1
|
Bleich VC, Aiello CM, Epps CW, Wehausen JD. Green energy projects at odds with conservation. Science 2023; 380:1021. [PMID: 37289887 DOI: 10.1126/science.adi0761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Vernon C Bleich
- Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Science, University of Nevada Reno, Reno, NV, USA
| | - Christina M Aiello
- Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Clinton W Epps
- Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Creech TG, Epps CW, Wehausen JD, Crowhurst RS, Jaeger JR, Longshore K, Holton B, Sloan WB, Monello RJ. Genetic and Environmental Indicators of Climate Change Vulnerability for Desert Bighorn Sheep. Front Ecol Evol 2020. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2020.00279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
|
3
|
Creech TG, Epps CW, Landguth EL, Wehausen JD, Crowhurst RS, Holton B, Monello RJ. Simulating the spread of selection-driven genotypes using landscape resistance models for desert bighorn sheep. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0176960. [PMID: 28464013 PMCID: PMC5413035 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0176960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2017] [Accepted: 04/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Landscape genetic studies based on neutral genetic markers have contributed to our understanding of the influence of landscape composition and configuration on gene flow and genetic variation. However, the potential for species to adapt to changing landscapes will depend on how natural selection influences adaptive genetic variation. We demonstrate how landscape resistance models can be combined with genetic simulations incorporating natural selection to explore how the spread of adaptive variation is affected by landscape characteristics, using desert bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis nelsoni) in three differing regions of the southwestern United States as an example. We conducted genetic sampling and least-cost path modeling to optimize landscape resistance models independently for each region, and then simulated the spread of an adaptive allele favored by selection across each region. Optimized landscape resistance models differed between regions with respect to landscape variables included and their relationships to resistance, but the slope of terrain and the presence of water barriers and major roads had the greatest impacts on gene flow. Genetic simulations showed that differences among landscapes strongly influenced spread of adaptive genetic variation, with faster spread (1) in landscapes with more continuously distributed habitat and (2) when a pre-existing allele (i.e., standing genetic variation) rather than a novel allele (i.e., mutation) served as the source of adaptive genetic variation. The combination of landscape resistance models and genetic simulations has broad conservation applications and can facilitate comparisons of adaptive potential within and between landscapes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tyler G. Creech
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Clinton W. Epps
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Erin L. Landguth
- Computational Ecology Laboratory, Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, Montana, United States of America
| | - John D. Wehausen
- White Mountain Research Center, University of California, Bishop, California, United States of America
| | - Rachel S. Crowhurst
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Brandon Holton
- Grand Canyon National Park, National Park Service, Grand Canyon, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Ryan J. Monello
- Biological Resources Division, National Park Service, Fort Collins, Colorado, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Malaney JL, Feldman CR, Cox M, Wolff P, Wehausen JD, Matocq MD. Translocated to the fringe: genetic and niche variation in bighorn sheep of the Great Basin and northern Mojave deserts. DIVERS DISTRIB 2015. [DOI: 10.1111/ddi.12329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jason L. Malaney
- Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Science; University of Nevada; Mail Stop 186 1664 N. Virginia Street Reno NV 89557 USA
- Program in Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology; University of Nevada; Mail Stop 314 1664 N. Virginia Street Reno NV 89557 USA
| | - Chris R. Feldman
- Program in Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology; University of Nevada; Mail Stop 314 1664 N. Virginia Street Reno NV 89557 USA
- Department of Biology; University of Nevada; Mail Stop 314 1664 N. Virginia Street Reno NV 89557 USA
| | - Michael Cox
- Nevada Department of Wildlife; 1100 Valley Rd. Reno NV 89512 USA
- Wild Sheep Working Group; Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies; Reno 89523 NV
| | - Peregrine Wolff
- Nevada Department of Wildlife; 1100 Valley Rd. Reno NV 89512 USA
| | - John D. Wehausen
- White Mountain Research Center; University of California; 3000 East Line Street Bishop CA 93514 USA
| | - Marjorie D. Matocq
- Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Science; University of Nevada; Mail Stop 186 1664 N. Virginia Street Reno NV 89557 USA
- Program in Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology; University of Nevada; Mail Stop 314 1664 N. Virginia Street Reno NV 89557 USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Driscoll CC, Driscoll JG, Hazekamp C, Mitton JB, Wehausen JD. A tale of two markers: Population genetics of colorado rocky mountain bighorn sheep estimated from microsatellite and mitochondrial data. J Wildl Manage 2015. [DOI: 10.1002/jwmg.895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Catherine C. Driscoll
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology; University of Colorado; Campus Box 224, Boulder CO 80309-0334
| | | | - Corey Hazekamp
- University of Massachusetts; 100 Morrissey Boulevard, Boston MA 02125-3393
| | - Jeffry B. Mitton
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology; University of Colorado; Campus Box 224, Boulder CO 80309-0334
| | - John D. Wehausen
- University of California San Diego; White Mountain Research Station; 3000 East Line Street, Bishop CA 93514
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Johnson HE, Mills LS, Wehausen JD, Stephenson TR, Luikart G. Translating effects of inbreeding depression on component vital rates to overall population growth in endangered bighorn sheep. Conserv Biol 2011; 25:1240-1249. [PMID: 22070275 DOI: 10.1111/j.1523-1739.2011.01739.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Evidence of inbreeding depression is commonly detected from the fitness traits of animals, yet its effects on population growth rates of endangered species are rarely assessed. We examined whether inbreeding depression was affecting Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis sierrae), a subspecies listed as endangered under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. Our objectives were to characterize genetic variation in this subspecies; test whether inbreeding depression affects bighorn sheep vital rates (adult survival and female fecundity); evaluate whether inbreeding depression may limit subspecies recovery; and examine the potential for genetic management to increase population growth rates. Genetic variation in 4 populations of Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep was among the lowest reported for any wild bighorn sheep population, and our results suggest that inbreeding depression has reduced adult female fecundity. Despite this population sizes and growth rates predicted from matrix-based projection models demonstrated that inbreeding depression would not substantially inhibit the recovery of Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep populations in the next approximately 8 bighorn sheep generations (48 years). Furthermore, simulations of genetic rescue within the subspecies did not suggest that such activities would appreciably increase population sizes or growth rates during the period we modeled (10 bighorn sheep generations, 60 years). Only simulations that augmented the Mono Basin population with genetic variation from other subspecies, which is not currently a management option, predicted significant increases in population size. Although we recommend that recovery activities should minimize future losses of genetic variation, genetic effects within these endangered populations-either negative (inbreeding depression) or positive (within subspecies genetic rescue)-appear unlikely to dramatically compromise or stimulate short-term conservation efforts. The distinction between detecting the effects of inbreeding depression on a component vital rate (e.g., fecundity) and the effects of inbreeding depression on population growth underscores the importance of quantifying inbreeding costs relative to population dynamics to effectively manage endangered populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heather E Johnson
- University of Montana, Wildlife Biology Program, College of Forestry and Conservation, Missoula, MT 59812, U.S.A., email
| | - L Scott Mills
- University of Montana, Wildlife Biology Program, College of Forestry and Conservation, Missoula, MT 59812, U.S.A
| | - John D Wehausen
- White Mountain Research Station, University of California, 3000 East Line Street, Bishop, CA 93514, U.S.A
| | - Thomas R Stephenson
- Sierra Nevada Bighorn Sheep Recovery Program, California Department of Fish and Game, 407 West Line Street, Bishop, CA 93514, U.S.A
| | - Gordon Luikart
- University of Montana, Flathead Biological Station and Division of Biological Sciences, Polson, MT 59860, U.S.A. and the Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos and Universidade do Porto (CIBIO-UP), Vairão, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Cahn ML, Conner MM, Schmitz OJ, Stephenson TR, Wehausen JD, Johnson HE. Disease, population viability, and recovery of endangered Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep. J Wildl Manage 2011. [DOI: 10.1002/jwmg.232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
|
8
|
Johnson HE, Mills LS, Stephenson TR, Wehausen JD. Population-specific vital rate contributions influence management of an endangered ungulate. Ecol Appl 2010; 20:1753-1765. [PMID: 20945773 DOI: 10.1890/09-1107.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
To develop effective management strategies for the recovery of threatened and endangered species, it is critical to identify those vital rates (survival and reproductive parameters) responsible for poor population performance and those whose increase will most efficiently change a population's trajectory. In actual application, however, approaches identifying key vital rates are often limited by inadequate demographic data, by unrealistic assumptions of asymptotic population dynamics, and of equal, infinitesimal changes in mean vital rates. We evaluated the consequences of these limitations in an analysis of vital rates most important in the dynamics of federally endangered Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis sierrae). Based on data collected from 1980 to 2007, we estimated vital rates in three isolated populations, accounting for sampling error, variance, and covariance. We used analytical sensitivity analysis, life-stage simulation analysis, and a novel non-asymptotic simulation approach to (1) identify vital rates that should be targeted for subspecies recovery; (2) assess vital rate patterns of endangered bighorn sheep relative to other ungulate populations; (3) evaluate the performance of asymptotic vs. non-asymptotic models for meeting short-term management objectives; and (4) simulate management scenarios for boosting bighorn sheep population growth rates. We found wide spatial and temporal variation in bighorn sheep vital rates, causing rates to vary in their importance to different populations. As a result, Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep exhibited population-specific dynamics that did not follow theoretical expectations or those observed in other ungulates. Our study suggests that vital rate inferences from large, increasing, or healthy populations may not be applicable to those that are small, declining, or endangered. We also found that, while asymptotic approaches were generally applicable to bighorn sheep conservation planning; our non-asymptotic population models yielded unexpected results of importance to managers. Finally, extreme differences in the dynamics of individual bighorn sheep populations imply that effective management strategies for endangered species recovery may often need to be population-specific.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heather E Johnson
- University of Montana, Wildlife Biology Program, College of Forestry and Conservation, Missoula, Montana 59812, USA.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Johnson HE, Scott Mills L, Wehausen JD, Stephenson TR. Combining ground count, telemetry, and mark-resight data to infer population dynamics in an endangered species. J Appl Ecol 2010. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2664.2010.01846.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
|
10
|
Ramey Ii RR, Wehausen JD, Liu HP, Epps CW, Carpenter LM. How Kinget al. (2006) define an ‘evolutionary distinction’ of a mouse subspecies: a response. Mol Ecol 2007; 16:3518-21. [PMID: 17845426 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-294x.2007.03397.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
|
11
|
Abstract
Global warming is predicted to affect the evolutionary potential of natural populations. We assessed genetic diversity of 25 populations of desert bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis nelsoni) in southeastern California, where temperatures have increased and precipitation has decreased during the 20th century. Populations in low-elevation habitats had lower genetic diversity, presumably reflecting more fluctuations in population sizes and founder effects. Higher-elevation habitats acted as reservoirs of genetic diversity. However, genetic diversity was also affected by population connectivity, which has been disrupted by human development. Restoring population connectivity may be necessary to buffer the effects of climate change on this desert-adapted ungulate.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Clinton W Epps
- Department of Environmental Science, Policy and Management, University of California Berkeley, 137 Mulford Hall #3114, Berkeley, CA 94720-3114, USA.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Epps CW, Palsbøll PJ, Wehausen JD, Roderick GK, Ramey RR, McCullough DR. Highways block gene flow and cause a rapid decline in genetic diversity of desert bighorn sheep. Ecol Lett 2005. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1461-0248.2005.00804.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 339] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
|
13
|
Wehausen JD, Ramey RR, Epps CW. Experiments in DNA extraction and PCR amplification from bighorn sheep feces: the importance of DNA extraction method. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2004; 95:503-9. [PMID: 15475396 DOI: 10.1093/jhered/esh068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Reliability of genotyping is an issue for studies using non-invasive sources of DNA. We emphasize the importance of refining DNA extraction methods to maximize reliability and efficiency of genotyping for such DNA sources. We present a simple and general method to quantitatively compare genotyping reliability of various DNA extraction techniques and sample materials used. For bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) fecal samples we compare different fecal pellet materials, different amounts of fecal pellet material, and the effects of eliminating two DNA extraction steps for four microsatellite loci and four samples heterozygous at each locus. We evaluated 192 PCR outcomes for each treatment using indices of PCR success and peak height (signal strength) developed from analysis output of sequencer chromatograms. Outermost pellet material produced PCR results almost equivalent to DNA extracted from blood. Where any inner pellet material was used for DNA extraction, PCR results were poorer and inconsistent among samples. PCR success was not sensitive to amount of pellet material used until it was decreased to 15 mg from 60 mg. Our PCR index provides considerably more information relative to potential genotyping errors than simply comparing genotypes derived from paired fecal and blood or tissue samples. Our DNA extraction method probably has wide applicability to herbivores that produce pelleted feces where samples dry rapidly after deposition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J D Wehausen
- University of California, White Mountain Research Station, 3000 East Line St., Bishop, CA 93514, USA.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
|
15
|
|
16
|
Swift PK, Wehausen JD, Ernest HB, Singer RS, Pauli AM, Kinde H, Rocke TE, Bleich VC. Desert bighorn sheep mortality due to presumptive type C botulism in California. J Wildl Dis 2000; 36:184-9. [PMID: 10682765 DOI: 10.7589/0090-3558-36.1.184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
During a routine telemetry flight of the Mojave Desert (California, USA) in August 1995, mortality signals were detected from two of 12 radio-collared female desert bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) in the vicinity of Old Dad Peak in San Bernardino County (California). A series of field investigations determined that at least 45 bighorn sheep had died near two artificial water catchments (guzzlers), including 13 bighorn sheep which had presumably drowned in a guzzler tank. Samples from water contaminated by decomposing bighorn sheep carcasses and hemolyzed blood from a fresh bighorn sheep carcass were tested for the presence of pesticides, heavy metals, strychnine, blue-green algae, Clostridium botulinum toxin, ethylene glycol, nitrates, nitrites, sodium, and salts. Mouse bioassay and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay detected type C botulinum toxin in the hemolyzed blood and in fly larvae and pupae. This, coupled with negative results from other analyses, led us to conclude that type C botulinum poisoning was most likely responsible for the mortality of bighorn sheep outside the guzzler tank.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- P K Swift
- California Department of Fish and Game, Wildlife Investigations Laboratory, Rancho Cordova 95670, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
|
18
|
Krausman PR, Wehausen JD, Wallace MC, Etchberger RC. Rumen Characteristics of Desert Races of Mountain Sheep and Desert Mule deer. SOUTHWEST NAT 1993. [DOI: 10.2307/3672075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
|
19
|
Kock MD, Clark RK, Franti CE, Jessup DA, Wehausen JD. Effects of capture on biological parameters in free-ranging bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis): evaluation of normal, stressed and mortality outcomes and documentation of postcapture survival. J Wildl Dis 1987; 23:652-62. [PMID: 3682092 DOI: 10.7589/0090-3558-23.4.652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Blood samples and physiological data were collected from 634 bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) captured by four different methods between 1980 and 1986 in the western United States. These parameters were evaluated for selected physiological, biochemical and hematological values. Postcapture biological parameters were compared among bighorn sheep according to four different outcomes; normal, stressed or compromised, capture myopathy (CM) mortality, and accidental mortality. Significant differences (P less than 0.05) were noted between outcome groups relative to certain parameters: temperature, respiration, creatinine phosphokinase (CPK), lactic dehydrogenase (LDH), serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), glucose, white blood cell count (WBC) and plasma pH. Such differences between groups may help in evaluating the clinical status of bighorn sheep at capture, enabling one to predict those animals that might develop CM at a later date, indicate candidates for preventive medical treatment prior to release, and/or which should be followed closely to determine long-term survival. Evaluation of follow-up data (n = 77) related to outcome status and long-term survival of bighorn sheep indicated that less than 4% (3 of 77) were dead within 1 mo of capture (one of these had been classified as normal and two as stressed or compromised at capture); less than 3% (3 of 77) were dead greater than 1 mo, and less than 6 mo after capture two were classified in the stressed outcome and one as diseased. Eighty-eight percent (68 of 77) were alive from 1 mo to 5 yr after capture (53 were classified as normal, 12 as stressed or compromised and 3 as diseased), and 2% (1 of 77) had chronic CM but was still alive (this animal had been classified as normal). Of 77 sheep in the follow-up group, less than 3% (2 of 77) were not observed following capture (one was classified as normal and one as stressed and diseased). Of the fatalities, less than 3% (2 of 40) had been captured by the net-gun and less than 4% (1 of 27) by drive-net. Those two unobserved in the follow-up group also had been caught with the net-gun, 5% (2 of 40). The single surviving CM case had been captured by the net-gun. Although the net-gun appears to be one of the safest methods of capturing individual bighorn sheep, based on evaluation of capture data and biological parameters, it may not be associated with the best long-term survival in some bighorn sheep.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M D Kock
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis 95616
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
|