Assisted gene flow using cryopreserved sperm in critically endangered coral

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 118(38)

Published: Sept. 7, 2021

Significance Global change threatens the genetic diversity of economically important and foundational ecosystem-building species such as corals. We tested whether cryopreserved coral sperm could be used to transfer among genetically isolated populations critically endangered Caribbean elkhorn coral, Acropora palmata . Here we report successful assisted gene flow (AGF) in corals using sperm, yielding largest living wildlife population ever created from cells. Furthermore, produced direct evidence that distinct can interbreed. Thus, demonstrated cryopreservation enable efficient, large-scale AGF This form migration enhance help adapt local environments face rapid global change.

Language: Английский

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Using conservation genetics to prioritise management options for an endangered songbird

Heredity, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 130(5), P. 289 - 301

Published: April 5, 2023

Genetic data can be highly informative for answering questions relevant to practical conservation efforts, but remain one of the most neglected aspects species recovery plans. Framing genetic with reference and tractable objectives help bypass this limitation application genetics in conservation. Using a single-nucleotide polymorphism dataset from reduced-representation sequencing (DArTSeq), we conducted assessment remnant populations endangered forty-spotted pardalote (Pardalotus quadragintus), songbird endemic Tasmania, Australia. Our were inform strategies diversity estimate effective population sizes patterns inter-population movement identify management units habitat restoration. We show structure two small on mainland Tasmania as 'satellites' larger Bruny Island connected by migration. relating Although our results do not indicate immediate need genetically manage populations, estimated some that they are vulnerable drift, highlighting urgent implement restoration increase size conduct monitoring. discuss how used interventions assessing contemporary aspects, valuable information planning decision-making produced guide actions account chances concern.

Language: Английский

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Advances in Managing Chytridiomycosis for Australian Frogs: Gradarius Firmus Victoria

Annual Review of Animal Biosciences, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 12(1), P. 113 - 133

Published: Feb. 15, 2024

Extensive knowledge gains from research worldwide over the 25 years since discovery of chytridiomycosis can be used for improved management. Strategies that have saved populations in short term and/or enabled recovery include captive breeding, translocation into disease refugia, resistant populations, disease-free exclosures, and preservation refuges with connectivity to previous habitat, while antifungal treatments reduced mortality rates wild. Increasing host resistance is goal many strategies under development, including vaccination targeted genetic interventions. Pathogen-directed may more challenging but would broad applicability. While search silver bullet solution continues, we should value local interventions stop extinction buy time evolution or development novel solutions. As most invasive species infectious diseases, need accept ongoing management necessary. For continuing decline, proactive deployment assessment promising are valid than a hands-off, do-no-harm approach will likely allow further extinctions.

Language: Английский

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Genetic rescue often leads to higher fitness as a result of increased heterozygosity across animal taxa

Molecular Ecology, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 33(19)

Published: Sept. 16, 2024

Abstract Biodiversity loss has reached critical levels partly due to anthropogenic habitat and degradation. These landscape changes are damaging as they can fragment species distributions into small, isolated populations, resulting in limited gene flow, population declines reduced adaptive potential. Genetic rescue, the translocation of individuals increase genetic diversity ultimately fitness, produced promising results for fragmented populations but remains underutilized a lack long‐term data monitoring. To promote better understanding rescue its potential risks benefits over short‐term, we reviewed analysed published attempts identify whether increases following translocation, if this change is associated with increased fitness. Our review identified 19 studies that provided fitness from before after translocation; majority these were on mammals, included experimental, natural conservation‐motivated translocations. Using Bayesian meta‐analytical approach, found average, post translocations, although there some exceptions trend. Overall, was positive predictor cases relationship extended three generations post‐rescue. suggest single have lasting benefits, support another tool facilitate conservation success. Given number data, echo need monitoring post‐translocation understand also limit long‐term.

Language: Английский

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Conservation practitioners’ understanding of how to manage evolutionary processes

Conservation Biology, Journal Year: 2019, Volume and Issue: 33(5), P. 993 - 1001

Published: March 13, 2019

Both academics and practitioners consider a lack of knowledge about evolutionary theory to be general barrier effectively managing genetic diversity. However, it is challenging judge practitioners' level understanding how this influences their management decisions. Knowledge built through experience may difficult for articulate, but could nonetheless result in appropriate strategies. To date, researchers have assessed only the explicit (formal) concepts. explore concepts, necessary they might apply implicit Using an online survey, we asked Australian respond 2 common scenarios which there strong evidence that diversity can improve outcomes: small, isolated populations sourcing seeds restoration projects. In describing approach these scenarios, demonstrated stronger effective than definitions relevant within small was closer best practice Moreover, risks described implementing were more likely affect translocation These findings provide strategies build capacity manage should focus on realistic scenarios. Given recognize importance adapting practices benefits actively diversity, hope better engagement by biologists with facilitate significant shifts toward evolutionarily enlightened management.Entendimiento de los Practicantes la Conservación sobre Cómo Manejar Procesos Evolutivos Resumen Tanto académicos como practicantes consideran que una falta conocimiento teoría evolutiva es barrera para el manejo efectivo diversidad genética. Sin embargo, complicado juzgar nivel entendimiento y cómo éste influye sus decisiones manejo. El construido por medio experiencia puede ser difícil articular practicantes, pero igual manera podría resultar en estrategias adecuadas A fecha, investigadores han evaluado solamente explícito tienen conceptos evolutivos. Para explorar evolutivos necesario considerar podrían aplicar conocimientos explícitos e implícitos Por encuesta línea, le pedimos australianos respondieran dos escenarios comunes cuales hay fuertes evidencias genética mejorar resultados: poblaciones pequeñas aisladas, obtención semillas proyectos restauración. Cuando describieron métodos estos escenarios, demostraron tener un más completo del las definiciones relevantes. su dentro estuvo cerca mejor práctica Además, riesgos implementación tuvieron mayor probabilidad afectar restauración reubicación. Estos resultados proporcionan evidencia construir capacidad manejar deben enfocarse realistas Ya reconocen importancia adaptar prácticas sólida beneficios activo genética, esperanzas colaboración entre biólogos pudiera facilitar cambios significativos hacia informado evolutivamente.研究者和保护实践者都认为, 进化理论知识的缺乏常常会阻碍对遗传多样性的有效管理。然而, 判断保护实践者对进化理论的理解程度及其对他们的管理决策的影响却极具挑战。对于保护实践者来说, 通过经验积累的知识可能难以阐述, 但仍然可以指导他们采取合适的管理策略。到目前为止, 研究者只评估过保护实践者关于进化概念的显性知识 (形式知识) 。为探究保护实践者对进化概念的理解, 还应考虑他们如何将显性及隐性知识应用于管理决策。我们通过在线调查, 收集了澳大利亚保护实践者对两种常见管理情景的反应, 在这两种情景 (管理小的隔离种群、追溯恢复计划中引种来源) 中, 均有证据表明管理遗传多样性可以提高保护成效。从实践者对管理这些情景的方法描述中可以看出, 他们对遗传多样性有效管理的理解比对相关概念定义的理解更深刻。然而, 相比于恢复项目, 实践者对小种群遗传多样性的管理方法更接近最佳实践。此外, 他们描述的最佳实践实施中的风险更有可能影响他们对恢复项目的管理方法, 而不是影响迁地保护项目。这些发现证明, 提升保护实践者管理遗传多样性能力的策略应侧重于现实中的管理场景。考虑到保护实践者已经认识到合理调整保护实践的重要性, 且积极管理遗传多样性大有裨益, 我们呼吁进化生物学家应更多地参与保护实践, 以促进保护管理在进化理论应用上的重要转向。【翻译: 胡怡思; 审校: 聂永刚】.

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