maegwin Bonar
- Environmental & Life Sciences Graduate Program, Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario, Canada K9L 0G2
| | - Spencer J. Anderson
- Environmental & Life Sciences Graduate Program, Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario, Canada K9L 0G2
| | - Charles R. Anderson
- Mammals Research Section, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - George Wittemyer
- Department of Fish, Wildlife and Conservation Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Joseph M. Northrup
- Environmental & Life Sciences Graduate Program, Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario, Canada K9L 0G2,Wildlife Research and Monitoring Section, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources & Forestry, Peterborough, Ontario, Canada K9J 3C7
| | - Aaron B. A. Shafer
- Environmental & Life Sciences Graduate Program, Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario, Canada K9L 0G2
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Population structure of threatened caribou in western Canada inferred from genome-wide SNP data. CONSERV GENET 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s10592-022-01475-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
|
6
|
Theoret J, Cavedon M, Hegel T, Hervieux D, Schwantje H, Steenweg R, Watters M, Musiani M. Seasonal movements in caribou ecotypes of Western Canada. MOVEMENT ECOLOGY 2022; 10:12. [PMID: 35272704 PMCID: PMC8908644 DOI: 10.1186/s40462-022-00312-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 02/27/2022] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several migratory ungulates, including caribou, are dramatically declining. Caribou of the Barren-ground ecotype, which forms its own subspecies, are known to be mainly migratory. By contrast, within the Woodland subspecies, animals of the Boreal ecotype are known to be mainly sedentary, while those within the Northern and Central Mountain ecotypes to be partially migratory, with only some individuals migrating. Promotion of conservation actions (e.g., habitat protection) that are specific to both residents and migrants, as well as to the areas they frequent seasonally (which may be separate for migrants), requires distinguishing migration from other movement behaviours, which might be a challenge. METHODS We aimed at assessing seasonal movement behaviours, including migratory, resident, dispersing, and nomadic, for caribou belonging to the Barren-ground and Woodland subspecies and ecotypes. We examined seasonal displacement, both planar and altitudinal, and seasonal ranges overlap for 366 individuals that were GPS-collared in Northern and Western Canada. Lastly, we assessed the ability of caribou individuals to switch between migratory and non-migratory movement behaviours between years. RESULTS We detected migratory behaviour within each of the studied subspecies and ecotypes. However, seasonal ranges overlap (an index of sedentary behaviour) varied, with proportions of clear migrants (0 overlap) of 40.94% for Barren-ground caribou and 23.34% for Woodland caribou, and of 32.95%, 54.87%, and 8.86% for its Northern Mountain, Central Mountain, and Boreal ecotype, respectively. Plastic switches of individuals were also detected between migratory, resident, dispersing, and nomadic seasonal movements performed across years. CONCLUSIONS Our unexpected findings of marked seasonal movement plasticity in caribou indicate that this phenomenon should be better studied to understand the resilience of this endangered species to habitat and climatic changes. Our results that a substantial proportion of individuals engaged in seasonal migration in all studied ecotypes indicate that caribou conservation plans should account for critical habitat in both summer and winter ranges. Accordingly, conservation strategies are being devised for the Woodland subspecies and its ecotypes, which were found to be at least partially migratory in this study. Our findings that migration is detectable with both planar and altitudinal analyses of seasonal displacement provide a tool to better define seasonal ranges, also in mountainous and hilly environments, and protect habitat there.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Theoret
- Faculty of Environmental Design, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Maria Cavedon
- Faculty of Environmental Design, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Troy Hegel
- Yukon Department of Environment, Whitehorse, YT, Y1A 2C6, Canada
- Fish and Wildlife Stewardship Branch, Alberta Environment and Parks, 4999 98 Ave., Edmonton, AB, T6B 2X3, Canada
| | - Dave Hervieux
- Fish and Wildlife Stewardship Branch, Alberta Environment and Parks, Grande Prairie, AB, T8V 6J4, Canada
| | - Helen Schwantje
- Wildlife and Habitat Branch, Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development, Government of British Columbia, 2080 Labieux Road, Nanaimo, BC, V9T 6J9, Canada
| | - Robin Steenweg
- Pacific Region, Canadian Wildlife Service, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 5421 Robertson Road, Delta, BC, V4K 3N2, Canada
| | - Megan Watters
- Land and Resource Specialist, 300 - 10003 110th Avenue, Fort St. John, BC, V1J 6M7, Canada
| | - Marco Musiani
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science and Veterinary Medicine (Joint Appointment), University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
A reindeer's yearning to travel can be read in its genes. Nature 2022. [PMID: 35145294 DOI: 10.1038/d41586-022-00357-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
|