Genetic Structure and Gene Flow in Eastern Grey Kangaroos in an Isolated Conservation Reserve

Dispersal is a key process for population persistence, particularly in fragmented landscapes. Connectivity between habitat fragments can be easily estimated by quantifying gene flow among subpopulations. However, the focus in ecological research has been on endangered species, typically excluding species that are not of current conservation concern. Consequently, our current understanding of the behaviour and persistence of many species is incomplete. A case in point is the eastern grey kangaroo (Macropus giganteus), an Australian herbivore that is subjected to considerable harvesting and population control efforts. In this study, we used non-invasive genetic sampling of eastern grey kangaroos within and outside of the Mourachan Conservation Property to assess functional connectivity. In total, we genotyped 232 samples collected from 17 locations at 20 microsatellite loci. The clustering algorithm indicated the presence of two clusters, with some overlap between the groups within and outside of the reserve. This genetic assessment should be repeated in 10–15 years to observe changes in population structure and gene flow over time, monitoring the potential impact of the planned exclusion fencing around the reserve.

Download Full-text

Non-invasive genetic sampling of faecal material and hair from the grey-headed flying-fox (Pteropus poliocephalus)

Australian Mammalogy ◽

10.1071/am09015 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 32 (1) ◽

pp. 56 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Heather J. Baldwin ◽

Stephen J. Hoggard ◽

Stephanie T. Snoyman ◽

Adam J. Stow ◽

Culum Brown

Keyword(s):

Non Invasive ◽

Amplification Success ◽

Species Of Conservation Concern ◽

Genetic Sampling ◽

Faecal Samples ◽

Hair Samples ◽

Dna Sampling ◽

Pteropus Poliocephalus ◽

Conservation Concern ◽

Flying Fox

Remote-sampling DNA from animals offers obvious benefits for species that are difficult to sample directly and is less disruptive for species of conservation concern. Here we report the results of a pilot study investigating non-invasive DNA sampling of the grey-headed flying-fox (Pteropus poliocephalus), a threatened species that is restricted to the east coast of Australia. We successfully extracted DNA from fresh scats and hair, each of which was of sufficient quality for amplifying mitochondrial DNA markers and microsatellites. A single-locus multitube approach was used to investigate amplification success and genotyping reliability. Faecal samples yielded a higher proportion of successful amplifications and consensus genotype assignments than hair samples. We outline measures that may be utilised to minimise microsatellite genotyping error for future studies. These indirect approaches to obtaining genetic data show much promise given the difficult nature of directly sampling flying-foxes and related species.

Download Full-text

Estimating red deer (Cervus elaphus) population size based on non-invasive genetic sampling

European Journal of Wildlife Research ◽

10.1007/s10344-021-01456-8 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 67 (2) ◽

Author(s):

Cornelia Ebert ◽

Julian Sandrini ◽

Bettina Welter ◽

Bernhard Thiele ◽

Ulf Hohmann

Keyword(s):

Population Size ◽

Density Estimation ◽

Cervus Elaphus ◽

Red Deer ◽

Sex Ratios ◽

Urn Model ◽

Non Invasive ◽

Deer Population ◽

Genetic Sampling ◽

Conservation Concern

AbstractSome deer species are of conservation concern; others are officially managed as a food source or for their trophies, whereas in many regions, deer are regarded as overabundant or even as a nuisance causing damages. Regardless of local management issues, in most cases, reliable data on deer population sizes and sex ratios are lacking. Non-invasive genetic approaches are promising tools for the estimation of population size and structure. We developed and tested a non-invasive genetic approach for red deer (Cervus elaphus) population size and density estimation based on faeces collected from three free-ranging red deer populations in south-western Germany. Altogether, we genotyped 2762 faecal samples, representing 1431 different individuals. We estimated population density for both sexes separately using two different approaches: spatially explicit capture-recapture (SECR) approach and a single-session urn model (CAPWIRE). The estimated densities of both approaches were similar for all three study areas, ranging between total densities of 3.3 (2.5–4.4) and 8.5 (6.4–11.3) red deer/km2. The estimated sex ratios differed significantly between the studied populations (ranging between 1:1.1 and 1:1.7), resulting in considerable consequences for management. In further research, the issues of population closure and approximation of the effectively sampled area for density estimation should be addressed. The presented approach can serve as a valuable tool for the management of deer populations, and to our knowledge, it represents the only sex-specific approach for estimation of red deer population size and density.

Download Full-text

Long-distance wolf recolonization of France and Switzerland inferred from non-invasive genetic sampling over a period of 10 years

Animal Conservation ◽

10.1017/s1367943003003111 ◽

2003 ◽

Vol 6 (1) ◽

pp. 83-92 ◽

Cited By ~ 111

Author(s):

Nathaniel Valière ◽

Luca Fumagalli ◽

Ludovic Gielly ◽

Christian Miquel ◽

Benoît Lequette ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Long Distance ◽

Non Invasive ◽

Genetic Sampling

Download Full-text

Using non-invasive sampling methods to determine the prevalence and distribution of Chlamydia pecorum and koala retrovirus in a remnant koala population with conservation importance

Wildlife Research ◽

10.1071/wr17184 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 45 (4) ◽

pp. 366 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Faye Wedrowicz ◽

Jennifer Mosse ◽

Wendy Wright ◽

Fiona E. Hogan

Keyword(s):

Native Species ◽

Conservation Strategies ◽

The South ◽

Phascolarctos Cinereus ◽

Urogenital Infection ◽

Non Invasive ◽

Chlamydia Pecorum ◽

Genetic Sampling ◽

Pathogen Prevalence ◽

Koala Retrovirus

Context Pathogenic infections are an important consideration for the conservation of native species, but obtaining such data from wild populations can be expensive and difficult. Two pathogens have been implicated in the decline of some koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) populations: urogenital infection with Chlamydia pecorum and koala retrovirus subgroup A (KoRV-A). Pathogen data for a wild koala population of conservation importance in South Gippsland, Victoria are essentially absent. Aims This study uses non-invasive sampling of koala scats to provide prevalence and genotype data for C. pecorum and KoRV-A in the South Gippsland koala population, and compares pathogen prevalence between wild koalas and koalas in rescue shelters. Methods C. pecorum and KoRV-A provirus were detected by PCR of DNA isolated from scats collected in the field. Pathogen genetic variation was investigated using DNA sequencing of the C. pecorum ompA and KoRV-A env genes. Key results C. pecorum and KoRV-A were detected in 61% and 27% of wild South Gippsland individuals tested, respectively. KoRV-A infection tended to be higher in shelter koalas compared with wild koalas. In contrast with other Victorian koala populations sampled, greater pathogen diversity was present in South Gippsland. Conclusions In the South Gippsland koala population, C. pecorum is widespread and common whereas KoRV appears less prevalent than previously thought. Further work exploring the dynamics of these pathogens in South Gippsland koalas is warranted and may help inform future conservation strategies for this important population. Implications Non-invasive genetic sampling from scats is a powerful method for obtaining data regarding pathogen prevalence and diversity in wildlife. The use of non-invasive methods for the study of pathogens may help fill research gaps in a way that would be difficult or expensive to achieve using traditional methods.

Download Full-text

Mucus: aiding elasmobranch conservation through non-invasive genetic sampling

Endangered Species Research ◽

10.3354/esr00524 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 21 (3) ◽

pp. 215-222 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

L Lieber ◽

S Berrow ◽

E Johnston ◽

G Hall ◽

J Hall ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Non Invasive ◽

Genetic Sampling

Download Full-text

Non-invasive genetic sampling

Trends in Ecology & Evolution ◽

10.1016/s0169-5347(97)01276-7 ◽

1998 ◽

Vol 13 (1) ◽

pp. 26-27 ◽

Cited By ~ 18

Author(s):

Pierre Taberlet ◽

Lisette P Waits

Keyword(s):

Non Invasive ◽

Genetic Sampling

Download Full-text

Importance of a pilot study for non-invasive genetic sampling: genotyping errors and population size estimation in red deer

Conservation Genetics ◽

10.1007/s10592-006-9149-2 ◽

2006 ◽

Vol 8 (1) ◽

pp. 69-78 ◽

Cited By ~ 39

Author(s):

Nathaniel Valière ◽

Christophe Bonenfant ◽

Carole Toïgo ◽

Gordon Luikart ◽

Jean-Michel Gaillard ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Pilot Study ◽

Population Size ◽

Red Deer ◽

Population Size Estimation ◽

Size Estimation ◽

Genotyping Errors ◽

Non Invasive ◽

Genetic Sampling

Download Full-text

Genetic diversity of African clawless otters (Aonyx capensis) occurring in urbanised areas of Gauteng, South Africa

South African Journal of Science ◽

10.17159/sajs.2019/4889 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 115 (7/8) ◽

Author(s):

Damian W. Ponsonby ◽

M. Thabang Madisha ◽

Schwaibold Schwaibold ◽

Desiré L. Dalton

Keyword(s):

South Africa ◽

Genetic Diversity ◽

Gene Flow ◽

Environmental Changes ◽

Urban Expansion ◽

Evolutionary Potential ◽

Non Invasive ◽

Faecal Samples ◽

Physical Barriers ◽

High Gene

Genetic diversity is the basis of the evolutionary potential of species to respond to environmental changes. However, restricting the movement of species can result in populations becoming less connected which can reduce gene flow and can subsequently result in a loss of genetic diversity. Urban expansion can lead to the fragmentation of habitats which affects the ability of species to move freely between areas. In this study, the genetic diversity of the African clawless otter (Aonyx capensis) in Gauteng (South Africa) was assessed using non-invasive sampling techniques. DNA was extracted from spraint (faecal) samples collected along nine rivers and genotyped using 10 microsatellites to assess population structure and genetic diversity. Samples were grouped based on locality and by catchment to determine whether isolated subpopulations exist. Genetic diversity of A. capensis in Gauteng was found to be low (mean observed heterozygosity (Ho)=0.309). Analysis of genetic structure provides support for the otter populations being panmictic with high gene flow between populations from different rivers. Results from the study indicate that the movement of A. capensis is not affected by physical barriers in urbanised areas. However, because the genetic diversity of the species in the study area is low, these animals may not be able to cope with future environmental changes.

Download Full-text