Disproportionate admixture improves reintroduction outcomes despite the use of low‐diversity source populations: population viability analysis for a translocation of the greater stick‐nest rat

Onley, Isabelle R.; White, Lauren C.; Moseby, Katherine E.; Copley, Peter; Cowen, Saul

doi:10.1111/acv.12812

Cited by 5 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 61 publications

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“…Population viability analyses can be useful decision making tools, incorporating a species' biological and demographic parameters to make predictions about how a population's trajectory may change under different scenarios [71,72]. Population viability analyses (PVA) were undertaken for several species that were translocated to DHI, namely banded hare-wallaby [73], dibbler [57], Shark Bay bandicoot [74], Shark Bay mouse [75], greater stick-nest rat [76] and western grasswren (A. Gibson Vega et al unpublished). In each case, the impact on both the source population(s) and the translocated population was considered in the PVA.…”

Section: Source Population Viabilitymentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The journey was completed in approximately nine hours, with no mortalities occurring prior to release. The Salutation population had relatively poor genetic diversity compared to the natural population on the Franklins [77], but a PVA was used to estimate the number of Franklins vs. Salutation individuals required to provide an optimal outcome, including reducing the number of animals requiring the nine hour journey [76]. Thus, demonstrating that proximal sources of lower genetic value can be incorporated into the overall strategy to improve welfare outcomes.…”

Section: Stress and Animal Welfarementioning

confidence: 99%

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Return to 1616: Multispecies Fauna Reconstruction Requires Thinking Outside the Box

Cowen,

Sims,

Ottewell

et al. 2023

Animals

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Conservation translocations have become increasingly popular for ‘rewilding’ areas that have lost their native fauna. These multispecies translocations are complex and need to consider the requirements of each individual species as well as the influence of likely interactions among them. The Dirk Hartog Island National Park Ecological Restoration Project, Return to 1616, aspires to restore ecological function to Western Australia’s largest island. Since 2012, pest animals have been eradicated, and conservation translocations of seven fauna species have been undertaken, with a further six planned. Here, we present a synthesis of the innovative approaches undertaken in restoring the former faunal assemblage of Dirk Hartog Island and the key learnings gathered as the project has progressed.

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Section: Source Population Viabilitymentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Stress and Animal Welfarementioning

confidence: 99%

Return to 1616: Multispecies Fauna Reconstruction Requires Thinking Outside the Box

Cowen,

Sims,

Ottewell

et al. 2023

Animals

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“…Onley et al . 2022) to make evidence‐based decisions around genetic priorities for the founder population (e.g. maximizing genetic diversity).…”

Section: Figurementioning

confidence: 99%

“…In addition, genetic studies can guide decision-making for conservation strategies such as translocations (e.g. Onley et al 2022) to make evidence-based decisions around genetic priorities for the founder population (e.g. maximizing genetic diversity).…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Population genetic structure associated with a landscape barrier in the Western Grasswren (Amytornis textilis textilis)

Vega

Hall

Ridley

et al. 2023

Ibis

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Dispersal patterns can dictate genetic population structure and, ultimately, population resilience, through maintaining gene flow and genetic diversity. However, geographical landforms, such as peninsulas, can impact dispersal patterns and thus be a barrier to gene flow. Here, we use 13 375 genome‐wide single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) to evaluate genetic population structure and infer dispersal patterns of the Western Grasswren Amytornis textilis textilis (WGW, n = 140) in the Shark Bay region of Western Australia. We found high levels of genetic divergence between subpopulations on the mainland (Hamelin) and narrow peninsula (Peron). In addition, we found evidence of further genetic sub‐structuring within the Hamelin subpopulation, with individuals collected from the western and eastern regions of a conservation reserve forming separate genetic clusters. Spatial autocorrelation analysis within each subpopulation revealed significant local‐scale genetic structure up to 35 km at Hamelin and 20 km at Peron. In addition, there was evidence of male philopatry in both subpopulations. Our results suggest a narrow strip of land may be acting as a geographical barrier in the WGW, limiting dispersal between a peninsula and mainland subpopulation. In addition, heterogeneous habitat within Hamelin may be restricting dispersal at the local scale. Furthermore, there is evidence to suggest that the limited gene flow is asymmetrical, with directional dispersal occurring from the bounded peninsula subpopulation to the mainland. This study highlights the genetic structure existing within and between some of the few remaining WGW subpopulations, and shows a need to place equal importance on conservation efforts to maintain them in the future.

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Admixture and reproductive skew shape the conservation value of ex situ populations of the Critically Endangered eastern black rhino

Elsner-Gearing,

Kretzschmar,

Shultz

et al. 2024

Conserv Genet

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Small populations of endangered species risk losing already eroded genetic diversity, important for adaptive potential, through the effects of genetic drift. The magnitude of drift can be mitigated by maximising the effective population size, as is the goal of genetic management strategies. Different mating systems, specifically those leading to reproductive skew, exacerbate genetic drift by distorting contributions. In the absence of an active management strategy, reproductive skew will have long-term effects on the genetic composition of a population, particularly where admixture is present. Here we examine the contrasting effects of conservation management strategies in two ex situ populations of the Critically Endangered eastern black rhino (Diceros bicornis michaeli), one managed as a semi-wild population in South Africa (SAx), and one managed under a mean-kinship breeding strategy in European zoos. We use molecular data to reconstruct pedigrees for both populations and validate the method using the zoo studbook. Using the reconstructed pedigree and studbook we show there is male sex-specific skew in both populations. However, the zoo’s mean-kinship breeding strategy effectively reduces reproductive skew in comparison to a semi-wild population with little genetic management. We also show that strong male reproductive skew in SAx has resulted in extensive admixture, which may require a re-evaluation of the population’s original intended role in the black rhino meta-population. With a high potential for admixture in many ex situ populations of endangered species, molecular and pedigree data remain vital tools for populations needing to balance drift and selection.

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Disproportionate admixture improves reintroduction outcomes despite the use of low‐diversity source populations: population viability analysis for a translocation of the greater stick‐nest rat

Cited by 5 publications

References 61 publications

Return to 1616: Multispecies Fauna Reconstruction Requires Thinking Outside the Box

Return to 1616: Multispecies Fauna Reconstruction Requires Thinking Outside the Box

Population genetic structure associated with a landscape barrier in the Western Grasswren (Amytornis textilis textilis)

Admixture and reproductive skew shape the conservation value of ex situ populations of the Critically Endangered eastern black rhino

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