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Rodrigues NT, Saranholi BH, Inforzato AR, Silveira L, Desbiez ALJ, Galetti PM. Reduced gene flow and bottleneck in the threatened giant armadillo (Priodontes maximus): implications for its conservation. Genet Mol Biol 2024; 47:e20230252. [PMID: 38446984 PMCID: PMC10917080 DOI: 10.1590/1678-4685-gmb-2023-0252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
The progressive fragmentation and loss of habitats represent the main threats for endangered species, causing genetic consequences that may have potential implications for a population's long-term persistence. Large mammals are the most affected species among vertebrates. The giant armadillo Priodontes maximus is a large South American mammal threatened species, showing nocturnal, solitary and fossorial behavior, occurring at low population densities, and its population dynamics are still poorly known. In this study, we carried out the first assessment of genetic variability and population genetic structure of the species, using a panel of 15 polymorphic microsatellites developed by high-throughput genome sequencing. The spatial Bayesian clustering, Fst and Dest results indicated the presence of two genetic clusters (K = 2) in the study area. These results suggest a reduction in gene flow between individuals inhabiting the Brazilian savanna (Cerrado) and the Pantanal wetlands, with the increased human-driven habitat modifications possibly contributing for this scenario. A bottleneck signal was detected in both populations, and a subpopulation structuring in the Cerrado may also be reflecting consequences of the extensive habitat modifications. Findings from this study provide important and useful information for the future maintenance of genetic diversity and long-term conservation of this flagship species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nayra T. Rodrigues
- Universidade Federal de São Carlos, Departamento de Genética e Evolução, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Bruno H. Saranholi
- Universidade Federal de São Carlos, Departamento de Genética e Evolução, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
- Imperial College London, Department of Life Sciences, Ascot, United Kingdom
| | - Alexandre R. Inforzato
- Universidade Federal de São Carlos, Departamento de Genética e Evolução, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Arnaud Leonard Jean Desbiez
- Instituto de Conservação de Animais Silvestres (ICAS), Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
- Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS), Murrayfield, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Instituto de Pesquisas Ecológicas (IPE), Nazaré Paulista, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Pedro M. Galetti
- Universidade Federal de São Carlos, Departamento de Genética e Evolução, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
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Tensen L, Fischer K. Heterozygosity is low where rare color variants in wild carnivores prevail. Ecol Evol 2024; 14:e10881. [PMID: 38327687 PMCID: PMC10847885 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.10881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Coat color and pattern are a distinguished feature in mammalian carnivores, shaped by climatic cycles and habitat type. It can be expressed in various ways, such as gradients, polymorphisms, and rare color variants. Although natural selection explains much of the phenotypic variation found in the wild, genetic drift and heterozygote deficiency, as prominent in small and fragmented populations, may also affect phenotypic variability through the fixation of recessive alleles. The aim of this study was to test whether rare color variants in the wild could relate to a deficiency of heterozygotes, resulting from habitat fragmentation and small population size. We present an overview of all rare color variants in the order Carnivora, and compiled demographic and genetic data of the populations where they did and did not occur, to test for significant correlations. We also tested how phylogeny and body weight influenced the presence of color variants with phylogenetic generalized linear mixed models (PGLMMs). We found 40 color-variable species and 59 rare color variants. In 17 variable phenotypic populations for which genetic diversity was available, the average A R was 4.18, H O = 0.59, and H E = 0.66, and F IS = 0.086. We found that variable populations displayed a significant reduction in heterozygosity and allelic richness compared to non-variable populations across species. We also found a significant negative correlation between population size and inbreeding coefficients. Therefore, it is possible that small effective size had phenotypic consequences on the extant populations. The high frequency of the rare color variants (averaging 20%) also implies that genetic drift is locally overruling natural selection in small effective populations. As such, rare color variants could be added to the list of phenotypic consequences of inbreeding in the wild.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Tensen
- Zoology, Institute for Integrated Natural SciencesKoblenz UniversityKoblenzGermany
- Department of Zoology, Centre for Ecological Genomics and Wildlife ConservationUniversity of JohannesburgJohannesburgSouth Africa
| | - Klaus Fischer
- Zoology, Institute for Integrated Natural SciencesKoblenz UniversityKoblenzGermany
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Paul S, Shahar N, Seifan M, Bar‐David S. An experimental design for obtaining DNA of a target species and its diet from a single non-invasive genetic protocol. Ecol Evol 2023; 13:e10616. [PMID: 37877104 PMCID: PMC10590962 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.10616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 09/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Next-generation sequencing technology has enabled accurate insights into the diet of wildlife species. The protocols for faecal sample collection and DNA extraction for diet analysis have differed from those focusing on target species, even in most studies combining questions on both aspects. We designed an experiment to evaluate two protocols using 11 parameters and select a single one that will generate both target species (Asiatic wild ass, Equus hemionus, in Israel) and diet DNA, as an effective strategy to minimise time, effort, and cost without hampering efficiency. In Protocol A, we swabbed the outer surface of faecal boluses and extracted DNA using a Stool Kit, while for Protocol B, we homogenised faecal matter from inside the bolus followed by extraction using a Powersoil Kit. Protocol A performed significantly better for four parameters, which included, for the target species, microsatellite amplification success and the quantity of the GAPDH gene; and for its diet, the number of exact sequence variants (ESVs) obtained at genus level and plant genus richness. However, there was no significant difference in the amplification success of sex-linked and plant markers, total reads at genus level, number of genera obtained and plant genus composition. Although we chose Protocol A, both protocols yielded results for the target species and its diet, demonstrating that one single protocol can be used for both purposes, although a pilot study is recommended to optimise the protocol for specific systems. This strategy may also be useful for studies combining target species and their gut microbiome and parasitic load.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shrutarshi Paul
- Mitrani Department of Desert Ecology, Blaustein Institutes for Desert ResearchBen‐Gurion University of the NegevMidreshet Ben‐GurionIsrael
| | - Naama Shahar
- Mitrani Department of Desert Ecology, Blaustein Institutes for Desert ResearchBen‐Gurion University of the NegevMidreshet Ben‐GurionIsrael
| | - Merav Seifan
- Mitrani Department of Desert Ecology, Blaustein Institutes for Desert ResearchBen‐Gurion University of the NegevMidreshet Ben‐GurionIsrael
| | - Shirli Bar‐David
- Mitrani Department of Desert Ecology, Blaustein Institutes for Desert ResearchBen‐Gurion University of the NegevMidreshet Ben‐GurionIsrael
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Saranholi BH, Sanches A, Moreira-Ramírez JF, Carvalho CDS, Galetti M, Galetti Jr PM. Long-term persistence of the large mammal lowland tapir is at risk in the largest Atlantic forest corridor. Perspect Ecol Conserv 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pecon.2022.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
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Galetti M, Carmignotto AP, Percequillo AR, Santos MCDO, Ferraz KMPMDB, Lima F, Vancine MH, Muylaert RL, Bonfim FCG, Magioli M, Abra FD, Chiarello AG, Duarte JMB, Morato R, de Mello Beisiegel B, Olmos F, Galetti Jr. PM, Ribeiro MC. Mammals in São Paulo State: diversity, distribution, ecology, and conservation. BIOTA NEOTROPICA 2022. [DOI: 10.1590/1676-0611-bn-2022-1363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Abstract Mammals are charismatic organisms that play a fundamental role in ecological functions and ecosystem services, such as pollination, seed dispersal, nutrient cycling, and pest control. The state of São Paulo represents only 3% of the Brazilian territory but holds 33% of its mammalian diversity. Most of its territory is dominated by agriculture, pastures, and urban areas which directly affect the diversity and persistence of mammals in the landscape. In addition, São Paulo has the largest port in Latin America and the largest offshore oil reservoir in Brazil, with a 600 km stretch of coastline with several marine mammal species. These human-made infrastructures affect the diversity, distribution, ecology, and the future of mammals in the state. Here, we answer five main questions: 1) What is the diversity of wild mammals in São Paulo state? 2) Where are they? 3) What is their positive and negative impact on human well-being? 4) How do mammals thrive in human-modified landscapes? 5) What is the future of mammals in the state? The state of São Paulo holds 255 species of native mammals, with four endemic species, two of them globally endangered. At least six species (two marsupials, Giant otter, Pampas deer, Brazilian dwarf brocket deer, and Giant armadillo) were extirpated from the state due to hunting and habitat loss. The intense human land use in the state forced many mammalian species to change their diet to cope with the intense fragmentation and agriculture. Large-scale monoculture has facilitated the invasion of exotic species such as wild boars (javali) and the European hare. Several “savanna-dwelling” species are expanding their ranges (Maned wolf, Brocket deer) over deforested areas and probably reflect changes towards a drier climate. Because the state has the largest road system, about 40,000 mammals from 33 species are killed per year in collisions causing an economic loss of 12 million dollars/year. The diversity of mammals is concentrated in the largest forest remnants of Serra do Mar and in the interior of the State, mainly in the regions of Ribeirão Preto and Jundiaí. Sampling gaps are concentrated throughout the interior of the state, particularly in the northwest region. Wild mammals play a fundamental role in many ecosystem services, but they can also be a concern in bringing new emergent diseases to humans. Although the taxonomy of mammals seems to be well known, we show that new species are continuously being discovered in the state. Therefore, continuous surveys using traditional and new technologies (eDNA, iDNA, drones), long-term population monitoring, investigation of the interface of human-wildlife conflict, and understanding of the unique ecosystem role played by mammals are future avenues for promoting sustainable green landscapes allied to human well-being in the state. The planting of forest or savanna corridors, particularly along with major river systems, in the plateau, controlling illegal hunting in the coastal areas, managing fire regimes in the Cerrado, and mitigating roadkill must be prioritized to protect this outstanding mammal diversity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Marcelo Magioli
- Instituto Pró-Carnivoros, Brasil; Instituto Chico Mendes de Conservação da Biodiversidade, Brasil
| | - Fernanda D. Abra
- Instituto Pró-Carnivoros, Brasil; Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, USA
| | | | | | - Ronaldo Morato
- Instituto Chico Mendes de Conservação da Biodiversidade, Brasil
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Oliveira ME, Saranholi BH, Dirzo R, Galetti PM. A review of philopatry and dispersal in felids living in an anthropised world. Mamm Rev 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/mam.12275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Marina E. Oliveira
- Departamento de Genética e Evolução Universidade Federal de São Carlos São Carlos13565‐905Brazil
| | - Bruno H. Saranholi
- Departamento de Genética e Evolução Universidade Federal de São Carlos São Carlos13565‐905Brazil
- Department of Life Sciences Imperial College London Silwood Park Campus AscotSL5 7PYUK
| | - Rodolfo Dirzo
- Department of Biology Stanford University Stanford CA94305USA
| | - Pedro M. Galetti
- Departamento de Genética e Evolução Universidade Federal de São Carlos São Carlos13565‐905Brazil
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Barragán-Ruiz CE, Paviotti-Fischer E, Rodríguez-Castro KG, Desbiez ALJ, Galetti PM. Molecular sexing of Xenarthra: a tool for genetic and ecological studies. CONSERV GENET RESOUR 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s12686-020-01168-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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