Testing the effectiveness of genetic monitoring using genetic non‐invasive sampling

Ecology and Evolution, Год журнала: 2021, Номер 12(1)

Опубликована: Дек. 27, 2021

Abstract Effective conservation requires accurate data on population genetic diversity, inbreeding, and structure. Increasingly, scientists are adopting non‐invasive sampling (gNIS) as a cost‐effective population‐wide monitoring approach. gNIS has, however, known limitations which may impact the accuracy of downstream analyses. Here, using high‐quality single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) from blood/tissue free‐ranging koala ( n = 430), we investigated how reduced SNP panel size call rate typical samples (derived experimental field trials) impacts measures, also effect intensity these measures. We found that at small sample sizes (14% population) can provide diversity but slightly underestimated inbreeding coefficients. Accurate measures internal relatedness required least 33% to be sampled. geographic spatial autocorrelation analysis between 28% 51% show low powerful tool aid decision‐making recommendations for researchers looking apply techniques systems.

Язык: Английский

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Identifying individual ungulates from fecal DNA: a comparison of field collection methods to maximize efficiency, ease, and success

Mammalian Biology, Год журнала: 2022, Номер 102(3), С. 863 - 874

Опубликована: Фев. 24, 2022

Abstract Non-invasive genetic sampling can facilitate the identification of individual animals across a landscape, with applications to management and conservation. Fecal material is readily available source DNA, various methods exist for collecting fecal samples DNA preservation. In particular, swab offer considerable promise, but their utility in real-world field contexts remains relatively untested. We systematically compared multiple all stages data collection analysis, including field, extraction lab, individuals using microsatellite genotyping. collected 112 from black-tailed deer ( Odocoileus hemionus columbianus ) Mendocino County, California, range sample conditions unknown age. efficiency, ease, genotyping success three storage ungulate samples: whole pellets ethanol, dry paper envelopes, cotton swabs buffer. Storage method, condition, interaction predicted top binomial GLMMs. found that swabbing resulted greatest percentage individually identifiable genotypes (81%, 60% 56% ethanol), despite lower concentrations. While requires greater time investment are easier safer store transport, subsequent labwork more efficient as whole-pellet methods. We, therefore, recommend method most contexts. provide additional recommendations protocols based on 2284 larger monitoring study population, given this large number spanned spent storage.

Язык: Английский

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Combining genetic non-invasive sampling with spatially explicit capture-recapture models for density estimation of a patchily distributed small mammal

European Journal of Wildlife Research, Год журнала: 2018, Номер 64(4)

Опубликована: Июль 15, 2018

Язык: Английский

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Landscape Characteristics Affecting Small Mammal Occurrence in Heterogeneous Olive Grove Agro-Ecosystems

Conservation, Год журнала: 2022, Номер 2(1), С. 51 - 67

Опубликована: Янв. 10, 2022

Understanding how small mammals (SM) are associated with environmental characteristics in olive groves is important to identify potential threats agriculture and assess the overall conservation value functioning of agro-ecosystems. Here, we provide first insights on this topic applied traditional northeast (NE) Portugal by assessing landscape attributes that determine SM occurrence, focusing one species concern (Microtus cabrerae Thomas 1906) often perceived as a pest olives lusitanicus Gerbe 1879). Based genetic non-invasive sampling 51 surrounding habitats, identified seven rodent insectivore. Occupancy modelling indicated were generally less detected within than habitats. The vulnerable M. reached mean occupancy (95% CI) 0.77 (0.61–0.87), while stood at 0.37 (0.24–0.52). was more likely occur land mosaics high density agricultural field edges, pastureland patches. Overall, our study suggests complex structure spatial heterogeneity traditionally managed grove agro-ecosystems may favor occurrence species-rich communities, possibly including well-established populations importance, keeping relatively low rates.

Язык: Английский

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Competition between sympatric hare species in the Alps is boostered by climate change and hybridisation

European Journal of Wildlife Research, Год журнала: 2024, Номер 70(4)

Опубликована: Июль 25, 2024

Abstract Climatic variation along the elevation gradient promotes natural parapatric occurrence of European hare ( Lepus europaeus ) and Alpine mountain timidus varronis in Alps. Recent data indicate a displacement hares caused by competition with hare. Competitive exclusion might take place at fine spatial scale hybrids may sharpen competition. Genetic non-invasive sampling (gNIS) demonstrates to be effective retrieve information from wild animals. However, based on accuracy differing genetic analysis methods, selection method decisively influence results. To examine habitat preferences hares, their particular interest results, we performed gNIS Grisons (Switzerland) for four years compared associations genotyped samples. We recorded 137 individuals (i.e., 35 hybrids, 49 53 hares). Combined nuclear mitochondrial DNA including individual identification revealed most accurate indirect study hares. had narrow breadth used little diversity. Hybrids showed great similarities increase favour since they show similar patterns use Ongoing climate change potentiate niche overlap between species, increasing risk decline due hybridisation displacement.

Язык: Английский

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