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Bertola LD, Quinn L, Hanghøj K, Garcia-Erill G, Rasmussen MS, Balboa RF, Meisner J, Bøggild T, Wang X, Lin L, Nursyifa C, Liu X, Li Z, Chege M, Moodley Y, Brüniche-Olsen A, Kuja J, Schubert M, Agaba M, Santander CG, Sinding MHS, Muwanika V, Masembe C, Siegismund HR, Moltke I, Albrechtsen A, Heller R. Giraffe lineages are shaped by major ancient admixture events. Curr Biol 2024; 34:1576-1586.e5. [PMID: 38479386 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2024.02.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Strong genetic structure has prompted discussion regarding giraffe taxonomy,1,2,3 including a suggestion to split the giraffe into four species: Northern (Giraffa c. camelopardalis), Reticulated (G. c. reticulata), Masai (G. c. tippelskirchi), and Southern giraffes (G. c. giraffa).4,5,6 However, their evolutionary history is not yet fully resolved, as previous studies used a simple bifurcating model and did not explore the presence or extent of gene flow between lineages. We therefore inferred a model that incorporates various evolutionary processes to assess the drivers of contemporary giraffe diversity. We analyzed whole-genome sequencing data from 90 wild giraffes from 29 localities across their current distribution. The most basal divergence was dated to 280 kya. Genetic differentiation, FST, among major lineages ranged between 0.28 and 0.62, and we found significant levels of ancient gene flow between them. In particular, several analyses suggested that the Reticulated lineage evolved through admixture, with almost equal contribution from the Northern lineage and an ancestral lineage related to Masai and Southern giraffes. These new results highlight a scenario of strong differentiation despite gene flow, providing further context for the interpretation of giraffe diversity and the process of speciation in general. They also illustrate that conservation measures need to target various lineages and sublineages and that separate management strategies are needed to conserve giraffe diversity effectively. Given local extinctions and recent dramatic declines in many giraffe populations, this improved understanding of giraffe evolutionary history is relevant for conservation interventions, including reintroductions and reinforcements of existing populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura D Bertola
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Liam Quinn
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kristian Hanghøj
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | | | - Renzo F Balboa
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jonas Meisner
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Thomas Bøggild
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Xi Wang
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Long Lin
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Casia Nursyifa
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Xiaodong Liu
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Zilong Li
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Mumbi Chege
- Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML), Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands; Wildlife Research and Training Institute, Naivasha, Kenya
| | - Yoshan Moodley
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Venda, Private Bag X5050, Thohoyandou 0950, Republic of South Africa
| | | | - Josiah Kuja
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Mikkel Schubert
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Morris Agaba
- School of Life Sciences and Bioengineering, Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology, Nelson Mandela Road, Arusha, Tanzania
| | - Cindy G Santander
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Vincent Muwanika
- College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Charles Masembe
- College of Natural Sciences, Makerere University, P O. 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.
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Coimbra RTF, Winter S, Muneza A, Fennessy S, Otiende M, Mijele D, Masiaine S, Stacy-Dawes J, Fennessy J, Janke A. Genomic analysis reveals limited hybridization among three giraffe species in Kenya. BMC Biol 2023; 21:215. [PMID: 37833744 PMCID: PMC10576358 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-023-01722-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: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the speciation continuum, the strength of reproductive isolation varies, and species boundaries are blurred by gene flow. Interbreeding among giraffe (Giraffa spp.) in captivity is known, and anecdotal reports of natural hybrids exist. In Kenya, Nubian (G. camelopardalis camelopardalis), reticulated (G. reticulata), and Masai giraffe sensu stricto (G. tippelskirchi tippelskirchi) are parapatric, and thus, the country might be a melting pot for these taxa. We analyzed 128 genomes of wild giraffe, 113 newly sequenced, representing these three taxa. RESULTS We found varying levels of Nubian ancestry in 13 reticulated giraffe sampled across the Laikipia Plateau most likely reflecting historical gene flow between these two lineages. Although comparatively weaker signs of ancestral gene flow and potential mitochondrial introgression from reticulated into Masai giraffe were also detected, estimated admixture levels between these two lineages are minimal. Importantly, contemporary gene flow between East African giraffe lineages was not statistically significant. Effective population sizes have declined since the Late Pleistocene, more severely for Nubian and reticulated giraffe. CONCLUSIONS Despite historically hybridizing, these three giraffe lineages have maintained their overall genomic integrity suggesting effective reproductive isolation, consistent with the previous classification of giraffe into four species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raphael T F Coimbra
- Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre, Frankfurt, Germany.
- Institute for Ecology, Evolution and Diversity, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany.
| | - Sven Winter
- Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre, Frankfurt, Germany
- Research Institute of Wildlife Ecology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Julian Fennessy
- Giraffe Conservation Foundation, Windhoek, Namibia
- School of Biology and Environmental Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Axel Janke
- Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre, Frankfurt, Germany.
- Institute for Ecology, Evolution and Diversity, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany.
- LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics, Frankfurt, Germany.
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3
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Integrating Earth–life systems: a geogenomic approach. Trends Ecol Evol 2022; 37:371-384. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2021.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Revised: 12/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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4
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Osteological foot differences between giraffes from distinct geographical locations; a pilot study. ZOOL ANZ 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcz.2022.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Abstract
Ecotourism can fuel an important source of financial income for African countries and can therefore help biodiversity policies in the continent. Translocations can be a powerful tool to spread economic benefits among countries and communities; yet, to be positive for biodiversity conservation, they require a basic knowledge of conservation units through appropriate taxonomic research. This is not always the case, as taxonomy was considered an outdated discipline for almost a century, and some plurality in taxonomic approaches is incorrectly considered as a disadvantage for conservation work. As an example, diversity of the genus Giraffa and its recent taxonomic history illustrate the importance of such knowledge for a sound conservation policy that includes translocations. We argue that a fine-grained conservation perspective that prioritizes all remaining populations along the Nile Basin is needed. Translocations are important tools for giraffe diversity conservation, but more discussion is needed, especially for moving new giraffes to regions where the autochthonous taxa/populations are no longer existent. As the current discussion about the giraffe taxonomy is too focused on the number of giraffe species, we argue that the plurality of taxonomic and conservation approaches might be beneficial, i.e., for defining the number of units requiring separate management using a (majority) consensus across different concepts (e.g., MU—management unit, ESU—evolutionary significant unit, and ECU—elemental conservation unit). The taxonomically sensitive translocation policy/strategy would be important for the preservation of current diversity, while also supporting the ecological restoration of some regions within rewilding. A summary table of the main translocation operations of African mammals that have underlying problems is included. Therefore, we call for increased attention toward the taxonomy of African mammals not only as the basis for sound conservation but also as a further opportunity to enlarge the geographic scope of ecotourism in Africa.
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Coimbra RTF, Winter S, Kumar V, Koepfli KP, Gooley RM, Dobrynin P, Fennessy J, Janke A. Whole-genome analysis of giraffe supports four distinct species. Curr Biol 2021; 31:2929-2938.e5. [PMID: 33957077 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2021.04.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2020] [Revised: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Species is the fundamental taxonomic unit in biology and its delimitation has implications for conservation. In giraffe (Giraffa spp.), multiple taxonomic classifications have been proposed since the early 1900s.1 However, one species with nine subspecies has been generally accepted,2 likely due to limited in-depth assessments, subspecies hybridizing in captivity,3,4 and anecdotal reports of hybrids in the wild.5 Giraffe taxonomy received new attention after population genetic studies using traditional genetic markers suggested at least four species.6,7 This view has been met with controversy,8 setting the stage for debate.9,10 Genomics is significantly enhancing our understanding of biodiversity and speciation relative to traditional genetic approaches and thus has important implications for species delineation and conservation.11 We present a high-quality de novo genome assembly of the critically endangered Kordofan giraffe (G. camelopardalis antiquorum)12 and a comprehensive whole-genome analysis of 50 giraffe representing all traditionally recognized subspecies. Population structure and phylogenomic analyses support four separately evolving giraffe lineages, which diverged 230-370 ka ago. These lineages underwent distinct demographic histories and show different levels of heterozygosity and inbreeding. Our results strengthen previous findings of limited gene flow and admixture among putative giraffe species6,7,9 and establish a genomic foundation for recognizing four species and seven subspecies, the latter of which should be considered as evolutionary significant units. Achieving a consensus over the number of species and subspecies in giraffe is essential for adequately assessing their threat level and will improve conservation efforts for these iconic taxa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raphael T F Coimbra
- Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre, Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Institute for Ecology, Evolution and Diversity, Goethe University, Max-von-Laue-Straße 13, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
| | - Sven Winter
- Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre, Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Institute for Ecology, Evolution and Diversity, Goethe University, Max-von-Laue-Straße 13, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Vikas Kumar
- Key Laboratory of Vertebrate Evolution and Human Origins, Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100044, China; Center for Excellence in Life and Paleoenvironment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100044, China
| | - Klaus-Peter Koepfli
- Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation, Front Royal, VA, 22630, USA; Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Center for Species Survival, National Zoological Park, 3001 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008, USA
| | - Rebecca M Gooley
- Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation, Front Royal, VA, 22630, USA; Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Center for Species Survival, National Zoological Park, 3001 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008, USA
| | - Pavel Dobrynin
- Computer Technologies Laboratory, ITMO University, 49 Kronverkskiy Pr., Saint Petersburg 197101, Russia
| | - Julian Fennessy
- Giraffe Conservation Foundation, PO Box 86099, Eros, Windhoek, Namibia
| | - Axel Janke
- Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre, Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Institute for Ecology, Evolution and Diversity, Goethe University, Max-von-Laue-Straße 13, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics, Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
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8
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Larison B, Kaelin CB, Harrigan R, Henegar C, Rubenstein DI, Kamath P, Aschenborn O, Smith TB, Barsh GS. Population structure, inbreeding and stripe pattern abnormalities in plains zebras. Mol Ecol 2020; 30:379-390. [PMID: 33174253 DOI: 10.1111/mec.15728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
One of the most iconic wild equids, the plains zebra occupies a broad region of sub-Saharan Africa and exhibits a wide range of phenotypic diversity in stripe patterns that have been used to classify multiple subspecies. After decades of relative stability, albeit with a loss of at least one recognized subspecies, the total population of plains zebras has undergone an approximate 25% decline since 2002. Individuals with abnormal stripe patterns have been recognized in recent years but the extent to which their appearance is related to demography and/or genetics is unclear. Investigating population genetic health and genetic structure are essential for developing effective strategies for plains zebra conservation. We collected DNA from 140 plains zebra, including seven with abnormal stripe patterns, from nine locations across the range of plains zebra, and analyzed data from restriction site-associated and whole genome sequencing (RAD-seq, WGS) libraries to better understand the relationships between population structure, genetic diversity, inbreeding, and abnormal phenotypes. We found that genetic structure did not coincide with described subspecific variation, but did distinguish geographic regions in which anthropogenic habitat fragmentation is associated with reduced gene flow and increased evidence of inbreeding, especially in certain parts of East Africa. Further, zebras with abnormal striping exhibited increased levels of inbreeding relative to normally striped individuals from the same populations. Our results point to a genetic cause of stripe pattern abnormalities, and dramatic evidence of the consequences of habitat fragmentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brenda Larison
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Center for Tropical Research, Institute of the Environment and Sustainability, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Christopher B Kaelin
- HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, Huntsville, AL, USA.,Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Ryan Harrigan
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Center for Tropical Research, Institute of the Environment and Sustainability, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | - Daniel I Rubenstein
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Pauline Kamath
- School of Food and Agriculture, University of Maine, Orono, ME, USA
| | - Ortwin Aschenborn
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Namibia, Neudamm Windhoek, Namibia
| | - Thomas B Smith
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Center for Tropical Research, Institute of the Environment and Sustainability, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Gregory S Barsh
- HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, Huntsville, AL, USA.,Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
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9
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Affiliation(s)
- Fred B. Bercovitch
- Save The Giraffes San Antonio TX USA
- Wildlife Research Center Kyoto University Kyoto Japan
- Department of Animal, Wildlife, and Grassland Sciences University of the Free State Bloemfontein South Africa
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10
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Fennessy J, Winter S, Reuss F, Kumar V, Nilsson MA, Vamberger M, Fritz U, Janke A. Response to "How many species of giraffe are there?". Curr Biol 2019; 27:R137-R138. [PMID: 28222288 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2016.12.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
It is not unexpected that a proposal, such as ours [1], of four new mammalian species stirs up controversy, as evident in the correspondence by Bercovitch et al.[2]. We appreciate that their concerns are unrelated to the quality of the genetic data, the methodological approach or analyses, but are focused on the interpretation. Thus, we provided an analysis of giraffe speciation based on genomic sequence data, and not just "another viewpoint on giraffe taxonomy" [2]. We maintain our perspective that there is not only one but four species of giraffe (Figure 1).
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian Fennessy
- Giraffe Conservation Foundation, PO Box 86099, Windhoek, Namibia
| | - Sven Winter
- Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre, Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Goethe University, Institute for Ecology, Evolution & Diversity, Max-von-Laue-Str. 13, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Friederike Reuss
- Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre, Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Vikas Kumar
- Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre, Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Maria A Nilsson
- Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre, Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Melita Vamberger
- Museum of Zoology, Senckenberg Dresden, Königsbrücker Landstraße 159, 01109 Dresden, Germany
| | - Uwe Fritz
- Museum of Zoology, Senckenberg Dresden, Königsbrücker Landstraße 159, 01109 Dresden, Germany
| | - Axel Janke
- Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre, Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Goethe University, Institute for Ecology, Evolution & Diversity, Max-von-Laue-Str. 13, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
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11
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Winter S, Fennessy J, Janke A. Limited introgression supports division of giraffe into four species. Ecol Evol 2018; 8:10156-10165. [PMID: 30397455 PMCID: PMC6206193 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.4490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2018] [Revised: 08/06/2018] [Accepted: 08/07/2018] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
All giraffe (Giraffa) were previously assigned to a single species (G. camelopardalis) and nine subspecies. However, multi-locus analyses of all subspecies have shown that there are four genetically distinct clades and suggest four giraffe species. This conclusion might not be fully accepted due to limited data and lack of explicit gene flow analyses. Here, we present an extended study based on 21 independent nuclear loci from 137 individuals. Explicit gene flow analyses identify less than one migrant per generation, including between the closely related northern and reticulated giraffe. Thus, gene flow analyses and population genetics of the extended dataset confirm four genetically distinct giraffe clades and support four independent giraffe species. The new findings support a revision of the IUCN classification of giraffe taxonomy. Three of the four species are threatened with extinction, and mostly occurring in politically unstable regions, and as such, require the highest conservation support possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sven Winter
- Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research CentreFrankfurt am MainGermany
- Institute for Ecology, Evolution and DiversityGoethe UniversityFrankfurt am MainGermany
| | | | - Axel Janke
- Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research CentreFrankfurt am MainGermany
- Institute for Ecology, Evolution and DiversityGoethe UniversityFrankfurt am MainGermany
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12
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Nieto‐Lugilde D, Maguire KC, Blois JL, Williams JW, Fitzpatrick MC. Multiresponse algorithms for community‐level modelling: Review of theory, applications, and comparison to species distribution models. Methods Ecol Evol 2017. [DOI: 10.1111/2041-210x.12936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Diego Nieto‐Lugilde
- Appalachian Laboratory University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science Frostburg MD USA
- Departamento de Botánica Ecología y Fisiología Vegetal Universidad de Córdoba Córdoba Spain
| | | | - Jessica L. Blois
- School of Natural Sciences University of California Merced CA USA
| | - John W. Williams
- Center for Climatic Research University of Wisconsin Madison WI USA
- Department of Geography University of Wisconsin Madison WI USA
| | - Matthew C. Fitzpatrick
- Appalachian Laboratory University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science Frostburg MD USA
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13
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Groves CP, Cotterill FPD, Gippoliti S, Robovský J, Roos C, Taylor PJ, Zinner D. Species definitions and conservation: a review and case studies from African mammals. CONSERV GENET 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s10592-017-0976-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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14
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Gippoliti S, Cotterill FPD, Zinner D, Groves CP. Impacts of taxonomic inertia for the conservation of African ungulate diversity: an overview. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2017; 93:115-130. [PMID: 28429851 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2016] [Revised: 03/23/2017] [Accepted: 03/27/2017] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
We review the state of African ungulate taxonomy over the last 120 years, with an emphasis on the introduction of the polytypic species concept and the discipline's general neglect since the middle of the 20th century. We single out negative consequences of 'orthodox' taxonomy, highlighting numerous cases of neglect of threatened lineages, unsound translocations that led to lineage introgression, and cases of maladaptation to local conditions including parasitic infections. Additionally, several captive breeding programmes have been hampered by chromosome rearrangements caused by involuntary lineage mixing. We advocate that specimen-based taxonomy should regain its keystone role in mammal research and conservation biology, with its scientific values augmented with genomic evidence. While integration with molecular biology, ecology and behaviour is needed for a full understanding of ungulate alpha diversity, we stress that morphological diversity has been neglected despite its tremendous practical importance for some groups of 'utilizers' such as trophy hunters, wildlife tourists and conservationists. We conclude that there is no evidence that purported 'taxonomic inflation' has adverse effects on ungulate conservation: rather, it is taxonomic inertia that has such adverse effects. We stress that sound science, founded on robust taxonomy, should underpin effective sustainable management (hunting, ranching, captive breeding and reintroduction programmes) of this unique African natural resource.
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Affiliation(s)
- Spartaco Gippoliti
- Società Italiana di Storia della Fauna 'G. Altobello' Viale Liegi 48, 00198, Roma, Italy
| | - Fenton P D Cotterill
- Geoecodynamics Research Hub, Department of Earth Sciences, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, 7602, South Africa
| | - Dietmar Zinner
- Cognitive Ethology Laboratory, German Primate Center, 37077, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Colin P Groves
- School of Archaeology & Anthropology, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
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15
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Bercovitch FB, Berry PSM. Life expectancy, maximum longevity and lifetime reproductive success in female Thornicroft's giraffe in Zambia. Afr J Ecol 2016. [DOI: 10.1111/aje.12370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Fred B. Bercovitch
- Primate Research Institute & Wildlife Research Center; Kyoto University; 41-2 Kanrin Inuyama Aichi 484-8506 Japan
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16
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Rainfall and topography predict gene flow among populations of the declining northern quoll (Dasyurus hallucatus). CONSERV GENET 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s10592-016-0856-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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17
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Phylogenetic analysis of the winter geometrid genus Inurois reveals repeated reproductive season shifts. Mol Phylogenet Evol 2016; 94:47-54. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ympev.2015.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2015] [Revised: 07/15/2015] [Accepted: 08/17/2015] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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18
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Affiliation(s)
- Fred B. Bercovitch
- Primate Research Institute & Wildlife Research Center; Kyoto University; 41-2 Kanrin Inuyama Aichi 484-8506 Japan
- Giraffe Conservation Foundation; 26 Grassmere Road Purley Surrey CR8 1DU U.K
| | - Francois Deacon
- Giraffe Conservation Foundation; 26 Grassmere Road Purley Surrey CR8 1DU U.K
- Faculty of Natural & Agricultural Sciences; Department of Animal, Wildlife & Grassland Sciences; University of the Free State; P. O. Box 339 Bloemfontein 9300 South Africa
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Fitzpatrick MC, Keller SR. Ecological genomics meets community-level modelling of biodiversity: mapping the genomic landscape of current and future environmental adaptation. Ecol Lett 2014; 18:1-16. [DOI: 10.1111/ele.12376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 309] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2014] [Revised: 06/17/2014] [Accepted: 08/21/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew C. Fitzpatrick
- Appalachian Lab; University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science; Frostburg MD USA
| | - Stephen R. Keller
- Appalachian Lab; University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science; Frostburg MD USA
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20
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Antón SC, Potts R, Aiello LC. Evolution of earlyHomo: An integrated biological perspective. Science 2014; 345:1236828. [DOI: 10.1126/science.1236828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 339] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Integration of evidence over the past decade has revised understandings about the major adaptations underlying the origin and early evolution of the genusHomo. Many features associated withHomo sapiens, including our large linear bodies, elongated hind limbs, large energy-expensive brains, reduced sexual dimorphism, increased carnivory, and unique life history traits, were once thought to have evolved near the origin of the genus in response to heightened aridity and open habitats in Africa. However, recent analyses of fossil, archaeological, and environmental data indicate that such traits did not arise as a single package. Instead, some arose substantially earlier and some later than previously thought. From ~2.5 to 1.5 million years ago, three lineages of earlyHomoevolved in a context of habitat instability and fragmentation on seasonal, intergenerational, and evolutionary time scales. These contexts gave a selective advantage to traits, such as dietary flexibility and larger body size, that facilitated survival in shifting environments.
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