scholarly journals First evaluation of the population structure, genetic diversity and landscape connectivity of the Endangered Arabian tahr

2020 ◽  
Vol 100 (6) ◽  
pp. 659-673
Author(s):  
Steven Ross ◽  
Jean-Marc Costanzi ◽  
Mansoor Al Jahdhami ◽  
Haitham Al Rawahi ◽  
Muhammad Ghazali ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
United Arab Emirates ◽  
Landscape Connectivity ◽  
Mitochondrial Control Region ◽  
Landscape Scale ◽  
Population Viability ◽  
Genetic Management ◽  
Base Pairs ◽  
Population Genetic Analysis ◽  
The North ◽  
Genetic Results

AbstractThe Arabian tahr (Arabitragus jayakari) occurs only in the mountains of northern Oman and the United Arab Emirates. The species is classified as Endangered due to its small declining population. In this study, we combined genetic and landscape ecology techniques in order to inform landscape scale conservation and genetic management of Arabian tahr. Using 540 base pairs of mitochondrial control region in a dataset of 53 samples, we found eight haplotypes, which fell into two haplogroups. Population genetic analysis using a panel of 14 microsatellite loci also showed a weak, but significant division. Analyses of landscape connectivity supported the genetic results showing poor connectivity between populations in the far south of the study area and those in the north. The most likely location of corridors connecting Arabian tahr populations were identified. Many corridors between tahr populations are impeded by multi-lane highways and restoration of these connections is required to maintain population viability of Arabian tahr. Owing to limited genetic samples outside of Wadi Sareen, further sampling is needed to elucidate both mtDNA and the nuclear structure of Arabian tahr more fully. Our study provides a toolkit that may be used for future genetic and connectivity monitoring of the Arabian tahr population.

Ras al Khaimah: further archaeological discoveries

Antiquity ◽  
1976 ◽  
Vol 50 (200) ◽  
pp. 216-222
Author(s):  
Beatrice De Cardi
Keyword(s):  
United Arab Emirates ◽  
The State ◽  
Focused Attention ◽  
North East ◽  
The North ◽  
History Of ◽  
The City

Ras a1 Khaimah is the most northerly of the seven states comprising the United Arab Emirates and its Ruler, H. H. Sheikh Saqr bin Mohammad al-Qasimi, is keenly interested in the history of the state and its people. Survey carried out there jointly with Dr D. B. Doe in 1968 had focused attention on the site of JuIfar which lies just north of the present town of Ras a1 Khaimah (de Cardi, 1971, 230-2). Julfar was in existence in Abbasid times and its importance as an entrep6t during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries-the Portuguese Period-is reflected by the quantity and variety of imported wares to be found among the ruins of the city. Most of the sites discovered during the survey dated from that period but a group of cairns near Ghalilah and some long gabled graves in the Shimal area to the north-east of the date-groves behind Ras a1 Khaimah (map, FIG. I) clearly represented a more distant past.

scholarly journals Local cod (Gadus morhua) revealed by egg surveys and population genetic analysis after longstanding depletion on the Swedish Skagerrak coast

2018 ◽  
Vol 76 (2) ◽  
pp. 418-429 ◽  
Author(s):  
Henrik Svedäng ◽  
Julia M I Barth ◽  
Anders Svenson ◽  
Patrik Jonsson ◽  
Sissel Jentoft ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
North Sea ◽  
West Coast ◽  
Population Genetic ◽  
Gadus Morhua ◽  
Atlantic Cod ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Population Genetic Analysis ◽  
Swedish West Coast ◽  
The North ◽  
Spawning Areas

Abstract Dramatic and persistent reductions in Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) are common in many coastal areas. While offshore cod stocks still were abundant and productive, the Swedish west coast showed signs of diminishing adult cod abundance at the beginning of the 1980s, where the local cod component was considered to be extirpated. To survey the present cod spawning activity and stock composition, we initiated egg trawling over two consecutive years (203 hauls in total) in combination with population genetic analyses (425 individually genotyped eggs). Here, we provide evidence of cod spawning at the Swedish Skagerrak coast, suggesting recolonization or that local cod has recovered from a nearly depleted state. Early stage eggs were found inside fjords too far to have been transported by oceanic drift from offshore spawning areas. The cod eggs were genetically similar in early to late life-stages and cluster mainly with the local adult cod, indicating that eggs and adults belong to the same genetic unit. The cod eggs were genetically differentiated from adult North Sea cod, and, to a lesser degree, also from the Kattegat and Öresund cod, i.e. indicating a possible recovery of local coastal stock. The patterns of the genetic structure in the inshore areas are, however, difficult to fully disentangle, as Atlantic cod in the North Sea-Skagerrak area seem to be a mixture of co-existing forms: local cod completing their entire life cycle in fjords and sheltered areas, and oceanic populations showing homing behaviours. The egg abundances are considerably lower compared with what is found in similar studies along the Norwegian Skagerrak coast. Nevertheless, the discovery of locally spawning cod along the Swedish west coast—although at low biomasses—is an encouraging finding that highlights the needs for endurance in protective measures and of detailed surveys to secure intraspecific biodiversity and ecosystem services.

Distinctiveness of declining northern populations of Blanchard’s Cricket Frog (Acris blanchardi) justifies recovery efforts

2010 ◽  
Vol 88 (6) ◽  
pp. 553-566 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kaela B. Beauclerc ◽  
Bob Johnson ◽  
Bradley N. White
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Structure ◽  
Spatial Genetic Structure ◽  
Mitochondrial Control Region ◽  
Peripheral Populations ◽  
Evolutionary Potential ◽  
Widespread Species ◽  
Range Edge ◽  
The North ◽  
Central United States ◽  
Cricket Frog

Peripheral populations of widespread species are often considered unworthy of conservation efforts; however, they may be adapted to the conditions found at the range edge and are therefore important to the future evolutionary potential of the species. Blanchard’s Cricket Frog (Acris blanchardi Harper, 1947) is widespread and abundant throughout the central United States, but is declining at the northern edge of its range. To assess the distinctiveness and conservation value of the northern populations, we investigated the spatial genetic structure and phylogeography of this anuran using mitochondrial control region sequences. Analysis of 479 individuals identified 101 haplotypes, with relatively low nucleotide diversity. Two moderately divergent clades were found. One was restricted to the southwest, which was probably a refugium during the Pleistocene, whereas the other occurred primarily across the north and is likely the result of postglacial colonization. The genetic distinctiveness of northern populations indicates the potential for adaptive differences of individuals in this region relative to those in the south. We therefore conclude that conservation efforts are justified for the declining northern populations of Blanchard’s Cricket Frog, and we use the spatial genetic structure described here to develop specific recommendations for this anuran.

Hydrodynamic and Environmental Impact of Constructing a Closure Dam Near Seawater Intakes of a Power and Desalination Plant

2002 ◽  
Author(s):  
Khaled A. Mohamed
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Impact ◽  
United Arab Emirates ◽  
Arabian Gulf ◽  
Abu Dhabi ◽  
Gulf Region ◽  
The North ◽  
Hydrodynamic Study ◽  
Desalination Plants ◽  
Temporary Closure ◽  
The Impact

Power and desalination plants are very important in the Arabian Gulf region to provide water and electricity. Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates has a number of power and desalination plants. One of these plants is Umm Al Nar plant. It is located inside a lagoon north of Abu Dhabi Island, which is the North Lagoon. Hydrodynamic study was carried out to investigate the impact of constructing a temporary closure dam in the tidal water near the plant intake on the flow pattern and the recirculation of effluent discharges from the outfall to the intake of the plant. The effect of the proposed dam on the mangroves in the vicinity of the plant was investigated. Two dimension hydrodynamic numerical flow model simulates the study area was used in the study. The hydrodynamic and environmental impact of the proposed dam was evaluated by comparing the results of the model computations with and without the dam simulation.

scholarly journals Low Genetic Variability in the Geographically Widespread Andean Condor

The Condor ◽  
2003 ◽  
Vol 105 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sher L. Hendrickson ◽  
Robert Bleiweiss ◽  
Juan Carlos Matheus ◽  
Lilly Silva de Matheus ◽  
Norberto Luis Jácome ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Variability ◽  
Control Region ◽  
Ribosomal Subunit ◽  
Mitochondrial Control Region ◽  
Geographic Range ◽  
Base Pairs ◽  
Variable Site ◽  
Distribución Geográfica ◽  
Domain I ◽  
Vultur Gryphus

Abstract We characterized DNA sequence variation in the mitochondrial control region and 12S ribosomal subunit for a sample of Andean Condors (Vultur gryphus) representing populations distributed throughout the species' extensive geographic range (Colombia to central Argentina and Chile). Domains II and III of the control region along with part of the 12S gene were sequenced from 38 individuals (956 base pairs in 30 individuals and 430–824 base pairs for an additional 8 individuals sampled from museum specimens), and Domain I was sequenced from five of these birds (400 base pairs). We identified a total of five haplotypes based on four variable sites distributed over Domains II and III of the control region and the 12S gene. An additional variable site was identified in Domain I. All changes were transitions and no more than three sites differed between any two individuals. Variation in the control region of condors was lower than for most other birds analyzed for these loci. Although low genetic variability is often associated with endangered megafauna, the condor example is notable because the species still maintains a substantial geographic range. Thus, low genetic variability may occur even in megafauna whose ranges have not been severely reduced over recent centuries. Our results therefore suggest that genetic data from geographically widespread megafauna provide important baseline data for assessing the relationship between genetic variability and its causes in other endangered species. Baja Variabilidad Genética en Poblaciones de Vultur gryphus con Amplia Distribución Geográfica Resumen. Caracterizamos la variación de la secuencia de ADN en la región de control mitocondrial y la subunidad ribosomal 12S en una muestra de Vultur gryphus representativa de poblaciones distribuidas a lo largo del extenso rango geográfico de la especie (Colombia, hasta el centro de Argentina y Chile). Los dominios II y III de la región de control, junto con parte del gen 12S, fueron secuenciados en 38 individuos (956 pares de base en 30 individuos y 430–824 pares de base para una muestra adicional de 8 especímenes de museo), y el dominio I fue secuenciado en 5 de estas aves (400 pares de base). Identificamos un total de cinco haplotipos basados en cuatro sitios variables en los dominios II y III de la región de control y el gen 12S. Un sitio variable adicional fue identificado en el dominio I. Todos los cambios fueron transiciones y entre dos individuos cualesquiera no variaron más de 3 sitios. La variación en la región de control de los cóndores fue más baja que para la mayoría de las aves analizadas para estos mismos loci. Aunque la baja variabilidad genética es a menudo asociada con megafauna en peligro de extinción, el ejemplo del cóndor es notable porque la especie aún mantiene un rango geográfico substancial. Así, la baja variabilidad genética se puede dar incluso en la megafauna cuya dispersión no haya sido sujeta a severas reducciones en los ultimos siglos. Por lo tanto, nuestros resultados sugieren que los datos genéticos de rapaces con amplia distribución geográfica y de otra megafauna proveen de importante información de base para evaluar la relación existente entre la variabilidad genética y sus causas en otra megafauna en peligro.

scholarly journals Bird Communities in Urban Riparian Areas: Response to the Local- and Landscape-Scale Environmental Variables

Forests ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. 683
Author(s):  
Shiyi Guo ◽  
Chang Su ◽  
Kaoru Saito ◽  
Jiexin Cheng ◽  
Toru Terada
Keyword(s):  
Land Cover ◽  
Human Disturbance ◽  
Environmental Variables ◽  
Landscape Planning ◽  
Landscape Connectivity ◽  
Landscape Scale ◽  
Bird Communities ◽  
Riparian Areas ◽  
Total Contribution ◽  
The Impact

Understanding how environmental changes driven by urbanization impact the biodiversity in urban riparian areas has great importance for landscape planning and river ecosystem conservation. There have been many studies on the response of bird communities to different environmental variables in urban parks; however, although supporting some of the highest bird diversities, case studies in urban riparian areas remain limited. In existing research, few studies have considered the impact of both local waterfront characteristics and surrounding environmental variables at a larger scale. In this study, we selected birds as the indicator to clarify their response to both local- and landscape-scale environmental variables in riparian areas of Tsing river, Beijing, in terms of (a) vegetation composition, (b) human disturbance, (c) land cover, and (d) landscape connectivity. We hypothesized that birds with different biological characteristics may respond differently to environmental variables. Birds were then further grouped according to the habitat type, residential type, and feeding type. It turned out that the coverage of grass and the disturbance of pedestrians are the most influential variables. Besides, compared with the land cover and landscape connectivity, the total contribution of vegetation characteristics and human disturbance accounts for the main proportion of explained variance. Information pertaining to these environmental variables can provide evidence to support bird conservation efforts in urban areas, and the identified distance threshold provides a basis for future landscape connectivity assessments.

scholarly journals Social-Ecological Connectivity to Understand Ecosystem Service Provision across Networks in Urban Landscapes

Land ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (12) ◽  
pp. 530
Author(s):  
Monika Egerer ◽  
Elsa Anderson
Keyword(s):  
Land Use ◽  
Ecosystem Services ◽  
Landscape Connectivity ◽  
Urban Ecosystem ◽  
Landscape Scale ◽  
Urban Landscapes ◽  
Ecological Processes ◽  
Ecological Connectivity ◽  
Social Ecological ◽  
Scale Network

Landscape connectivity is a critical component of dynamic processes that link the structure and function of networks at the landscape scale. In the Anthropocene, connectivity across a landscape-scale network is influenced not only by biophysical land use features, but also by characteristics and patterns of the social landscape. This is particularly apparent in urban landscapes, which are highly dynamic in land use and often in social composition. Thus, landscape connectivity, especially in cities, must be thought of in a social-ecological framework. This is relevant when considering ecosystem services—the benefits that people derive from ecological processes and properties. As relevant actors move through a connected landscape-scale network, particular services may “flow” better across space and time. For this special issue on dynamic landscape connectivity, we discuss the concept of social-ecological networks using urban landscapes as a focal system to highlight the importance of social-ecological connectivity to understand dynamic urban landscapes, particularly in regards to the provision of urban ecosystem services.

Analysis of mitochondrial DNA clarifies the taxonomy and distribution of the Australian snubfin dolphin (Orcaella heinsohni) in northern Australian waters

2011 ◽  
Vol 62 (11) ◽  
pp. 1303 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carol Palmer ◽  
Stephen A. Murphy ◽  
Deborah Thiele ◽  
Guido J. Parra ◽  
Kelly M. Robertson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Western Australia ◽  
Conservation Management ◽  
Mitochondrial Control Region ◽  
Northern Territory ◽  
Base Pairs ◽  
Metapopulation Structure ◽  
Eastern Australia ◽  
Nucleotide Divergence ◽  
Free Ranging ◽  
North Western

Conservation management relies on being able to identify and describe species. Recent morphological and molecular analyses of the dolphin genus Orcaella show a species-level disjunction between eastern Australia and South-east Asia. However, because of restricted sampling, the taxonomic affinities of the geographically intermediate populations in the Northern Territory and Western Australia remained uncertain. We sequenced 403 base pairs of the mitochondrial control region from five free-ranging Orcaella individuals sampled from north-western Western Australia and the Northern Territory. Low net nucleotide divergence (0.11–0.67%) among the Australian Orcaella populations show that populations occurring in the Northern Territory and Western Australia belong to the Australian snubfin (O. heinsohni) rather than the Asian Irrawaddy dolphin (O. brevirostris). Clarifying the distribution of Orcaella is an important first step in the conservation and management for both species; however, an understanding of the metapopulation structure and patterns of dispersal among populations is now needed.

scholarly journals Global diversity and genetic landscape of natural populations and hatchery stocks of largemouth bass micropterus salmoides across American and Asian regions

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dan Wang ◽  
Hong Yao ◽  
Yan-He Li ◽  
Yong-Jiang Xu ◽  
Xu-Fa Ma ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Variation ◽  
Largemouth Bass ◽  
Micropterus Salmoides ◽  
Natural Populations ◽  
The United States ◽  
Systematic Evaluation ◽  
Wild Populations ◽  
Effective Population ◽  
Population Genetic Analysis ◽  
The North

Abstract Although largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides has shown its extremely economic, ecological, and aquacultural significances throughout the North American and Asian continents, systematic evaluation of genetic variation and structure of wild and cultured populations of the species is yet to be documented. In this study, we investigated the genetic structure of M. salmoides from 20 wild populations and five cultured stocks across the United States and China using eight microsatellite loci, which are standard genetic markers for population genetic analysis. Our major findings are as follows: (1) the result of Fst showed largemouth bass had high genetic differentiation, and the gene flow indicated the genetic exchange among wild populations is difficult; (2) AMOVA showed that 14.05% of the variation was among populations, and 85.95% of the variation was within populations; (3) The majority of largemouth bass populations had a significant heterozygosity excess, which is likely to indicate a previous population bottleneck; (4) Allelic richness was lower among cultured populations than among wild populations; (5) Effective population size in hatcheries could promote high levels of genetic variation among individuals and minimize loss of genetic diversity; China’s largemouth bass originated from northern largemouth bass of USA. The information provides valuable basis for development of appropriate conservation policies for fisheries and aquaculture genetic breeding programs in largemouth bass.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document