Molecular survey of genetic diversity in the endangered European mink Mustela lutreola

Abstract Host’s fitness can be affected by its genotype and gut microbiota, defined as the microbes living in the host’s intestinal tract. This study explored how the genetic diversity of the host influences its bacterial communities in the context of captive breeding programs, for the critically endangered European mink (Mustela lutreola). As stated by the ecosystem on a leash model, loss of host genetic diversity may lead to changes in immunomodulation and will therefore induce modifications of the gut microbiota. We investigated variation in the gut bacteria through 16S rRNA metabarcoding, related to the genetic diversity of European mink held in captivity in two breeding centers representing separate breeding stocks originating from the western and eastern populations. The genetic diversity of the host was assessed through diversity analysis of the adaptive MHC class I and II genes as well as neutral microsatellite markers. Results indicate lower diversity in neutral and MHC class I genes for the western population, and the opposite for MHC class II. A lower MHC class II gene variability led to an increase in microbial phylogenetic diversity and in abundance depending on the presence of specific MHC-II motifs. Those results seem to be linked to management practices that differs between the two programs, especially the number of generations in captivity. Long term Ex situ conservation practices can thus modulate gut microbial communities, that might potentially have consequences on the survival of reintroduced animals. We suggest strategies to foster genetic diversity in captive breeding program to mitigate the effects of genetic drift on those small, isolated populations.

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A Meta-Analytical Investigation of the Gap between Measured and Predicted Inter-Population Genetic Diversity in Species of High Conservation Concern—The Case of the Critically Endangered European Mink Mustela lutreola L., 1761

Genes ◽

10.3390/genes12101555 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 (10) ◽

pp. 1555

Author(s):

Jakub Skorupski ◽

Johan Michaux ◽

Przemysław Śmietana

Keyword(s):

Genetic Diversity ◽

Population Genetic ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Critically Endangered ◽

Northeastern Russia ◽

Mustela Lutreola ◽

Genetic Studies ◽

European Mink ◽

Population Genetic Diversity ◽

Conservation Measures

Although properly designed sampling in population genetic studies is of key importance for planning evidence-informed conservation measures, sampling strategies are rarely discussed. This is the case for the European mink Mustela lutreola, a critically endangered species. In order to address this problem, a meta-analysis aiming to examine the completeness of mtDNA haplotype sampling in recent studies of M. lutreola inter-population genetic diversity was conducted. The analysis was performed using the sample-size-based rarefaction and extrapolation sampling curve method for three populations—the Northeastern (Russia, Belarus and Estonia), the Western (France and Spain), and the Southeastern (Romania). The extrapolated values of the Shannon–Wiener index were determined, assuming full sample coverage. The gap between the measured and predicted inter-population genetic diversity was estimated, indicating that the identified level of sample coverage was the lowest for the NE population (87%), followed by the SE population (96%) and the W population (99%). A guide for sampling design and accounting for sampling uncertainty in future population genetic studies on European mink is provided. The relatively low sample coverage for the Russian population clearly indicates an urgent need to take conservation measures for European mink in this country.

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An unusual case of spinal cord restricted mycobacteriosis in a European mink

Tierärztliche Praxis Ausgabe K Kleintiere / Heimtiere ◽

10.1055/s-0038-1623679 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 41 (01) ◽

pp. 63-66

Author(s):

D. Schaudien ◽

C. Flieshardt ◽

I. Moser ◽

H. Hotzel ◽

A. Tipold ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Spinal Cord ◽

Unusual Case ◽

Histological Evaluation ◽

Mustela Lutreola ◽

Chain Reaction ◽

European Mink ◽

Pcr Product ◽

Granulomatous Lesions ◽

The Central Nervous System ◽

Polymerase Chain

SummaryGranulomatous myelitis due to infection with Mycobacterium avium was diagnosed in a 4-year-old male neutered European mink (Mustela lutreola). The causative agent was detected by an acid-fast stain and further characterized by polymerase chain reaction and DNA sequencing of the PCR product. A thorough histological evaluation of the remaining organs revealed no granulomatous lesions or detectable acid-fast organisms. Although minks are generally highly susceptible for mycobacteria, localised infections, especially of the central nervous system, are unusual and may represent an atypical chronic form of the disease.

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