Genetic diversity in Siberian flying squirrel (Pteromys volans) in its western frontier with a focus on the Estonian population

Nummert, Grete; Aaspõllu, Anu; Kuningas, Kristiina; Timm, Uudo; Hanski, Ilpo K.; Maran, Tiit

doi:10.1007/s13364-020-00509-8

Cited by 2 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 39 publications

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“…The increase in the mitochondrial diversity towards the centre of Siberia has been observed in several species, such as the Eurasian brown bear (de Jong et al., 2023; Salomashkina et al., 2014), wild reindeer (Røed et al., 2008), sable (Li et al., 2021), and flying squirrel ( Pteromys volans ; Lee et al., 2008; Nummert et al., 2020; Oshida et al., 2005). The flying squirrel range displays a similar pattern to the wolverine, with the western periphery having the poorest diversity (Nummert et al., 2020). Additionally, genetic diversity of the moose (Hundertmark et al., 2002; Kangas et al., 2015) and wolf (Dufresnes et al., 2018) appear to increase eastward from Fennoscandia.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 96%

Expanding from local to continental scale—A genetic assessment of the Eurasian wolverine

Bujnáková,

Lansink,

Abramov

et al. 2024

Diversity and Distributions

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AimOur aim was to assess the population structure, genetic diversity and demographic history of the wolverine (Gulo gulo) throughout its entire Eurasian range. Additionally, we aimed to contextualize and put into perspective the state of the endangered Fennoscandian population by emphasizing its connectivity to other populations.LocationThe main study area covered most of the Eurasian wolverine range, with samples from Finland, Russia, Kazakhstan and Mongolia.MethodsUsing a 495 bp fragment of the mitochondrial DNA control region and a frequently used set of 14 microsatellite markers on an extensive dataset of samples, we assessed the population structure, genetic diversity, and demographic history of wolverines with a variety of population genetic analyses.ResultsAccording to both nuclear and mitochondrial genetic markers, Eurasian wolverines exhibit substructure, with the most distinct population located in Fennoscandia. The Fennoscandian population has undergone a genetic bottleneck, likely influencing its genetic diversity, which is notably the lowest in Eurasia. Genetic diversity in the rest of Eurasia gradually rises towards the central part of the range and decreases again in the east, although not as significantly as in the west.Main ConclusionsThis study reveals the population structure of wolverines across Eurasia and provides direction for allocating conservation efforts to sustain a diverse and connected wolverine population. While most of the Eurasian populations seem to be well‐connected and genetically diverse, the Fennoscandian wolverines may need better connectivity to the other Eurasian populations to ensure gene flow and long‐term persistence. Our study further highlights the importance of considering the population genetic structure and diversity of the entire species range when planning management strategies.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 96%

Expanding from local to continental scale—A genetic assessment of the Eurasian wolverine

Bujnáková,

Lansink,

Abramov

et al. 2024

Diversity and Distributions

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Population structure of the endangered Siberian flying squirrel (Pteromys volans) revealed by genomic and mitochondrial data

Ito dos Santos,

Lilley,

Laine

et al. 2024

Preprint

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Aim: Maintenance of genetic diversity and connectivity is important for the potential of a species to adapt to environmental changes. Studying these can also assist in understanding local patterns for planning conservation measures. The Siberian flying squirrel (Pteromys volans) is experiencing population declines in parts of its range and is listed as endangered in some countries. Here we studied the population genetic diversity and structure of the species in five areas across its distribution range in the Eurasian taiga forest zone. Location: Multiple sites throughout Finland and three regions in Russia. Methods: We used genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) to study genetic diversity within sampling locations. We estimated population structure and level of connectivity between the sampling locations. To understand potential dispersal barriers between the locations we used an estimated effective migration model. In addition, we used mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) from the same populations to study historical ancestry and species delimitation. Results: The species presents low nucleotide diversity and heterozygosity in all locations studied. Locations in Finland, on the western edge of distribution, had the lowest diversities. In both marker types (genomic SNPs and mtDNA), Finland and Tyumen, in western Siberia, grouped together. Baikal, in East Siberia, separated from the western group indicating geographical barriers restricting gene flow. However, Baikal grouped more closely to western sites than with easternmost Sikhote-Alin, which likely constitutes a separate genetic lineage. Main conclusions: Our findings highlight the need for a taxonomic review and to determine the species conservation status across its entire distribution range. Sikhote-Alin has a different genetic lineage with higher genetic diversity. Finnish samples present very low genetic diversity, potentially due to declining populations as well as being located at the leading edge of range expansion. This can make them more susceptible to the adverse effects of habitat change.

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Genetic diversity in Siberian flying squirrel (Pteromys volans) in its western frontier with a focus on the Estonian population

Cited by 2 publications

References 39 publications

Expanding from local to continental scale—A genetic assessment of the Eurasian wolverine

Expanding from local to continental scale—A genetic assessment of the Eurasian wolverine

Population structure of the endangered Siberian flying squirrel (Pteromys volans) revealed by genomic and mitochondrial data

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