Feralization: <scp>A</scp> threat to conservation of wild reindeer

Mysterud, Atle; Flagstad, Øystein; Strand, Olav

doi:10.1111/csp2.13105

Cited by 1 publication

(2 citation statements)

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“…The 24 present-day populations of 'wild reindeer' have contrasting origins (Røed et al, 2014) that can be classified into (original) wild reindeer, semidomesticated reindeer (released or translocated), and a mixed origin) where semi-domesticated reindeer have intentionally or incidentally been mixed with adjacent wild reindeer populations (Kvie et al, 2019. Such release or mixing of feral individuals into populations of wild genetic origin may have serious negative genetic consequences from a conservation biology perspective (Laikre et al, 2010, Mysterud et al, 2024.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Thus, even if the intention of reducing barriers would be to increase gene flow only in one direction, management actions increasing dispersal opportunities could also contribute to further domestic introgression of populations that have previously experienced only limited gene flow from semi-domestic herds. This would lead to a situation similar to the potential use of semi-domesticated animals in reintroduction programs (Mysterud et al, 2024). In addition, Hardangervidda is one of the two reindeer populations in Norway where CWD has been detected.…”

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confidence: 99%

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Rapid loss of genetic variation and increased inbreeding in small and isolated populations of Norwegian wild reindeer

Hansen,

Peeters,

Flagstad

et al. 2024

Preprint

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Wildlife responses to habitat loss and fragmentation are a central concern in the management and conservation of biodiversity. Small and isolated populations are vulnerable, both due to demographic and genetic mechanisms, which are often linked. Thus, understanding how (changes in) genetic diversity, effective population sizes, and levels of inbreeding relate to population size and degree of isolation is key for developing effective conservation strategies. High-density Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) arrays represent an increasingly cost-efficient tool to achieve the data needed for such analysis. Here, we present the development of a novel 625k SNP array for reindeerRangifer tarandusand apply this array to assess conservation genetic issues across thirteen Norwegian wild reindeer populations of varying size, isolation, and genetic origin (i.e., semi-domesticated reindeer origin or a mix of wild reindeer and semi-domesticated reindeer origins). Many of these populations are currently completely isolated, with no gene flow from other populations. We genotyped n = 510 individuals sampled by hunters and found that variation in population size across the populations largely predicted their (recent loss of) genetic variation (observed heterozygosity, Ho), as well as effective population size (Ne) and (change in) level of recent inbreeding. For the smallest and most isolated populations, with total population sizes of <50-100 individuals and a high and increasing level of recent inbreeding, estimated loss of genetic variation was as high as 3-10% over the time span of a generation or less, and estimated Newas as low as six individuals. With the current level of isolation and associated lack of gene flow, and considering their already low genetic diversity, these populations are hardly viable – neither demographically nor genetically – in the long term. These results have direct relevance for the management of Norwegian wild reindeer, recently red-listed as ‘Near Threatened’. Yet, these genetic challenges, characterizing many of the small ‘wild reindeer’ populations in Norway, have been largely ignored by management thus far. Mitigation efforts such as reducing barriers would introduce substantial conservation dilemma due to the aim of avoiding further spread of chronic wasting disease (CWD), as well as potential further domestic introgression into populations with genetically wild reindeer (or mixed) origin. Nevertheless, our cost-efficient and high-density SNP array especially designed for reindeer and caribou offers a powerful genetic tool to include in future monitoring, providing important contributions to management and conservation decisions.

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