1
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Cairns KM, Crowther MS, Parker HG, Ostrander EA, Letnic M. Genome-wide variant analyses reveal new patterns of admixture and population structure in Australian dingoes. Mol Ecol 2023; 32:4133-4150. [PMID: 37246949 PMCID: PMC10524503 DOI: 10.1111/mec.16998] [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: 10/10/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Admixture between species is a cause for concern in wildlife management. Canids are particularly vulnerable to interspecific hybridisation, and genetic admixture has shaped their evolutionary history. Microsatellite DNA testing, relying on a small number of genetic markers and geographically restricted reference populations, has identified extensive domestic dog admixture in Australian dingoes and driven conservation management policy. But there exists a concern that geographic variation in dingo genotypes could confound ancestry analyses that use a small number of genetic markers. Here, we apply genome-wide single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping to a set of 402 wild and captive dingoes collected from across Australia and then carry out comparisons to domestic dogs. We then perform ancestry modelling and biogeographic analyses to characterise population structure in dingoes and investigate the extent of admixture between dingoes and dogs in different regions of the continent. We show that there are at least five distinct dingo populations across Australia. We observed limited evidence of dog admixture in wild dingoes. Our work challenges previous reports regarding the occurrence and extent of dog admixture in dingoes, as our ancestry analyses show that previous assessments severely overestimate the degree of domestic dog admixture in dingo populations, particularly in south-eastern Australia. These findings strongly support the use of genome-wide SNP genotyping as a refined method for wildlife managers and policymakers to assess and inform dingo management policy and legislation moving forwards.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kylie M. Cairns
- Evolution & Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Centre for Ecosystem Science, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Mathew S. Crowther
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Heidi G. Parker
- National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Elaine A. Ostrander
- National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Mike Letnic
- Evolution & Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Centre for Ecosystem Science, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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2
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Wittwer S, Gerber L, Allen SJ, Willems EP, Marfurt SM, Krützen M. Reconstructing the colonization history of Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) in Northwestern Australia. Mol Ecol 2023. [PMID: 37173858 DOI: 10.1111/mec.16984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops spp.) are found in waters around Australia, with T. truncatus typically occupying deeper, more oceanic habitat, while T. aduncus occur in shallower, coastal waters. Little is known about the colonization history of T. aduncus along the Western Australian coastline; however, it has been hypothesized that extant populations are the result of an expansion along the coastline originating from a source in the north of Australia. To investigate the history of coastal T. aduncus populations in the area, we generated a genomic SNP dataset using a double-digest restriction-site-associated DNA (ddRAD) sequencing approach. The resulting dataset consisted of 103,201 biallelic SNPs for 112 individuals which were sampled from eleven coastal and two offshore sites between Shark Bay and Cygnet Bay, Western Australia. Our population genomic analyses showed a pattern consistent with the proposed source in the north with significant isolation by distance along the coastline, as well as a reduction in genomic diversity measures along the coastline with Shark Bay showing the most pronounced reduction. Our demographic analysis indicated that the expansion of T. aduncus along the coastline began around the last glacial maximum and progressed southwards with the Shark Bay population being founded only 13 kya. Our results are in line with coastal colonization histories inferred for Tursiops globally, highlighting the ability of delphinids to rapidly colonize novel coastal niches as habitat is released during glacial cycle-related global sea level and temperature changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Wittwer
- Evolutionary Genetics Group, Department of Evolutionary Anthropology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Livia Gerber
- Evolutionary Genetics Group, Department of Evolutionary Anthropology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Australian National Wildlife Collection, CSIRO National Research Collections Australia, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Simon J Allen
- Evolutionary Genetics Group, Department of Evolutionary Anthropology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Erik P Willems
- Department of Evolutionary Anthropology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Svenja M Marfurt
- Evolutionary Genetics Group, Department of Evolutionary Anthropology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Michael Krützen
- Evolutionary Genetics Group, Department of Evolutionary Anthropology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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3
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Raudino HC, Bouchet PJ, Douglas C, Douglas R, Waples K. Aerial abundance estimates for two sympatric dolphin species at a regional scale using distance sampling and density surface modeling. Front Ecol Evol 2023. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2022.1086686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Monitoring wildlife populations over scales relevant to management is critical to supporting conservation decision-making in the face of data deficiency, particularly for rare species occurring across large geographic ranges. The Pilbara region of Western Australia is home to two sympatric and morphologically similar species of coastal dolphins—the Indo-pacific bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops aduncus) and Australian humpback dolphin (Sousa sahulensis)—both of which are believed to be declining in numbers and facing increasing pressures from the combined impacts of environmental change and extensive industrial activities. The aim of this study was to develop spatially explicit models of bottlenose and humpback dolphin abundance in Pilbara waters that could inform decisions about coastal development at a regional scale. Aerial line transect surveys were flown from a fixed-wing aircraft in the austral winters of 2015, 2016, and 2017 across a total area of 33,420 km2. Spatio-temporal patterns in dolphin density were quantified using a density surface modeling (DSM) approach, accounting for imperfect detection as well as both perception and availability bias. We estimated the abundance of bottlenose dolphins at 3,713 (95% CI = 2,679–5,146; average density of 0.189 ± 0.046 SD individuals per km2) in 2015, 2,638 (95% CI = 1,670–4,168; 0.159 ± 0.135 individuals per km2) in 2016 and 1,635 (95% CI = 1,031–2,593; 0.101 ± 0.103 individuals per km2) in 2017. Too few humpback dolphins were detected in 2015 to model abundance, but their estimated abundance was 1,546 (95% CI = 942–2,537; 0.097 ± 0.03 individuals per km2) and 2,690 (95% CI = 1,792–4,038; 0.169 ± 0.064 individuals per km2) in 2016 and 2017, respectively. Dolphin densities were greatest in nearshore waters, with hotspots in Exmouth Gulf, the Dampier Archipelago, and Great Sandy Islands. Our results provide a benchmark on which future risk assessments can be based to better understand the overlap between pressures and important dolphin habitats in tropical northwestern Australia.
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4
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Genetic Diversity and Maternal Lineage of Indo-Pacific Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops aduncus) in the Andaman Sea of Thailand. DIVERSITY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/d14121093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) are a coastal species found in Thai waters off the coasts of the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand. This species was recently re-listed as near-threatened by the IUCN Red List, though the population status in Thai seas is not known. Here, we investigated genetic diversity, population structure, maternal lineage, and demographics by analyzing skin tissue samples (n = 30) of T. aduncus stranded along the Andaman coastline of Thailand between 1990 and 2019. This study was based on 11 microsatellite loci and 265 bp mtDNA control regions compared to data available through the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). From microsatellites, the observed heterozygosity (Ho) ranged from 0.46 to 0.85. The mean fixation index (F) value for all loci was 0.10 ± 0.04, which suggests some degree of inbreeding. Two genetic clusters (the most likely K at K = 2) were observed in T. aduncus through the population structure analysis using multiple criteria. For the mtDNA control region, a total of 17 haplotypes were found for dolphins in Thai seas (14 haplotypes from our samples; three haplotypes from the NCBI database) with high levels of haplotype diversity (h) at 0.926 ± 0.027 and nucleotide diversity (π) at 0.045 ± 0.002. A decline in the effective population size from 0.05 million years ago also was observed in Thai T. aduncus through Bayesian Skyline Plots analysis. A unique set of haplotypes was identified in our samples, which may have originated from the Australian and Indian Oceans rather than the Western Pacific Ocean. These results improve our understanding of the maternal lineage of the Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin, which can be used for monitoring population status and establishing better conservation plans for this species in the Thai Andaman Sea.
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Dai Y, Sakornwimon W, Chantra R, Zhao L, Wu F, Aierken R, Kittiwattanawong K, Wang X. High genetic differentiation of Indo‐Pacific humpback dolphins (
Sousa chinensis
) along the Asian Coast of the Pacific Ocean. Ecol Evol 2022; 12:e8901. [PMID: 35571759 PMCID: PMC9077734 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.8901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2021] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Yufei Dai
- Laboratory of Marine Biology and Ecology Third Institute of Oceanography Ministry of Natural Resources Xiamen China
- Key Laboratory of Marine Ecological Conservation and Restoration Ministry of Natural Resources Xiamen China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Ecological Conservation and Restoration Xiamen China
| | - Watchara Sakornwimon
- Marine and Coastal Resources Research Center The Central Gulf of Thailand Chumphon Thailand
| | - Rachawadee Chantra
- Marine and Coastal Resources Research Center The Upper Gulf of Thailand Samut Sakhon Thailand
| | - Liyuan Zhao
- Laboratory of Marine Biology and Ecology Third Institute of Oceanography Ministry of Natural Resources Xiamen China
- Key Laboratory of Marine Ecological Conservation and Restoration Ministry of Natural Resources Xiamen China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Ecological Conservation and Restoration Xiamen China
| | - Fuxing Wu
- Laboratory of Marine Biology and Ecology Third Institute of Oceanography Ministry of Natural Resources Xiamen China
- Key Laboratory of Marine Ecological Conservation and Restoration Ministry of Natural Resources Xiamen China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Ecological Conservation and Restoration Xiamen China
| | - Reyilamu Aierken
- Laboratory of Marine Biology and Ecology Third Institute of Oceanography Ministry of Natural Resources Xiamen China
| | | | - Xianyan Wang
- Laboratory of Marine Biology and Ecology Third Institute of Oceanography Ministry of Natural Resources Xiamen China
- Key Laboratory of Marine Ecological Conservation and Restoration Ministry of Natural Resources Xiamen China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Ecological Conservation and Restoration Xiamen China
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6
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Adavoudi R, Pilot M. Consequences of Hybridization in Mammals: A Systematic Review. Genes (Basel) 2021; 13:50. [PMID: 35052393 PMCID: PMC8774782 DOI: 10.3390/genes13010050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Hybridization, defined as breeding between two distinct taxonomic units, can have an important effect on the evolutionary patterns in cross-breeding taxa. Although interspecific hybridization has frequently been considered as a maladaptive process, which threatens species genetic integrity and survival via genetic swamping and outbreeding depression, in some cases hybridization can introduce novel adaptive variation and increase fitness. Most studies to date focused on documenting hybridization events and analyzing their causes, while relatively little is known about the consequences of hybridization and its impact on the parental species. To address this knowledge gap, we conducted a systematic review of studies on hybridization in mammals published in 2010-2021, and identified 115 relevant studies. Of 13 categories of hybridization consequences described in these studies, the most common negative consequence (21% of studies) was genetic swamping and the most common positive consequence (8%) was the gain of novel adaptive variation. The total frequency of negative consequences (49%) was higher than positive (13%) and neutral (38%) consequences. These frequencies are biased by the detection possibilities of microsatellite loci, the most common genetic markers used in the papers assessed. As negative outcomes are typically easier to demonstrate than positive ones (e.g., extinction vs hybrid speciation), they may be over-represented in publications. Transition towards genomic studies involving both neutral and adaptive variation will provide a better insight into the real impacts of hybridization.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Małgorzata Pilot
- Museum and Institute of Zoology, Polish Academy of Sciences, ul. Nadwiślańska 108, 80-680 Gdańsk, Poland;
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7
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Dai Y, Chantra R, Kittiwattanawong K, Zhao L, Sakornwimon W, Aierken R, Wu F, Wang X. Genetic structure of the endangered Irrawaddy dolphin (Orcaella brevirostris) in the Gulf of Thailand. Genet Mol Biol 2021; 44:e20200365. [PMID: 33821876 PMCID: PMC8022665 DOI: 10.1590/1678-4685-gmb-2020-0365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 02/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The Irrawaddy dolphin (Orcaella brevirostris) is an endangered, small cetacean species which is widely distributed in rivers, estuaries, and coastal waters throughout the tropical and subtropical Indo-Pacific. Despite the extensive distribution of this species, little is known of individual movements or genetic exchange among regions in Thailand. Here, we evaluate the genetic diversity and genetic structure of O. brevirostris in the eastern, northern and western Gulf of Thailand, and Andaman Sea. Although phylogenetic relationships and network analysis based on 15 haplotypes obtained from 32 individuals reveal no obvious divergence, significant genetic differentiation in mitochondrial DNA (overall FST = 0.226, P < 0.001; ΦST = 0.252, P < 0.001) is apparent among regions. Of 18 tested microsatellite loci, 10 are polymorphic and successfully characterized in 28 individuals, revealing significant genetic differentiation (overall FST = 0.077, P < 0.05) among the four sampling sites. Structure analysis reveals two inferred genetic clusters. Additionally, Mantel analysis demonstrates individual-by-individual genetic distances and geographic distances follow an isolation-by-distance model. We speculate that the significant genetic structure of O. brevirostris in Thailand is associated with a combination of geographical distribution patterns, environmental and anthropogenic factors, and local adaptations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yufei Dai
- Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Laboratory of Marine Biology and Ecology, Xiamen, China.,Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Ecological Conservation and Restoration, Xiamen, China
| | - Rachawadee Chantra
- Marine and Coastal Resources Research Center, The Upper Gulf of Thailand, Samut Sakhon, Thailand
| | | | - Liyuan Zhao
- Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Laboratory of Marine Biology and Ecology, Xiamen, China.,Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Ecological Conservation and Restoration, Xiamen, China
| | - Watchara Sakornwimon
- Marine and Coastal Resources Research Center, The Central Gulf of Thailand, Chumphon, Thailand
| | - Reyilamu Aierken
- Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Laboratory of Marine Biology and Ecology, Xiamen, China.,Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Ecological Conservation and Restoration, Xiamen, China
| | - Fuxing Wu
- Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Laboratory of Marine Biology and Ecology, Xiamen, China.,Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Ecological Conservation and Restoration, Xiamen, China
| | - Xianyan Wang
- Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Laboratory of Marine Biology and Ecology, Xiamen, China.,Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Ecological Conservation and Restoration, Xiamen, China
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8
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Zhao L, Sakornwimon W, Lin W, Zhang P, Chantra R, Dai Y, Aierken R, Wu F, Li S, Kittiwattanawong K, Wang X. Early divergence and differential population histories of the Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin in the Pacific and Indian Oceans. Integr Zool 2021; 16:612-625. [PMID: 33560551 DOI: 10.1111/1749-4877.12527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The currently recognized Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin occurs in estuaries and surrounding shallow waters from the South China Sea to the Asian coast of the Indian Ocean. However, a recent study suggested that the humpback dolphin from the Bay of Bengal may represent a distinct phylogenetic species. In this study, we sequenced 915-bp mtDNA segments from five geographic populations in both Chinese and Thai waters; together with previously published sequences, these data revealed that the ancestral Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin might have split during the transition from the Oligocene to Miocene (23.45 Mya, 95% HPD: 16.65-26.55 Mya), and then dispersed along the Pacific and Indian Ocean coasts of Asia. Genetic differentiation was detected between most of the examined populations, except for only a few pairwise populations in the northern South China Sea. Genetic differentiation/distance between the humpback dolphins from the northern and southern South China Sea met the sub-species threshold value proposed for marine mammals, whereas that between the humpback dolphins in the Pacific and the Indian Ocean was above the species threshold. Bayesian inference of historic gene flow indicated low but constant northward gene flow along the Indian Ocean coast; however, there was a recent abrupt increase in gene flow in the Pacific region, likely due to the shortening coastline at the low stand of sea level. Our results revealed that the current taxonomic classification of Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins may not reflect their phylogeography.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liyuan Zhao
- Laboratory of Marine Biology and Ecology, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Xiamen, China.,Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Ecological Conservation and Restoration, Xiamen, China
| | - Watchara Sakornwimon
- Marine and Coastal Resources Research Center, The Middle Gulf of Thailand, Chumphon, Thailand
| | - Wenzhi Lin
- Institute of Deep-sea Science and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya, China
| | - Peijun Zhang
- Institute of Deep-sea Science and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya, China
| | - Rachawadee Chantra
- Marine and Coastal Resources Research Center, The Upper Gulf of Thailand, Samut Sakhon, Thailand
| | - Yufei Dai
- Laboratory of Marine Biology and Ecology, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Xiamen, China.,Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Ecological Conservation and Restoration, Xiamen, China
| | - Reyilamu Aierken
- Laboratory of Marine Biology and Ecology, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Xiamen, China.,Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Ecological Conservation and Restoration, Xiamen, China
| | - Fuxing Wu
- Laboratory of Marine Biology and Ecology, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Xiamen, China.,Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Ecological Conservation and Restoration, Xiamen, China
| | - Songhai Li
- Institute of Deep-sea Science and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya, China
| | | | - Xianyan Wang
- Laboratory of Marine Biology and Ecology, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Xiamen, China.,Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Ecological Conservation and Restoration, Xiamen, China
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9
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Hunt TN, Allen SJ, Bejder L, Parra GJ. Identifying priority habitat for conservation and management of Australian humpback dolphins within a marine protected area. Sci Rep 2020; 10:14366. [PMID: 32873830 PMCID: PMC7463025 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-69863-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Increasing human activity along the coast has amplified the extinction risk of inshore delphinids. Informed selection and prioritisation of areas for the conservation of inshore delphinids requires a comprehensive understanding of their distribution and habitat use. In this study, we applied an ensemble species distribution modelling approach, combining results of six modelling algorithms to identify areas of high probability of occurrence of the globally Vulnerable Australian humpback dolphin in northern Ningaloo Marine Park (NMP), north-western Australia. Model outputs were based on sighting data collected during systematic, boat-based surveys between 2013 and 2015, and in relation to various ecogeographic variables. Water depth and distance to coast were identified as the most important variables influencing dolphin presence, with dolphins showing a preference for shallow waters (5-15 m) less than 2 km from the coast. Areas of high probability (> 0.6) of dolphin occurrence were primarily (90%) in multiple use areas where extractive human activities are permitted, and were poorly represented in sanctuary (no-take) zones. This spatial mismatch emphasises the need to reassess for future spatial planning and marine park management plan reviews for NMP. Shallow, coastal waters identified here should be considered priority areas for the conservation of this Vulnerable species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim N Hunt
- Cetacean Ecology, Behaviour and Evolution Lab, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Sturt Road, Adelaide, SA, 5042, Australia.
| | - Simon J Allen
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Western Australia, Stirling Highway, Perth, WA, 6109, Australia
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, Tyndall Avenue, Bristol, BS8 1TQ, UK
- Department of Anthropology, University of Zurich, Rämistrasse 71, 8006, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Lars Bejder
- Aquatic Megafauna Research Unit, Centre for Sustainable Aquatic Ecosystems, Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, South Street, Perth, WA, 6150, Australia
- Marine Mammal Research Program, Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Manoa, HI, 96734, USA
| | - Guido J Parra
- Cetacean Ecology, Behaviour and Evolution Lab, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Sturt Road, Adelaide, SA, 5042, Australia
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10
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Raudino HC, Tyne JA, Smith A, Ottewell K, McArthur S, Kopps AM, Chabanne D, Harcourt RG, Pirotta V, Waples K. Challenges of collecting blow from small cetaceans. Ecosphere 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.2901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Holly C. Raudino
- Biodiversity and Conservation Science Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions Kensington Western Australia Australia
| | - Julian A. Tyne
- Environmental and Conservation Sciences Murdoch University Perth Western Australia Australia
- Aquatic Megafauna Research Unit Centre for Sustainable Aquatic Ecosystems Harry Butler Institute Murdoch University Perth Western Australia Australia
| | - Alastair Smith
- Heliguy Scientific Pty. Ltd Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Kym Ottewell
- Biodiversity and Conservation Science Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions Kensington Western Australia Australia
| | - Shelley McArthur
- Biodiversity and Conservation Science Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions Kensington Western Australia Australia
| | | | - Delphine Chabanne
- Environmental and Conservation Sciences Murdoch University Perth Western Australia Australia
- Aquatic Megafauna Research Unit Centre for Sustainable Aquatic Ecosystems Harry Butler Institute Murdoch University Perth Western Australia Australia
| | - Robert G. Harcourt
- Marine Predator Research Group Department of Biological Sciences Macquarie University Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Vanessa Pirotta
- Marine Predator Research Group Department of Biological Sciences Macquarie University Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Kelly Waples
- Biodiversity and Conservation Science Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions Kensington Western Australia Australia
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11
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Whole Genome Sequencing of Chinese White Dolphin ( Sousa chinensis) for High-Throughput Screening of Antihypertensive Peptides. Mar Drugs 2019; 17:md17090504. [PMID: 31466310 PMCID: PMC6780146 DOI: 10.3390/md17090504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2019] [Revised: 08/16/2019] [Accepted: 08/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Chinese white dolphin (Sousa chinensis), also known as the Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin, has been classified as “Vulnerable” on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. It is a special cetacean species that lives in tropical and subtropical nearshore waters, with significant differences from other cetaceans. Here, we sequenced and assembled a draft genome of the Chinese white dolphin with a total length of 2.3 Gb and annotation of 18,387 protein-coding genes. Genes from certain expanded families are potentially involved in DNA replication and repairing, suggesting that they may be related to adaptation of this marine mammal to nearshore environments. We also discovered that its historical population had undergone a remarkable bottleneck incident before the Mindel glaciation. In addition, a comparative genomic survey on antihypertensive peptides (AHTPs) among five representative mammals with various residential habitats (such as remarkable differences in exogenous ion concentrations and sea depth) revealed that these small bioactive peptides were highly conserved among these examined mammals, and they had the most abundant hits in collagen subunit proteins, especially for two putative AHTP peptides Gly-Leu-Pro (GLP) and Leu-Gly-Pro (LGP). Our genome assembly will be a valuable resource for further genetic researches on adaptive ecology and conservation biology of cetaceans, and for in-depth investigations into bioactive peptides in aquatic and terrestrial mammals for development of peptide-based drugs to treat various human cardiovascular diseases.
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12
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Gridley T, Elwen SH, Harris G, Moore DM, Hoelzel AR, Lampen F. Hybridization in bottlenose dolphins-A case study of Tursiops aduncus × T. truncatus hybrids and successful backcross hybridization events. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0201722. [PMID: 30208020 PMCID: PMC6135391 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0201722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2017] [Accepted: 07/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The bottlenose dolphin, genus Tursiops is one of the best studied of all the Cetacea with a minimum of two species widely recognised. Common bottlenose dolphins (T. truncatus), are the cetacean species most frequently held in captivity and are known to hybridize with species from at least 6 different genera. In this study, we document several intra-generic hybridization events between T. truncatus and T. aduncus held in captivity. We demonstrate that the F1 hybrids are fertile and can backcross producing apparently healthy offspring, thereby showing introgressive inter-specific hybridization within the genus. We document that female F1 hybrids can reach sexual maturity at 4 yr and 3 mo of age, and can become pregnant and give birth before being fully weaned. The information presented has implications for understanding hybrid reticulation among cetacean species and practical implications for captive facilities housing either Tursiops species or hybrids thereof.
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Affiliation(s)
- T. Gridley
- Centre for Statistics in Ecology, Environment and Conservation, Department of Statistical Sciences, University of Cape Town, C/o Sea Search Research and Conservation NPC, Muizenberg Cape Town, South Africa
- * E-mail:
| | - S. H. Elwen
- Mammal Research Institute, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, C/o Sea Search Research and Conservation NPC, Muizenberg Cape Town, South Africa
| | - G. Harris
- The South African Association for Marine Biological Research, uShaka Sea World, Point, Durban, South Africa
| | - D. M. Moore
- Department of Biosciences, Durham University, Durham, United Kingdom
| | - A. R. Hoelzel
- Department of Biosciences, Durham University, Durham, United Kingdom
| | - F. Lampen
- The South African Association for Marine Biological Research, uShaka Sea World, Point, Durban, South Africa
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de Freitas M, Smith JN, Jensen FH, Beedholm K, Madsen PT. Echolocation click source parameters of Australian snubfin dolphins (Orcaella heinsohni). THE JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2018; 143:2564. [PMID: 29716291 DOI: 10.1121/1.5034174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The Australian snubfin dolphin (Orcaella heinsohni) is endemic to Australian waters, yet little is known about its abundance and habitat use. To investigate the feasibility of Passive Acoustic Monitoring for snubfin dolphins, biosonar clicks were recorded in Cygnet Bay, Australia, using a four-element hydrophone array. Clicks had a mean source level of 200 ± 5 dB re 1 μPa pp, transmission directivity index of 24 dB, mean centroid frequency of 98 ± 9 kHz, and a root-mean-square bandwidth of 31 ± 3 kHz. Such properties lend themselves to passive acoustic monitoring, but are comparable to similarly-sized delphinids, thus requiring additional cues to discriminate between snubfins and sympatric species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mafalda de Freitas
- Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Building 1131, C.F. Moellers Alle 3, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Joshua N Smith
- Murdoch University Cetacean Research Unit, School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, South Street, Murdoch, Western Australia, 6150, Australia
| | - Frants H Jensen
- Aarhus Institute of Advanced Studies, Aarhus University, Høegh-Guldbergs Gade 6B, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Kristian Beedholm
- Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Building 1131, C.F. Moellers Alle 3, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Peter T Madsen
- Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Building 1131, C.F. Moellers Alle 3, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
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Abstract
Understanding how geography, oceanography, and climate have ultimately shaped marine biodiversity requires aligning the distributions of genetic diversity across multiple taxa. Here, we examine phylogeographic partitions in the sea against a backdrop of biogeographic provinces defined by taxonomy, endemism, and species composition. The taxonomic identities used to define biogeographic provinces are routinely accompanied by diagnostic genetic differences between sister species, indicating interspecific concordance between biogeography and phylogeography. In cases where individual species are distributed across two or more biogeographic provinces, shifts in genotype frequencies often align with biogeographic boundaries, providing intraspecific concordance between biogeography and phylogeography. Here, we provide examples of comparative phylogeography from (i) tropical seas that host the highest marine biodiversity, (ii) temperate seas with high productivity but volatile coastlines, (iii) migratory marine fauna, and (iv) plankton that are the most abundant eukaryotes on earth. Tropical and temperate zones both show impacts of glacial cycles, the former primarily through changing sea levels, and the latter through coastal habitat disruption. The general concordance between biogeography and phylogeography indicates that the population-level genetic divergences observed between provinces are a starting point for macroevolutionary divergences between species. However, isolation between provinces does not account for all marine biodiversity; the remainder arises through alternative pathways, such as ecological speciation and parapatric (semiisolated) divergences within provinces and biodiversity hotspots.
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Wang ZT, Nowacek DP, Akamatsu T, Wang KX, Liu JC, Duan GQ, Cao HJ, Wang D. Diversity of fish sound types in the Pearl River Estuary, China. PeerJ 2017; 5:e3924. [PMID: 29085746 PMCID: PMC5659214 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.3924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2017] [Accepted: 09/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Repetitive species-specific sound enables the identification of the presence and behavior of soniferous species by acoustic means. Passive acoustic monitoring has been widely applied to monitor the spatial and temporal occurrence and behavior of calling species. METHODS Underwater biological sounds in the Pearl River Estuary, China, were collected using passive acoustic monitoring, with special attention paid to fish sounds. A total of 1,408 suspected fish calls comprising 18,942 pulses were qualitatively analyzed using a customized acoustic analysis routine. RESULTS We identified a diversity of 66 types of fish sounds. In addition to single pulse, the sounds tended to have a pulse train structure. The pulses were characterized by an approximate 8 ms duration, with a peak frequency from 500 to 2,600 Hz and a majority of the energy below 4,000 Hz. The median inter-pulsepeak interval (IPPI) of most call types was 9 or 10 ms. Most call types with median IPPIs of 9 ms and 10 ms were observed at times that were exclusive from each other, suggesting that they might be produced by different species. According to the literature, the two section signal types of 1 + 1 and 1 + N10 might belong to big-snout croaker (Johnius macrorhynus), and 1 + N19 might be produced by Belanger's croaker (J. belangerii). DISCUSSION Categorization of the baseline ambient biological sound is an important first step in mapping the spatial and temporal patterns of soniferous fishes. The next step is the identification of the species producing each sound. The distribution pattern of soniferous fishes will be helpful for the protection and management of local fishery resources and in marine environmental impact assessment. Since the local vulnerable Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin (Sousa chinensis) mainly preys on soniferous fishes, the fine-scale distribution pattern of soniferous fishes can aid in the conservation of this species. Additionally, prey and predator relationships can be observed when a database of species-identified sounds is completed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Tao Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Aquatic Biodiversity and Conservation of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute of Hydrobiology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Douglas P. Nowacek
- Division of Marine Science and Conservation, Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University of Marine Laboratory, NC, Beaufort, USA
- Pratt School of Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States of America
| | - Tomonari Akamatsu
- National Research Institute of Fisheries Science, Fisheries Research and Development Agency, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Ke-Xiong Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Aquatic Biodiversity and Conservation of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute of Hydrobiology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Jian-Chang Liu
- Transport Planning and Research Institute, Ministry of Transport, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Guo-Qin Duan
- Hongkong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Authority, Guangzhou, China
| | - Han-Jiang Cao
- Hongkong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Authority, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ding Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Aquatic Biodiversity and Conservation of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute of Hydrobiology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, P.R. China
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16
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Allen SJ, King SL, Krützen M, Brown AM. Multi-modal sexual displays in Australian humpback dolphins. Sci Rep 2017; 7:13644. [PMID: 29057901 PMCID: PMC5651929 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-13898-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2017] [Accepted: 10/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Sexual displays enriched by object carrying serve to increase individual male fitness, yet are uncommon phenomena in the animal kingdom. While they have been documented in a variety of taxa, primarily birds, they are rare outside non-human mammals. Here, we document marine sponge presenting associated with visual and acoustic posturing found in several, geographically widespread populations of Australian humpback dolphins (Sousa sahulensis) over ten years of observation. Only adult males presented marine sponges, typically doing so in the presence of sexually mature females, although social groups predominantly consisted of mixed age and sex classes. Male humpback dolphins appear to be using sponges for signalling purposes in multi-modal sexual displays. Further, based on limited behavioural and genetic data, we hypothesise that pairs of adult male Sousa form at least temporary coalitions or alliances. The use of objects in sexual displays by non-human mammals is rare and, moreover, cooperation between males in the pursuit of an indivisible resource is an evolutionary hurdle relatively few species have overcome. These findings suggest a hitherto unrecognised level of social complexity in humpback dolphins.
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Affiliation(s)
- S J Allen
- School of Biological Sciences and Oceans Institute, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, 6009, Australia. .,Department of Anthropology, University of Zurich, CH-8057, Zurich, Switzerland. .,Cetacean Research Unit, School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia, 6150, Australia.
| | - S L King
- School of Biological Sciences and Oceans Institute, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, 6009, Australia
| | - M Krützen
- Department of Anthropology, University of Zurich, CH-8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - A M Brown
- Cetacean Research Unit, School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia, 6150, Australia.,Hartley Anderson Ltd, 36 Regent Quay, Aberdeen, AB11 5BE, United Kingdom
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Chabanne DBH, Pollock KH, Finn H, Bejder L. Applying the multistate capture–recapture robust design to characterize metapopulation structure. Methods Ecol Evol 2017. [DOI: 10.1111/2041-210x.12792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Delphine B. H. Chabanne
- Cetacean Research Unit School of Veterinary and Life Sciences Murdoch University Murdoch WA 6150 Australia
| | - Kenneth H. Pollock
- Cetacean Research Unit School of Veterinary and Life Sciences Murdoch University Murdoch WA 6150 Australia
- Department of Applied Ecology North Carolina State University Raleigh NC 27695‐7617 USA
| | - Hugh Finn
- Cetacean Research Unit School of Veterinary and Life Sciences Murdoch University Murdoch WA 6150 Australia
- Curtin Law School Curtin University Bentley WA 6102 Australia
| | - Lars Bejder
- Cetacean Research Unit School of Veterinary and Life Sciences Murdoch University Murdoch WA 6150 Australia
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18
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Hunt TN, Bejder L, Allen SJ, Rankin RW, Hanf D, Parra GJ. Demographic characteristics of Australian humpback dolphins reveal important habitat toward the southwestern limit of their range. ENDANGER SPECIES RES 2017. [DOI: 10.3354/esr00784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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19
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Bearzi G, Bonizzoni S, Santostasi NL, Furey NB, Eddy L, Valavanis VD, Gimenez O. Dolphins in a Scaled-Down Mediterranean: The Gulf of Corinth's Odontocetes. ADVANCES IN MARINE BIOLOGY 2016; 75:297-331. [PMID: 27770988 DOI: 10.1016/bs.amb.2016.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The Gulf of Corinth is a 2400-km2 semi-enclosed inland system (a mediterraneus) in central Greece. Its continental shelf areas, steep bottom relief, and waters up to 500-900m deep offer suitable habitat to neritic and pelagic species. We used photographic capture-recapture, distribution modelling, and direct observations to investigate the abundance, status, habitat preferences, movements, and group size of four odontocete species regularly observed in the Gulf, based on five years (2011-2015) of survey effort from small boats. Striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba) are more abundant (1324 individuals, 95%CI 1158-1515) than was determined from previous estimates. Striped dolphins appear to be confined to the Gulf, where they favour deep and oligotrophic waters, and were encountered in single-species and mixed-species groups. Short-beaked common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) (22 individuals, 95%CI 16-31), individuals with intermediate pigmentation (possibly striped/common dolphin hybrids) (55, 95%CI 36-83), and a single Risso's dolphin (Grampus griseus) were only encountered in mixed-species groups with striped dolphins. Short-beaked common dolphins constitute a discrete conservation unit (subpopulation), and based on the current estimate, would qualify as Critically Endangered according to International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List criteria. Common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) (39 animals, 95%CI 33-47) occur in single-species groups; they prefer continental shelf waters and areas near fish farms in the northern sector, and several animals appear to move into and out of the Gulf. Additionally, we contribute records of marine fauna and an assessment of the fishing fleet operating in the Gulf. Our study shows that the importance of this vulnerable marine environment has been underestimated, and management action must be taken to mitigate human impact and ensure long-term protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Bearzi
- Dolphin Biology and Conservation, Oria, Italy; OceanCare, Wädenswil, Switzerland; Texas A&M University at Galveston, Galveston, TX, United States.
| | - S Bonizzoni
- Dolphin Biology and Conservation, Oria, Italy; OceanCare, Wädenswil, Switzerland; Texas A&M University at Galveston, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - N L Santostasi
- Dolphin Biology and Conservation, Oria, Italy; Centre d'Ecologie Fonctionnelle et Evolutive, Montpellier, France
| | - N B Furey
- Dolphin Biology and Conservation, Oria, Italy; University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - L Eddy
- Dolphin Biology and Conservation, Oria, Italy; OceanCare, Wädenswil, Switzerland
| | - V D Valavanis
- Marine Geographic Information Systems Lab, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Heraklion, Greece
| | - O Gimenez
- Centre d'Ecologie Fonctionnelle et Evolutive, Montpellier, France
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20
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Allen SJ, Bryant KA, Kraus RHS, Loneragan NR, Kopps AM, Brown AM, Gerber L, Krützen M. Genetic isolation between coastal and fishery-impacted, offshore bottlenose dolphin (Tursiopsspp.) populations. Mol Ecol 2016; 25:2735-53. [DOI: 10.1111/mec.13622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2014] [Revised: 02/17/2016] [Accepted: 03/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Simon J. Allen
- Cetacean Research Unit; School of Veterinary and Life Sciences; Murdoch University; Perth Western Australia 6150 Australia
- Centre for Marine Futures; School of Animal Biology and Oceans Institute; University of Western Australia; Perth Western Australia 6009 Australia
| | - Kate A. Bryant
- School of Veterinary and Life Sciences; Murdoch University; Murdoch Western Australia 6150 Australia
| | - Robert H. S. Kraus
- Department of Biology; University of Konstanz; 78457 Konstanz Germany
- Department of Migration and Immuno-Ecology; Max Planck Institute for Ornithology; Am Obstberg 1 78315 Radolfzell Germany
| | - Neil R. Loneragan
- School of Veterinary and Life Sciences; Murdoch University; Murdoch Western Australia 6150 Australia
| | - Anna M. Kopps
- Evolutionary Genetics Group; Department of Anthropology; University of Zurich; Winterthurerstrasse 190 8057 Zurich Switzerland
- Evolution and Ecology Research Centre; School of Biological; Earth and Environmental Sciences; University of New South Wales; Sydney New South Wales 2052 Australia
| | - Alexander M. Brown
- Cetacean Research Unit; School of Veterinary and Life Sciences; Murdoch University; Perth Western Australia 6150 Australia
| | - Livia Gerber
- Evolutionary Genetics Group; Department of Anthropology; University of Zurich; Winterthurerstrasse 190 8057 Zurich Switzerland
| | - Michael Krützen
- Evolutionary Genetics Group; Department of Anthropology; University of Zurich; Winterthurerstrasse 190 8057 Zurich Switzerland
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21
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Wang ZT, Nachtigall PE, Akamatsu T, Wang KX, Wu YP, Liu JC, Duan GQ, Cao HJ, Wang D. Passive Acoustic Monitoring the Diel, Lunar, Seasonal and Tidal Patterns in the Biosonar Activity of the Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphins (Sousa chinensis) in the Pearl River Estuary, China. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0141807. [PMID: 26580966 PMCID: PMC4651564 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0141807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2015] [Accepted: 10/13/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
A growing demand for sustainable energy has led to an increase in construction of offshore windfarms. Guishan windmill farm will be constructed in the Pearl River Estuary, China, which sustains the world’s largest known population of Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins (Sousa chinensis). Dolphin conservation is an urgent issue in this region. By using passive acoustic monitoring, a baseline distribution of data on this species in the Pearl River Estuary during pre-construction period had been collected. Dolphin biosonar detection and its diel, lunar, seasonal and tidal patterns were examined using a Generalized Linear Model. Significant higher echolocation detections at night than during the day, in winter-spring than in summer-autumn, at high tide than at flood tide were recognized. Significant higher echolocation detections during the new moon were recognized at night time. The diel, lunar and seasonal patterns for the echolocation encounter duration also significantly varied. These patterns could be due to the spatial-temporal variability of dolphin prey and illumination conditions. The baseline information will be useful for driving further effective action on the conservation of this species and in facilitating later assessments of the effects of the offshore windfarm on the dolphins by comparing the baseline to post construction and post mitigation efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Tao Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Aquatic Biodiversity and Conservation of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, P. R. China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P. R. China
- Marine Mammal Research Program, Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology, University of Hawaii, Hawaii, United States of America
| | - Paul E. Nachtigall
- Marine Mammal Research Program, Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology, University of Hawaii, Hawaii, United States of America
| | - Tomonari Akamatsu
- National Research Institute of Fisheries Engineering, Fisheries Research Agency, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Ke-Xiong Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Aquatic Biodiversity and Conservation of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, P. R. China
- * E-mail: (KXW); (DW)
| | - Yu-Ping Wu
- School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Jian-Chang Liu
- Transport Planning and Research Institute, Ministry of Transport, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Guo-Qin Duan
- Hongkong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Authority, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Han-Jiang Cao
- Hongkong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Authority, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Ding Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Aquatic Biodiversity and Conservation of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, P. R. China
- * E-mail: (KXW); (DW)
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22
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Brown AM, Bejder L, Parra GJ, Cagnazzi D, Hunt T, Smith JL, Allen SJ. Sexual Dimorphism and Geographic Variation in Dorsal Fin Features of Australian Humpback Dolphins, Sousa sahulensis. ADVANCES IN MARINE BIOLOGY 2015; 73:273-314. [PMID: 26790895 DOI: 10.1016/bs.amb.2015.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Determining the sex of free-ranging cetaceans can be challenging. Sexual dimorphism among external features may allow inferences on sex, but such patterns may be difficult to detect and are often confounded by age and geographic variation. Dorsal fin images of 107 female and 54 male Australian humpback dolphins, Sousa sahulensis, from Western Australia (WA) and Queensland (QLD) were used to investigate sex, age and geographic differences in colouration, height/length quotient and number of notches. Adult males exhibited more dorsal fin notches (p<0.001) and a significantly greater loss of pigmentation on the upper half of their dorsal fins (p<0.001) than did adult females. These differences likely reflect that males experience a higher frequency and/or intensity of intraspecific aggression than females. In QLD, heavily spotted dorsal fins were more frequent among females than males (p<0.001). Logistic regression analyses revealed that dorsal fin spotting and loss of pigmentation on the upper half of the dorsal fin provided the best model parameters for predicting the sex of sampled adults, with 97% accuracy. This technique offers a rapid, non-invasive method for predicting sex in Australian humpback dolphins, which could potentially be applied to populations throughout their range. In contrast to adults, presumed immature animals showed little or no loss of pigmentation or spotting; however, the rate of development of these features remains unknown. There were pronounced differences between QLD and WA in the intensity of spotting on dorsal fins and the extent of pigmentation loss around the posterior insertion and trailing edge of the dorsal fin. While based on a limited sample size, these geographic differences may have conservation implications in terms of population subdivision and should be investigated further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander M Brown
- Murdoch University Cetacean Research Unit, School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.
| | - Lars Bejder
- Murdoch University Cetacean Research Unit, School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Guido J Parra
- Cetacean Ecology, Behaviour and Evolution Lab (CEBEL), School of Biological Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Daniele Cagnazzi
- Marine Ecology Research Centre, School of Environment, Science and Engineering, Southern Cross University, Lismore, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Tim Hunt
- Cetacean Ecology, Behaviour and Evolution Lab (CEBEL), School of Biological Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Jennifer L Smith
- Murdoch University Cetacean Research Unit, School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Simon J Allen
- Murdoch University Cetacean Research Unit, School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
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23
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Beasley I, Jedensjö M, Wijaya GM, Anamiato J, Kahn B, Kreb D. Observations on Australian Humpback Dolphins (Sousa sahulensis) in Waters of the Pacific Islands and New Guinea. ADVANCES IN MARINE BIOLOGY 2015; 73:219-271. [PMID: 26790894 DOI: 10.1016/bs.amb.2015.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The Australian humpback dolphin, Sousa sahulensis, has recently been described to occur in northern Australian coastal waters. However, its distribution in adjacent waters of the Pacific Islands and New Guinea remains largely unknown. Although there have been few studies conducted on inshore dolphins in these regions, the available information records humpback dolphins primarily from the Kikori Delta in Papua New Guinea, and Bird's Head Seascape in West Papua. Research in southern Papua New Guinea indicates that humpback dolphins are indeed S. sahulensis, based on cranial and external morphometrics, external colouration and the preliminary genetic analysis presented here. A similar situation exists for the Australian snubfin dolphin, Orcaella heinsohni, where it is assumed that the species also occurs along the Sahul Shelf coastal waters of northern Australia and New Guinea. There are anecdotal reports of direct catch of Australian humpback dolphins for use as shark bait, coastal development is increasing, and anthropogenic impacts will continue to escalate as human populations expand into previously uninhabited regions. Future research and management priorities for the Governments of the Pacific Islands and Indonesia will need to focus on inshore dolphins in known regional hotspots, as current bycatch levels appear unsustainable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Beasley
- College of Marine and Environmental Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia.
| | - Maria Jedensjö
- South Australian Museum, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia; University of Zurich, Anthropological Institute and Museum, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Gede Mahendra Wijaya
- Marine Science and Technology Department, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Science, Bogor Agricultural University, Bogor, Indonesia
| | - Jim Anamiato
- National Museum and Art Gallery, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
| | - Benjamin Kahn
- APEX Environmental Pty. Ltd., Kerobokan, Bali, Indonesia
| | - Danielle Kreb
- Yayasan Konservasi RASI, Rare Aquatic Species of Indonesia, Komplek Pandan Harum Indah, Samarinda, Kalimantan Timur, Indonesia
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Hanf DM, Hunt T, Parra GJ. Humpback Dolphins of Western Australia: A Review of Current Knowledge and Recommendations for Future Management. ADVANCES IN MARINE BIOLOGY 2015; 73:193-218. [PMID: 26790893 DOI: 10.1016/bs.amb.2015.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Among the many cetacean species that occupy Australian coastal waters, Australian humpback dolphins, Sousa sahulensis, are one of the most vulnerable to extirpation due to human activities. This review summarises the existing knowledge, presently occurring and planned research projects, and current conservation measures for humpback dolphins in Western Australia (WA). Rapid and wide-scale coastal development along the northern WA coastline has occurred despite a lack of baseline data for inshore dolphins and, therefore, without a precautionary approach to their conservation. The distribution, abundance, habitat use, and population structure of humpback dolphins remain poorly understood. Less than 1% of their inferred distribution has so far been studied to understand local population demography. The sparse data available suggest that WA humpback dolphins occur as localised populations in low numbers within a range of inshore habitats, including both clear and turbid coastal waters. Marine protected areas cover a third of their inferred distribution in WA, but the efficacy of these reserves in protecting local cetacean populations is unknown. There is a pressing need for coordination and collaboration among scientists, government agencies, industry bodies, Traditional Owners, and local community groups to fill in the gaps of information on humpback dolphins in WA. The recently developed strategies and sampling guidelines developed by state and federal governments should serve as a best practise standard for collection of data aimed at assessing the conservation status of humpback dolphins in WA and Australia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniella M Hanf
- Murdoch University Cetacean Research Unit (MUCRU), School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia.
| | - Tim Hunt
- Cetacean Ecology, Behaviour and Evolution Lab (CEBEL), School of Biological Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Guido J Parra
- Cetacean Ecology, Behaviour and Evolution Lab (CEBEL), School of Biological Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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How Well Do Molecular and Pedigree Relatedness Correspond, in Populations with Diverse Mating Systems, and Various Types and Quantities of Molecular and Demographic Data? G3-GENES GENOMES GENETICS 2015; 5:1815-26. [PMID: 26134496 PMCID: PMC4555218 DOI: 10.1534/g3.115.019323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Kinship analyses are important pillars of ecological and conservation genetic studies with potentially far-reaching implications. There is a need for power analyses that address a range of possible relationships. Nevertheless, such analyses are rarely applied, and studies that use genetic-data-based-kinship inference often ignore the influence of intrinsic population characteristics. We investigated 11 questions regarding the correct classification rate of dyads to relatedness categories (relatedness category assignments; RCA) using an individual-based model with realistic life history parameters. We investigated the effects of the number of genetic markers; marker type (microsatellite, single nucleotide polymorphism SNP, or both); minor allele frequency; typing error; mating system; and the number of overlapping generations under different demographic conditions. We found that (i) an increasing number of genetic markers increased the correct classification rate of the RCA so that up to >80% first cousins can be correctly assigned; (ii) the minimum number of genetic markers required for assignments with 80 and 95% correct classifications differed between relatedness categories, mating systems, and the number of overlapping generations; (iii) the correct classification rate was improved by adding additional relatedness categories and age and mitochondrial DNA data; and (iv) a combination of microsatellite and single-nucleotide polymorphism data increased the correct classification rate if <800 SNP loci were available. This study shows how intrinsic population characteristics, such as mating system and the number of overlapping generations, life history traits, and genetic marker characteristics, can influence the correct classification rate of an RCA study. Therefore, species-specific power analyses are essential for empirical studies.
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HERPESVIRUS-ASSOCIATED GENITAL LESIONS IN A STRANDED STRIPED DOLPHIN (STENELLA COERULEOALBA) IN THE CANARY ISLANDS, SPAIN. J Wildl Dis 2015; 51:696-702. [PMID: 25973629 DOI: 10.7589/2014-07-185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
An adult male striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba) stranded alive at Arico, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain. The dolphin died shortly after stranding, and a complete postmortem examination was performed. The most remarkable gross findings were two fleshy masses of approximately 1 cm diameter, near the tip of the penis. These masses were composed of hyperplastic epithelial cells with pigmentary incontinence. Ballooning degeneration and margination of chromatin was observed within the stratum corneum of the epidermis. A universal nested PCR assay that amplifies a conserved region within the polymerase gene of Herpesviridae was positive. The sequenced product was most closely related to a gammaherpesvirus that shared nucleotide identities of 93% with penile lesions from Atlantic and Mediterranean bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). This similarity supports the hypothesis of sexual transmission between species.
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