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Peniche G, Shaw DJ, Dures SG, Ciavaglia S, Thompson DBA, Anderson NE, Meredith AL. Determining sex in golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) nestlings. EUR J WILDLIFE RES 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s10344-022-01627-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
AbstractIncorporating sex ratios of nestlings into population viability studies increases knowledge of overall health of endangered populations. Currently, a reliable non-invasive method to identify the sex of golden eagle nestlings is not available; however, claims are commonly made based on morphology. Ten biometric measurements from 43 Scottish golden eagles aged 2–7.5 weeks were assessed to see if sex could actually be determined using this non-invasive methodology. Sex was confirmed via molecular analysis of blood samples. Discrete and principal component analyses of the different biometrics could not correctly determine individual nestling sex. Therefore, despite being more invasive, molecular sexing remains the recommended tool of choice for accurate sex identification of Scottish golden eagle nestlings younger than 7.5 weeks of age. This has important implications for golden eagle field studies where empirical morphological measurements are frequently and typically taken, but we have shown are not reliable in determining the sex of such young nestlings.
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Lancaster ST, Peniche G, Alzahrani A, Blanz M, Newton J, Taggart MA, Corns WT, Krupp EM, Feldmann J. Mercury speciation in Scottish raptors reveals high proportions of inorganic mercury in Scottish golden eagles (Aquila chrysaetos): Potential occurrence of mercury selenide nanoparticles. Sci Total Environ 2022; 829:154557. [PMID: 35302012 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.154557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Knowledge of the uptake and fate of mercury (Hg) compounds in biota is important in understanding the global cycling of Hg and its transfer pathways through food chains. In this study, we analysed total mercury (T-Hg) and methylmercury (MeHg) concentrations in 117 livers of Scottish birds of prey that were found across Scotland and submitted for post-mortem examination through the Raptor Health Scotland project between 2009 and 2019. Statistical comparisons focussed on six species (barn owl, Tyto alba; Eurasian common buzzard, Buteo buteo; golden eagle, Aquila chrysaetos; hen harrier, Circus cyaneus; Eurasian sparrowhawk, Accipiter nisus; and tawny owl, Strix aluco) and showed that golden eagles had a statistically lower fraction of MeHg compared to other raptor species. Further investigation using stable carbon and stable nitrogen isotope ratio measurements carried out for the golden eagles (n = 15) indicated that the increased presence of inorganic mercury (iHg) correlated with a marine influence on the primarily terrestrial diet. Additional bioimaging (n = 1) with laser ablation - inductively coupled plasma - mass spectrometry indicated the co-location of Hg and selenium (Se) within the liver tissue and transmission electron microscopy showed evidence of nanoparticles within the range of 10-20 nm. Further analysis using single particle - inductively coupled plasma - mass spectrometry (n = 4) confirmed the presence of Hg nanoparticles. Together, the evidence suggests the presence of mercury selenide (HgSe) nanoparticles in the liver of some golden eagles that, to our knowledge, has never been directly observed in terrestrial birds of prey. This study points to two alternative hypotheses: these golden eagles may be efficient at breaking down MeHg and form HgSe nanoparticles as a detoxification mechanism (as previously observed in cetaceans), or some golden eagles with elevated iHg may have accumulated these nanoparticles by foraging on stranded cetaceans or seabirds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaun T Lancaster
- Trace Element Speciation Laboratory Aberdeen (TESLA), Department of Chemistry, Meston Walk, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB24 3UE, UK; PS Analytical, Crayfields Industrial Estate, Main Road, Orpington, Kent BR5 3HP, UK; Department of General, Analytical and Physical Chemistry, Chair of General and Analytical Chemistry, Montanuniversität Leoben, Franz Josef-Strasse 18, 8700 Leoben, Austria.
| | - Gabriela Peniche
- The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, The University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus, Midlothian, Edinburgh, EH25 9RG, UK
| | - Ali Alzahrani
- Trace Element Speciation Laboratory Aberdeen (TESLA), Department of Chemistry, Meston Walk, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB24 3UE, UK
| | - Magdalena Blanz
- Trace Element Speciation Laboratory Aberdeen (TESLA), Department of Chemistry, Meston Walk, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB24 3UE, UK; Archaeology Institute, University of the Highlands and Islands, Orkney College UHI, Kirkwall, Orkney, KW15 1LX, Scotland, UK
| | - Jason Newton
- National Environmental Isotope Facility, Scottish Universities Environmental Research Centre (SUERC), East Kilbride, G75 0QF, UK
| | - Mark A Taggart
- The Environmental Research Institute (ERI), University of Highlands and Islands, Castle St, Thurso KW14 7JD, UK
| | - Warren T Corns
- PS Analytical, Crayfields Industrial Estate, Main Road, Orpington, Kent BR5 3HP, UK
| | - Eva M Krupp
- Trace Element Speciation Laboratory Aberdeen (TESLA), Department of Chemistry, Meston Walk, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB24 3UE, UK
| | - Jörg Feldmann
- Trace Element Speciation Laboratory Aberdeen (TESLA), Department of Chemistry, Meston Walk, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB24 3UE, UK; TESLA - Analytical Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of Graz, Universitaetsplatz 1, 8010 Graz, Austria
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Mead D, Ogden R, Meredith A, Peniche G, Smith M, Corton C, Oliver K, Skelton J, Betteridge E, Doulcan J, Holmes N, Wright V, Loose M, Quail MA, McCarthy SA, Howe K, Chow W, Torrance J, Collins J, Challis R, Durbin R, Blaxter M. The genome sequence of the European golden eagle, Aquila chrysaetos chrysaetos Linnaeus 1758. Wellcome Open Res 2021; 6:112. [PMID: 34671705 PMCID: PMC8499043 DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.16631.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
We present a genome assembly from an individual female
Aquila chrysaetos chrysaetos (the European golden eagle; Chordata; Aves; Accipitridae). The genome sequence is 1.23 gigabases in span. The majority of the assembly is scaffolded into 28 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the W and Z sex chromosomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Mead
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridge, CB10 1SA, UK.,Owlstone Medical, Cambridge Science Park, Cambridge, CB4 0GJ, UK
| | - Rob Ogden
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Sciences and Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, UK
| | - Anna Meredith
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Sciences and Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, UK.,Melbourne Veterinary School, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Gabriela Peniche
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Sciences and Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, UK
| | - Michelle Smith
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridge, CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Craig Corton
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridge, CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Karen Oliver
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridge, CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Jason Skelton
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridge, CB10 1SA, UK
| | | | - Jale Doulcan
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridge, CB10 1SA, UK.,Achilles Therapeutics plc, London, W6 8PW, UK
| | - Nadine Holmes
- Deep Seq, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2UH, UK
| | | | - Matt Loose
- Deep Seq, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2UH, UK
| | | | - Shane A McCarthy
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridge, CB10 1SA, UK.,Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3EH, UK
| | - Kerstin Howe
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridge, CB10 1SA, UK
| | - William Chow
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridge, CB10 1SA, UK
| | - James Torrance
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridge, CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Joanna Collins
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridge, CB10 1SA, UK
| | | | - Richard Durbin
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridge, CB10 1SA, UK.,Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3EH, UK
| | - Mark Blaxter
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridge, CB10 1SA, UK
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Taggart MA, Shore RF, Pain DJ, Peniche G, Martinez-Haro M, Mateo R, Homann J, Raab A, Feldmann J, Lawlor AJ, Potter ED, Walker LA, Braidwood DW, French AS, Parry-Jones J, Swift JA, Green RE. Concentration and origin of lead (Pb) in liver and bone of Eurasian buzzards (Buteo buteo) in the United Kingdom. Environ Pollut 2020; 267:115629. [PMID: 33254650 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.115629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Revised: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Ingestion of lead (Pb) derived from ammunition used in the hunting of game animals is recognised to be a significant potential source of Pb exposure of wild birds, including birds of prey. However, there are only limited data for birds of prey in Europe regarding tissue concentrations and origins of Pb. Eurasian buzzards (Buteo buteo) found dead in the United Kingdom during an 11-year period were collected and the concentrations of Pb in the liver and femur were measured. Concentrations in the liver consistent with acute exposure to Pb were found in 2.7% of birds and concentration in the femur consistent with exposure to lethal levels were found in 4.0% of individuals. Pb concentration in the femur showed no evidence of consistent variation among or within years, but was greater for old than for young birds. The Pb concentration in the liver showed no effect of the birds' age, but varied markedly among years and showed a consistent tendency to increase substantially within years throughout the UK hunting season for gamebirds. The resemblance of the stable isotope composition of Pb from buzzard livers to that of Pb from the types of shotgun ammunition most widely-used in the UK increased markedly with increasing Pb concentration in the liver. Stable isotope results were consistent with 57% of the mass of Pb in livers of all of the buzzards sampled being derived from shotgun pellets, with this proportion being 89% for the birds with concentrations indicating acute exposure to Pb. Hence, most of the Pb acquired by Eurasian buzzards which have liver concentrations likely to be associated with lethal and sublethal effects is probably obtained when they prey upon or scavenge gamebirds and mammals shot using Pb shotgun pellets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark A Taggart
- Environmental Research Institute, University of the Highlands and Islands, Castle Street, Thurso, KW14 7JD, UK
| | - Richard F Shore
- Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Lancaster Environment Centre, Library Avenue, Bailrigg, Lancaster, LA1 4AP, UK
| | - Deborah J Pain
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3EJ, UK
| | - Gabriela Peniche
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, UK
| | - Mónica Martinez-Haro
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC), CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ronda de Toledo 12, 13005, Ciudad Real, Spain; Instituto Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario y Forestal (IRIAF), CIAG del Chaparrillo, 13071 Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Rafael Mateo
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC), CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ronda de Toledo 12, 13005, Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Julia Homann
- TESLA-Chemistry, University of Aberdeen, Meston Walk, Aberdeen, AB24 3UE, Scotland, UK
| | - Andrea Raab
- TESLA-Chemistry, University of Aberdeen, Meston Walk, Aberdeen, AB24 3UE, Scotland, UK
| | - Joerg Feldmann
- TESLA-Chemistry, University of Aberdeen, Meston Walk, Aberdeen, AB24 3UE, Scotland, UK; TESLA Analytical Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of Graz, Universitaetsplatz 1, A-8010, Graz, Austria
| | - Alan J Lawlor
- Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Lancaster Environment Centre, Library Avenue, Bailrigg, Lancaster, LA1 4AP, UK
| | - Elaine D Potter
- Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Lancaster Environment Centre, Library Avenue, Bailrigg, Lancaster, LA1 4AP, UK
| | - Lee A Walker
- Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Lancaster Environment Centre, Library Avenue, Bailrigg, Lancaster, LA1 4AP, UK
| | - David W Braidwood
- Environmental Research Institute, University of the Highlands and Islands, Castle Street, Thurso, KW14 7JD, UK
| | - Andrew S French
- Environmental Research Institute, University of the Highlands and Islands, Castle Street, Thurso, KW14 7JD, UK; Marine Institute, Furnace, Newport, Co. Mayo, F28 PF65, Ireland
| | - Jemima Parry-Jones
- International Centre for Birds of Prey, Boulsdon House, Newent, Gloucestershire, GL18 1JJ, UK
| | - John A Swift
- John Swift Consultancy, Brookside Cottage, Chapel Lane, Higher Wych, Cheshire, SY14 7JS, UK
| | - Rhys E Green
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3EJ, UK; RSPB Centre for Conservation Science, The Lodge, Sandy, Bedfordshire, SG19 2DL, UK.
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5
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Serna H, Pocknell A, Sainsbury AW, Peniche G, Blake DP, Beckmann KM. Eimeria spp. in captive-reared corncrakes (Crex crex): results of a GeneScan assay consistent with high prevalence of infection and extra-intestinal life stages. Avian Pathol 2018. [PMID: 29532683 DOI: 10.1080/03079457.2018.1451621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Eimeria crecis and Eimeria nenei have been detected in association with enteric disease ("coccidiosis") in the corncrake (Crex crex: Family Rallidae, Order Gruiformes). Both parasite species are common in apparently healthy free-living corncrakes, but captive-bred juvenile birds reared for reintroduction appeared particularly susceptible to clinical coccidiosis. We investigated the occurrence and relative pathogenicity of these Eimeria species in this juvenile corncrake population and developed a diagnostic species-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for their identification. PCR amplification and sequencing of 18S rDNA were performed on genomic DNA extracted from samples of corncrake intestine, liver and spleen. Sequences generated were used to design a GeneScan diagnostic PCR assay targeting a species-specific TTA indel located within the 18S rDNA - the results suggested this assay was more sensitive than the 18S rDNA/amplicon sequencing approach. Eimeria sp. DNA (consistent with Eimeria sp. infection) was detected at a high prevalence and E. crecis was the predominant species. Each Eimeria species was detected in cases with and without histological evidence of coccidiosis: parasite detection was not statistically associated with disease. In addition to intestinal tissue, liver and spleen samples were positive for Eimeria sp. DNA. Its detection in tissues other than intestine is unusual and a novel finding in corncrakes, although extra-intestinal infection occurs with closely related Eimeria species in cranes (Family Gruidae, Order Gruiformes). Eimeria sp. infection of corncrakes appears typically to be chronic, and to exhibit extra-intestinal spread: as in cranes, these characteristics may be adaptations to the host's migratory nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Serna
- a The Royal Veterinary College , London , UK.,b Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London , London , UK
| | | | | | - Gabriela Peniche
- b Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London , London , UK
| | - Damer P Blake
- d Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences , The Royal Veterinary College , Hatfield , UK
| | - Katie M Beckmann
- b Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London , London , UK
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Peniche G, Olson PD, Bennett DJ, Wong L, Sainsbury AW, Durrant C. Protecting Free-Living Dormice: Molecular Identification of Cestode Parasites in Captive Dormice (Muscardinus avellanarius) Destined for Reintroduction. Ecohealth 2017; 14:106-116. [PMID: 26957436 DOI: 10.1007/s10393-016-1108-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2015] [Revised: 02/15/2016] [Accepted: 02/20/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The success of any population translocation programme relies heavily on the measures implemented to control and monitor the spread of disease. Without these measures, programmes run the risk of releasing immunologically naïve species or, more dangerously, introducing novel infectious agents to native populations. As a precaution, a reintroduction programme for the common or hazel dormouse, Muscardinus avellanarius, in England screens dormice before release following captive breeding. Using PCR sequencing of a range of genes, we tested whether the same species of tapeworm(s) were present in captive and free-living dormice. Whilst only Rodentolepis straminea were identified in free-living dormice, cestode ova found in a captive individual produced a molecular match closely related to Hymenolepis microstoma and a previously unrecorded Rodentolepis species. To prevent putting at risk the free-living population, we recommended the continued treatment of dormice showing tapeworm infection before release. Our work demonstrates how molecular techniques can be used to inform reintroduction programmes, reduce risk from disease and increase chances of reintroduction success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Peniche
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London, NW1 4RY, UK.
| | - Peter D Olson
- Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London, SW7 5BD, UK
| | - Dominic J Bennett
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London, NW1 4RY, UK
| | - Louise Wong
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London, NW1 4RY, UK
| | - Anthony W Sainsbury
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London, NW1 4RY, UK
| | - Christopher Durrant
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London, NW1 4RY, UK
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7
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Sainsbury AW, Yu-Mei R, Ågren E, Vaughan-Higgins RJ, Mcgill IS, Molenaar F, Peniche G, Foster J. Disease Risk Analysis and Post-Release Health Surveillance for a Reintroduction Programme: the Pool Frog Pelophylax lessonae. Transbound Emerg Dis 2016; 64:1530-1548. [PMID: 27393743 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.12545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
There are risks from disease in undertaking wild animal reintroduction programmes. Methods of disease risk analysis have been advocated to assess and mitigate these risks, and post-release health and disease surveillance can be used to assess the effectiveness of the disease risk analysis, but results for a reintroduction programme have not to date been recorded. We carried out a disease risk analysis for the reintroduction of pool frogs (Pelophylax lessonae) to England, using information gained from the literature and from diagnostic testing of Swedish pool frogs and native amphibians. Ranavirus and Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis were considered high-risk disease threats for pool frogs at the destination site. Quarantine was used to manage risks from disease due to these two agents at the reintroduction site: the quarantine barrier surrounded the reintroduced pool frogs. Post-release health surveillance was carried out through regular health examinations of amphibians in the field at the reintroduction site and collection and examination of dead amphibians. No significant health or disease problems were detected, but the detection rate of dead amphibians was very low. Methods to detect a higher proportion of dead reintroduced animals and closely related species are required to better assess the effects of reintroduction on health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- A W Sainsbury
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, London, UK
| | - R Yu-Mei
- Royal Veterinary College, London, UK
| | - E Ågren
- National Veterinary Institute, Uppsala, Sweden
| | | | - I S Mcgill
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, London, UK.,Prion Interest Group, Brighton, UK
| | - F Molenaar
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, London, UK
| | - G Peniche
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, London, UK
| | - J Foster
- Amphibian and Reptile Conservation, Wareham, Dorset, UK
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Hopkins TC, Peniche G, Murphy S, Carter I, Shorrock G, Kearns S, Blunn G, Goodship A, Sainsbury AW. Scanning electron microscopy and energy‐dispersive x‐ray spectroscopy (SEM‐EDX) confirms shooting of a hen harrier (
Circus cyaneus
). Vet rec case rep 2015. [DOI: 10.1136/vetreccr-2015-000241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Guy Shorrock
- Department of InvestigationsRoyal Society for the Protection of BirdsSandyUK
| | - Stuart Kearns
- School of Earth SciencesUniversity of BristolBristolUK
| | - Gordon Blunn
- Institute of Orthopaedics and Musculoskeletal ScienceUniversity College LondonStanmoreUK
| | - Allen Goodship
- Institute of Orthopaedics and Musculoskeletal ScienceUniversity College LondonStanmoreUK
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Simpson S, Blampied N, Peniche G, Dozières A, Blackett T, Coleman S, Cornish N, Groombridge JJ. Genetic structure of introduced populations: 120-year-old DNA footprint of historic introduction in an insular small mammal population. Ecol Evol 2013; 3:614-28. [PMID: 23532702 PMCID: PMC3605850 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2012] [Accepted: 12/24/2012] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Wildlife populations have been introduced to new areas by people for centuries, but this human-mediated movement can disrupt natural patterns of genetic structure by altering patterns of gene flow. Insular populations are particularly prone to these influences due to limited opportunities for natural dispersal onto islands. Consequently, understanding how genetic patterns develop in island populations is important, particularly given that islands are frequently havens for protected wildlife. We examined the evolutionary origins and extent of genetic structure within the introduced island population of red squirrels (Sciurus vulgaris) on the Channel Island of Jersey using mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region sequence and nuclear microsatellite genotypes. Our findings reveal two different genetic origins and a genetic architecture reflective of the introductions 120 years ago. Genetic structure is marked within the maternally inherited mtDNA, indicating slow dispersal of female squirrels. However, nuclear markers detected only weak genetic structure, indicating substantially greater male dispersal. Data from both mitochondrial and nuclear markers support historic records that squirrels from England were introduced to the west of the island and those from mainland Europe to the east. Although some level of dispersal and introgression across the island between the two introductions is evident, there has not yet been sufficient gene flow to erase this historic genetic "footprint." We also investigated if inbreeding has contributed to high observed levels of disease, but found no association. Genetic footprints of introductions can persist for considerable periods of time and beyond traditional timeframes of wildlife management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siobhan Simpson
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent Canterbury, CT2 7NR, United Kingdom
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Peniche G, Vaughan-Higgins R, Carter I, Pocknell A, Simpson D, Sainsbury A. Long-term health effects of harness-mounted radio transmitters in red kites (Milvus milvus
) in England. Vet Rec 2011; 169:311. [DOI: 10.1136/vr.d4600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- G. Peniche
- Institute of Zoology; Zoological Society of London; Regent's Park London NW1 4RY UK
| | - R. Vaughan-Higgins
- Institute of Zoology; Zoological Society of London; Regent's Park London NW1 4RY UK
| | - Ian Carter
- Natural England; Third Floor, Touthill Close, City Road Peterborough PE1 1XN UK
| | - A. Pocknell
- Finn Pathologists; One Eyed Lane, Weybread, Diss Norfolk IP21 5TT UK
| | - D. Simpson
- Yorkshire Red Kites; 51 Heather Way, Killinghall Moor Harrogate North Yorkshire HG3 2SH UK
| | - A. Sainsbury
- Institute of Zoology; Zoological Society of London; Regent's Park London NW1 4RY UK
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