Assessing the information‐content of messy data to reconstruct population recovery dynamics for the world's rarest primate

Ecology and Evolution, Год журнала: 2024, Номер 14(8)

Опубликована: Авг. 1, 2024

Abstract Understanding the dynamics of population recovery in threatened species requires robust longitudinal monitoring datasets. However, evidence‐based decision‐making is often impeded by variable data collection approaches, necessitating critical evaluation restricted available baselines. The Hainan gibbon, world's rarest primate, had possibly declined to only seven or eight individuals 1978 at Bawangling National Nature Reserve but has experienced subsequent growth. Past estimates lack detailed reporting survey effort, and multiple conflicting are available, hindering assessment gibbon recovery. We investigated all reported size from 2022, evaluate biological signal trends extent which noise associated with varying estimation may mask misrepresent any underlying signal. This dataset demonstrates that a series bottlenecks recoveries, three successive periods growth interspersed crashes (1978–1989, 1989–2000 2000–2022). rate was progressively slower over time each period growth, this potential decline following serial suggests additional management strategies be required alongside “nature‐based solutions” for species. viability analysis founder unlikely have been as low individuals, raising concerns interpreting historical counts understanding species' caution against overinterpreting signals within “messy” conservation datasets, we emphasise crucial importance standardised replicable methods transparent effort future surveys gibbons other highly

Язык: Английский

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Sonification of Genomic Data to Represent Genetic Load in Zoo Populations

Zoo Biology, Год журнала: 2024, Номер unknown

Опубликована: Сен. 4, 2024

ABSTRACT Maintaining a diverse gene pool is important in the captive management of zoo populations, especially endangered species such as pink pigeon ( Nesoenas mayeri ). However, due to limited number breeding individuals and relaxed natural selection, loss variation accumulation harmful variants inevitable. Inbreeding results fitness (i.e., inbreeding depression), principally because related parents are more likely transmit copy same recessive deleterious genetic variant their offspring. Genomics‐informed can manage by artificial reducing load avoiding inheritance two copies variant. To explain this concept an interactive way visitors, we developed sonification game represent impacts detuning notes familiar musical melody Beethoven's Für Elise Conceptually, visitors play aiming create most optimal offspring terms depression. They select virtual crosses between listen for melody, which represents realised resultant Here present algorithm online survey see whether participants could identify least from three potential Of our 98 respondents, 85 (86.7%) correctly identified offspring, 73 (74.5%) optimal, 62 (63.3%) both using only sonification.

Язык: Английский

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Demographic History and Inbreeding in Two Declining Sea Duck Species Inferred From Whole‐Genome Sequence Data

Evolutionary Applications, Год журнала: 2024, Номер 17(9)

Опубликована: Сен. 1, 2024

ABSTRACT Anthropogenic impact has transitioned from threatening already rare species to causing significant declines in once numerous organisms. Long‐tailed duck ( Clangula hyemalis ) and velvet scoter Melanitta fusca were important quarry sea NW Europe, but recent resulted their reclassification as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. We sequenced assembled genomes for both resequenced 15 individuals of each. Using analyses based site frequency spectra sequential Markovian coalescence, we found C . show more historical demographic stability, whereas M. was affected particularly by Last (Weichselian) Glaciation. This likely reflects breeding continuously across Arctic, with cycles glaciation primarily shifting areas south or north without major population declines, restricted southern range would lead contraction during glaciations. Both showed evidence over past thousands years, potentially reflecting anthropogenic pressures decline indicating an accelerated process. Analysis runs homozygosity (ROH) low nontrivial inbreeding, F ROH 0.012 0.063 ranging 0 0.047 Lengths suggested that this due ongoing background inbreeding rather than declines. Overall, despite demographically not yet led strong genetic erosion, most pressing conservation concern may be risk density‐dependent (Allee) effects. recommend monitoring using analysis a cost‐efficient method track future developments support effective these species.

Язык: Английский

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Predicting and prioritizing genetic diversity outcomes of animal translocations

Conservation Science and Practice, Год журнала: 2023, Номер 5(6)

Опубликована: Апрель 25, 2023

To better understand the genetic outcomes of translocation and inform future management strategies, we quantified diversity translocated individuals, then simulated how would erode over time under different scenarios: single translocation, additional augmentations, rates natural immigration. For such isolated populations, which are typical for many translocations, augmentations maintaining connectivity through planning a recovery network is critical to meet stated goals increasing population persistence. In particular, argue that an priori assessment will improve practices define goals, feasibility, adaptive strategies maintain at-risk populations. Environmental change driving extinctions isolating species globally; recovering rescuing these populations has motivated conservation century (Seddon et al., 2014). Traditionally, self-sustaining have focused on habitat approaches ultimately increase survival reproduction population. However, increasingly recognized as integral component long-term from past changes provide capacity (Jamieson & Lacy, 2012). Indeed, declines, isolation reduced increased inbreeding escalates extinction risk threatened (Forester 2022). Translocations, or intentional movement animals repatriate extirpated augment existing become central tool recovery. Increasingly, translocations viewed not only bolster size, but also diversity. can fitness introduction new material when recipient small inbred potential by (Weeks 2011; Whiteley 2015). While often cited fundamental goal effectiveness evaluated (but see Jackson Improving hinges selecting appropriate source identifying correct number individuals be translocated; practitioners, though, rarely prior knowledge genetics either condition (Tracy 2011). Even known, persistence in unexplored. By combining data with simulations predict rate loss, practitioners both maintenance (Grueber 2019; Weiser 2013). Herein, Throughout their distributional range Great Lakes Region, Sharp-tailed grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus) declining abundance isolated. Small sizes limited gene flow put sharp-tailed at local extirpation. mediate federal, state, tribal partnership begun restore contemporary Moquah Barrens Wildlife Management Area northwestern Wisconsin (Figure S1). Concomitant was objective Over 3 years, 160 were neighboring, disjunct Minnesota. This exhibits high-genetic diversity, making it ideal (Roy Gregory, 2019). debate exists between minimizing presence strongly deleterious alleles (Kyriazis 2021) maximizing (Ralls 2020). Nevertheless, general recommendation choosing maximizes well supported empirical evidence history augmentation (Frankham, observed heterozygosity similar (Appendix Simulations revealed measured retention rare (Weiser, Grueber, Jamieson, 2012), rapidly if no further actions taken 1a; Appendix Augmentations 10- 25-year frequency eventually eroded due size 1a). four migrants per year enough retain 1b). Increased necessary alone, even relatively high frequency, subject loss without consistent Despite successful selection release follow-up monitoring essential evaluate whether captured incorporated into extant our findings show initial quickly action likely common (Jackson Importantly, reference target restoration efforts minimize intensity should adopted more broadly just here elsewhere, (i.e., metapopulations emerging human agency; Smith case study highlights importance makeup erosion plan identify thresholds connectivity. demographic post emphasized plans important short-term 1c), play role With application genomics conservation, opportunities assess benefits designs sources evolutionary among general, promote (1) Sourcing genetically diverse population; (2) Releasing sufficient captures (3) Choosing reintroduction site neighboring attempt create network; (4) Evaluating guide plans; (5) Monitoring following translocation. Translocations tools effects environmental explicitly incorporate alternative adapt work lakes Restoration Initiative United States Department Agriculture Joint Chiefs Grouse Society Forest Service. We thank partners provided expertise logistical support: Natural Resources, Bad River Band Lake Superior Chippewa, Red Cliff Indian Fish Commission, Minnesota Society, US Service, Nature Conservancy. A special thanks Bill Berg, Tom Doolittle, Dave Evenson, Jim Evrard, Aaron Fahlstrom, Ruth Anne Frank, Bob Hanson, Dr. Lisa Jeanetta DVM, Heather Jensen, Greg Kessler, Alexandra Lehner, Todd Naas, Nissen, Jodie Provost, Charlotte Roy. The authors declare conflicts interest. Data used perform this found supporting information. S1: Supporting Information Please note: publisher responsible content functionality any information supplied authors. Any queries (other than missing content) directed corresponding author article.

Язык: Английский

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Genomics-informed captive breeding can reduce inbreeding depression and the genetic load in zoo populations

Authorea (Authorea), Год журнала: 2023, Номер unknown

Опубликована: Сен. 25, 2023

Zoo populations of threatened species are a valuable resource for the restoration wild populations.However, their small effective population size poses risk to longterm viability, especially in with high genetic load.Recent bioinformatic developments can identify harmful variants genome data.Here, we advance this approach, analysing load pink pigeon (Nesoenas mayeri).We lift-over mutation-impact scores that had been calculated chicken (Gallus gallus) estimate six pigeons.Additionally, perform in-silico crossings predict and realised potential offspring.We thus optimal mate pairs theoretically expected reproduce offspring least inbreeding depression.We use computer simulations show how genomics-informed conservation reduce maintain genome-wide diversity, arguing will become instrumental maintaining long-term viability zoo populations.

Язык: Английский

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