Giraffe lineages are shaped by major ancient admixture events

Current Biology, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 34(7), P. 1576 - 1586.e5

Published: March 12, 2024

Strong genetic structure has prompted discussion regarding giraffe taxonomy,1Bercovitch F.B. Berry P.S.M. Dagg A. Deacon F. Doherty J.B. Lee D.E. Mineur Muller Z. Ogden R. Seymour et al.How many species of are there?.Curr. Biol. 2017; 27: R136-R137Abstract Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (34) Google Scholar,2Bercovitch Giraffe taxonomy, geographic distribution and conservation.Afr. J. Ecol. 2020; 58: 150-158Crossref (4) Scholar,3Petzold Hassanin A comparative approach for delimitation based on multiple methods multi-locus DNA sequence analysis: case study the genus Giraffa (Mammalia, Cetartiodactyla).PLoS One. 15e0217956Crossref (30) Scholar including a suggestion to split into four species: Northern (Giraffa c. camelopardalis), Reticulated (G. reticulata), Masai tippelskirchi), Southern giraffes giraffa).4Coimbra R.T.F. Winter S. Kumar V. Koepfli K.-P. Gooley R.M. Dobrynin P. Fennessy Janke Whole-genome analysis supports distinct species.Curr. 2021; 31: 2929-2938.e5Abstract (38) Scholar,5Fennessy Bidon T. Reuss Elkan Nilsson M.A. Vamberger M. Fritz U. Multi-locus analyses reveal instead one.Curr. 2016; 26: 2543-2549Abstract (151) Scholar,6Winter Limited introgression division species.Ecol. Evol. 2018; 8: 10156-10165Crossref (36) However, their evolutionary history is not yet fully resolved, as previous studies used simple bifurcating model did explore presence or extent gene flow between lineages. We therefore inferred that incorporates various processes assess drivers contemporary diversity. analyzed whole-genome sequencing data from 90 wild 29 localities across current distribution. The most basal divergence was dated 280 kya. Genetic differentiation, FST, among major lineages ranged 0.28 0.62, we found significant levels ancient them. In particular, several suggested lineage evolved through admixture, with almost equal contribution an ancestral related giraffes. These new results highlight scenario strong differentiation despite flow, providing further context interpretation diversity process speciation in general. They also illustrate conservation measures need target sublineages separate management strategies needed conserve effectively. Given local extinctions recent dramatic declines populations, this improved understanding relevant interventions, reintroductions reinforcements existing populations.

Language: Английский

---

Anthropogenic and environmental factors determine occupancy and rarity of large carnivores in the Omo Valley, southwest Ethiopia

Ecological Solutions and Evidence, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 6(2)

Published: April 1, 2025

Abstract Large carnivores in Ethiopia are declining numbers and range due to human population pressure, habitat fragmentation loss, compounded by low political interest for conservation. To conserve large carnivores, it is important study the impact of these factors on their occupancy. For this purpose, un‐baited camera traps were deployed Chebera Churchura, Maze Omo National Parks Tama Community Conservation Area using a 25 km 2 grid 2‐month periods each Protected from 2020 2022. We tested effects environmental anthropogenic covariates carnivore occupancy while accounting imperfect detection multispecies model. recorded all six Valley. However, number level vary across sites; Park only where species recorded. had highest lion detections lowest leopard spotted hyaena detections, but its small size led inconclusive results any further analysis. Due densities, insufficient analyse lion, cheetah, striped African wild dog Churchura Tama. The mean marginal probability was Omo, reverse hyaena. determined prey elevation Parks. Furthermore, both visit areas with settlement Practical implication : explore strategies improve conservation area. highlight limitations trapping importance conserving larger landscape

Language: Английский

---

Genetic guidelines for translocations: Maintaining intraspecific diversity in the lion (Panthera leo)

Evolutionary Applications, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 15(1), P. 22 - 39

Published: Nov. 10, 2021

Abstract Conservation translocations have become an important management tool, particularly for large wildlife species such as the lion ( Panthera leo ). When planning translocations, genetic background of populations needs to be taken into account; failure do so risks disrupting existing patterns variation, ultimately leading homogenization, and thereby reducing resilience adaptability species. We urge managers include knowledge source/target populations, well species‐wide patterns, in any intervention. present a hierarchical decision‐making tool which we list 132 populations/lion conservation units provide information on assignment, uncertainty suitability translocation each combination. By including four levels suitability, from ‘first choice’ ‘no option’, with range options. To illustrate extent international trade lions, potential disruption natural intraspecific diversity, mined CITES Trade Database estimated quantities live individuals imported states during past 4 decades. identified 1056 recorded risk interbreeding wild 772 being captive‐sourced. Scoring records our illustrates that only 7% translocated were 73% option’. acknowledge other, nongenetic factors are process, hence pragmatic approach is needed. A framework scored based not relevant lion, but also other frequently translocated. hope presented overview supports genetics future decisions contributes towards its full diversity.

Language: Английский

---

Losing the forest for the tree? On the wisdom of subpopulation management

Zoo Biology, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 42(5), P. 591 - 604

Published: May 22, 2023

Abstract Animal habitats are changing around the world in many ways, presenting challenges to survival of species. Zoo animal populations also challenged by small population sizes and limited genetic diversity. Some ex situ managed as subpopulations based on presumed subspecies or geographic locality related concerns over purity taxonomic integrity. However, these decisions can accelerate loss diversity increase likelihood extinction. Here I challenge wisdom subpopulation management, pointing out significant literature with delineation species, subspecies, evolutionarily units. review demonstrating value gene flow for preserving adaptive potential, often‐misunderstood role hybridization evolution, likely overstated about outbreeding depression, preservation local adaptations. argue that most effective way manage long term be they human care, wild, if a captive is being reintroduction, maximum rather than managing focusing integrity, purity, locale because selection future, past, will determine what genotypes phenotypes fit. Several case studies presented management stimulate thinking genomes lineages those units evolved very different from today future.

Language: Английский

---

A pragmatic approach for integrating molecular tools into biodiversity conservation

Conservation Science and Practice, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 6(1)

Published: Dec. 25, 2023

Abstract Molecular tools are increasingly applied for assessing and monitoring biodiversity informing conservation action. While recent developments in genetic genomic methods provide greater sensitivity analysis the capacity to address new questions, they not equally available all practitioners: There is considerable bias across institutions countries access technologies, funding, training. Consequently, many cases, more accessible traditional data (e.g., microsatellites) still utilized making decisions. Conservation approaches need be pragmatic by tackling clearly defined management questions using most appropriate available, while maximizing use of limited resources. Here we present some key consider when applying molecular toolbox actionable management. Finally, highlight a number important steps addressed collaborative way, which can facilitate broad integration into conservation.

Language: Английский

---

A palaeogenomic investigation of overharvest implications in an endemic wild reindeer subspecies

Molecular Ecology, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 33(5)

Published: Jan. 27, 2024

Overharvest can severely reduce the abundance and distribution of a species thereby impact its genetic diversity threaten future viability. remains an ongoing issue for Arctic mammals, which due to climate change now also confront one fastest changing environments on Earth. The high-arctic Svalbard reindeer (Rangifer tarandus platyrhynchus), endemic Svalbard, experienced harvest-induced demographic bottleneck that occurred during 17-20th centuries. Here, we investigate changes in diversity, population structure, gene-specific differentiation after this overharvesting event. Using whole-genome shotgun sequencing, generated first ancient historical nuclear (n = 11) mitochondrial 18) genomes from (up 4000 BP) integrated these data with large collection modern genome sequences 90) infer temporal changes. We show hunting resulted major restructuring populations. Near-extirpation followed by pronounced drift has altered allele frequencies important genes contributing diverse biological functions. Median heterozygosity was reduced 26%, while only limited extent, likely already low pre-harvest complex post-harvest recolonization process. Such genomic erosion isolation populations past anthropogenic disturbance will play role metapopulation dynamics (i.e., extirpation, recolonization) under further change. Our results case study therefore emphasize need understand long-term interplay past, current, stressors wildlife conservation.

Language: Английский

---

Mammalian Community Structure Varies With Distance Between Protected Areas in the Omo Valley, Southwest Ethiopia

Ecology and Evolution, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 15(4)

Published: April 1, 2025

ABSTRACT Rapid human population growth in Ethiopia has resulted the degradation of vast areas wildlife habitats due to agricultural expansion, infrastructure development, and urbanization. The Omo Valley southwestern part been particularly affected by land use changes, but despite its ecological importance, few relevant studies have conducted there last two decades. Our aim is provide updated scientifically verifiable information for medium large terrestrial mammal species richness community structure four Protected Areas Valley. We used bycatch camera trap data from a carnivore survey nonparametric incidence‐based estimators analysis. A total 52 mammals nine orders eighteen families were recorded, which approximately 29.4% are listed as globally threatened one an endemic subspecies. present current lists compare them with historical records observed highest number National Park, even though no longer recorded there. applied Morisita‐Horn similarity index reveal high degree overlap mammalian among adjacent Areas, less between far each other, indicating distance decay similarity. distribution feeding guilds was significantly different across detection frequency relatively low Tama Community Conservation Area compared our other study sites. This confirmed conservation importance area terms diversity, albeit levels, especially carnivores, underscoring promoting landscape connectivity maintain viability From experience, proved be effective surveying large‐ medium‐sized species, so capturing rarer area.

Language: Английский

---

Loss of biodiversity and effect of climate change on the vascular flora of the Chihuahuan Desert of Mexico

Elsevier eBooks, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown, P. 45 - 61

Published: Jan. 1, 2025

Language: Английский

---

Whole genome sequencing informs SNP-based breeding strategies to safeguard genetic diversity in captive African lions

Frontiers in Veterinary Science, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 12

Published: April 16, 2025

African lions (Panthera leo) face severe population declines, making captive breeding programs essential for conservation. However, genetic data scarcity in such elevates inbreeding risks and threatens diversity. Using next-generation sequencing (NGS), we analyzed genome-wide markers from 10 at Xinjiang Tianshan Wildlife Park. We identified high-confidence SNPs, evaluated structure, calculated kinship/inbreeding coefficients alongside identity by descent (IBD) state (IBS) analyses. 5,051,795 SNPs. The contained distinct subgroups. Six lion pairs exhibited elevated kinship coefficients, with one individual showing signs. developed a science-driven program based on analysis, Identity State analysis. This prioritizes pairings low while maintaining balanced ancestral lineage. study underscores the importance of genomic tools managing populations, offering actionable insights to mitigate improve long-term viability. approach offers model optimizing strategies other endangered species conservation efforts.

Language: Английский

---

Population mitogenome diversity and connectivity among wild populations of Great Hornbill (Buceros bicornis) in Thailand: implications for population recovery planning

Global Ecology and Conservation, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 60, P. e03597 - e03597

Published: April 23, 2025

Language: Английский

---