scholarly journals Population genetic structure of Texas horned lizards: implications for reintroduction and captive breeding

PeerJ ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. e7746 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dean A. Williams ◽  
Nathan D. Rains ◽  
Amanda M. Hale
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Diversity ◽  
Genetic Structure ◽  
Captive Breeding ◽  
Suitable Habitat ◽  
Fitness Costs ◽  
High Genetic Diversity ◽  
Horned Lizards ◽  
Nuclear Microsatellite ◽  
Genetic Clusters ◽  
Mitochondrial Clade

The Texas horned lizard (Phrynosoma cornutum) inhabits much of the southern Great Plains of North America. Since the 1950s, this species has been extirpated from much of its eastern range and has suffered declines and local extinctions elsewhere, primarily due to habitat loss. Plans are underway to use captive breeding to produce large numbers of Texas horned lizards for reintroduction into areas that were historically occupied by this species and that currently have suitable habitat. We used mitochondrial markers and nuclear microsatellite markers to determine levels of genetic diversity and population structure in 542 Texas horned lizards sampled from across Texas and some neighboring states to help inform these efforts. Texas horned lizards still retain high genetic diversity in many parts of their current range. We found two highly divergent mitochondrial clades (eastern and western) and three major genetic groupings at nuclear microsatellite loci: a west group corresponding to the western mitochondrial clade and north and south groups within the eastern mitochondrial clade. We also found some evidence for human-mediated movement between these genetic clusters that is probably related to the historical importance of this species in the pet trade and as an iconic symbol of the southwestern United States. We do not know, however, if there are fitness costs associated with admixture (especially for the western and eastern clades) or if there are fitness costs to moving these lizards into habitats that are distinctly different from their ancestral areas. If present, either one or both of these fitness costs would decrease the effectiveness of reintroduction efforts. We therefore recommend that reintroduction efforts should maintain current genetic structure by restricting breeding to be between individuals within their respective genetic clusters, and by reintroducing individuals only into those areas that encompass their respective genetic clusters. This cautionary approach is based on the strong divergence between genetic groupings and their correspondence to different ecoregions.

scholarly journals Population Genetic Structure and Habitat Connectivity for Jaguar (Panthera onca) Conservation in Central Belize.

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Angelica Menchaca ◽  
Natalia Rossi ◽  
Jeremy Froidevaux ◽  
Isabela Dias-freedman ◽  
Anthony Caragiulo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Diversity ◽  
Gene Flow ◽  
Genetic Structure ◽  
Genetic Connectivity ◽  
Suitable Habitat ◽  
Fine Scale ◽  
Panthera Onca ◽  
Wildlife Sanctuary ◽  
Landscape Permeability ◽  
Forest Reserve

Abstract Connectivity among jaguar (Panthera onca) populations will ensure natural gene flow and the long-term survival of the species throughout its range. Jaguar conservation efforts have focused primarily on connecting suitable habitat in a broad-scale. Accelerated habitat reduction, human-wildlife conflict, limited funding, and the complexity of jaguar behaviour have proven challenging to maintain connectivity between populations effectively. Here, we used non-invasive genetic sampling and individual-based conservation genetic analyses to assess genetic diversity and levels of genetic connectivity between individuals in the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary and the Maya Forest Corridor. We used expert knowledge and scientific literature to develop models of landscape permeability based on circuit theory with fine-scale landscape features as ecosystem types, distance to human settlements and roads to predict the most probable jaguar movement across central Belize. Results We used 12 highly polymorphic microsatellite loci to identify 50 individual jaguars. We detected high levels of genetic diversity across loci (HE= 0.61, HO= 0.55, and NA=9.33). Using Bayesian clustering and multivariate models to assess gene flow and genetic structure, we identified one single group of jaguars (K = 1). We identified critical areas for jaguar movement that fall outside the boundaries of current protected areas in central Belize. We detected two main areas of high landscape permeability in a stretch of approximately 18 km between Sittee River Forest Reserve and Manatee Forest Reserve that may increase functional connectivity and facilitate jaguar dispersal from and to Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary. Our analysis provides important insights on fine-scale genetic and landscape connectivity of jaguars in central Belize, an area of conservation concern. Conclusions The results of our study demonstrate high levels of relatively recent gene flow for jaguars between two study sites in central Belize. Our landscape analysis detected corridors of expected jaguar movement between the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary and the Maya Forest Corridor. We highlight the importance of maintaining already established corridors and consolidating new areas that further promote jaguar movement across suitable habitat beyond the boundaries of currently protected areas. Continued conservation efforts within identified corridors will further maintain and increase genetic connectivity in central Belize.

scholarly journals The role of environment, local adaptation and past climate fluctuation on the amount and distribution of genetic diversity in the teosinte in Mexico

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jaime Gasca-Pineda ◽  
Yocelyn T. Gutiérrez-Guerrero ◽  
Erika Aguirre-Planter ◽  
Luis E. Eguiarte
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Diversity ◽  
Local Adaptation ◽  
Environmental Conditions ◽  
Wide Distribution ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Significant Genetic Structure ◽  
Nuclear Microsatellite ◽  
Genetic Clusters ◽  
Assignment Analysis ◽  
Climate Fluctuation

AbstractWild maize, commonly known as teosinte, has a wide distribution in central Mexico and inhabits a wide range of environmental conditions. According to previous studies, the environment is a determinant factor for the amount and distribution of genetic diversity. In this study, we used a set of neutral markers to explore the influence of contemporary factors and historical environmental shifts on genetic diversity, including present and three historical periods. Using a set of 22 nuclear microsatellite loci, we genotyped 527 individuals from 29 localities. We found highly variable levels of genetic diversity (Z. m. parviglumis HE= 0.3646–0.7699; Z. m. mexicana HE= 0.5885–0.7671) and significant genetic structure among localities (average DEST= 0.4332). Also, we recovered significant values of heterozygote deficiency (average FIS= 0.1796) and variable levels of selfing (sg2=0.0–0.3090). The Bayesian assignment analysis yielded four genetic clusters dividing the sample into subspecies, that in turn, were separated into two clusters. Environmental conditions played a strong influence in the distribution of genetic diversity, as demographic analysis and changes in species range revealed by modeling analyses were consistent. We conclude that current genetic diversity in teosinte is the result of a mixture of local adaptation and genetic isolation along with historical environmental fluctuations.

scholarly journals Short Communication: Genetic structure of Longtail Tuna Thunnus tonggol (Bleeker, 1851) in Java Sea, Indonesia

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (8) ◽  
Author(s):  
M. DANIE AL MALIK ◽  
NI PUTU DIAN PERTIWI ◽  
ANDRIANUS SEMBIRING ◽  
NI LUH ASTRIA YUSMALINDA ◽  
ENEX YUNIARTI NINGSIH ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Diversity ◽  
Genetic Structure ◽  
Short Communication ◽  
Management Plan ◽  
P Value ◽  
High Genetic Diversity ◽  
Population Structure Analysis ◽  
Fisheries Sustainability ◽  
Java Sea ◽  
Longtail Tuna

Abstract. Al Malik MD, Pertiwi NPD, Sembiring A, Yusmalinda NLA, Ningsing EY, Astarini IA. 2020. Short Communication: Genetic structure of Longtail Tuna Thunnus tonggol (Bleeker, 1851) in Java Sea, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 21: 3637-3643. Thunnus tonggol (Longtail Tuna) is an economically important fish found in Indonesia waters, however, the information regarding this fish is lacking. Known to be a neritic fish and found in shallow water, Java Sea is one of the ideal habitats for T. tonggol species. Due to high fishing rates activities in Java Sea, a better management plan to ensure the conservation and fisheries sustainability around this area is needed, especially to protect T. tonggol population. In order to complete the Indonesian tuna data, we aim to study the diversity and genetic structure of T. tonggol in Java Sea at three different locations; i.e. Semarang, Banjarmasin, and Jakarta. In this study, population genetic methods with the marker of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region were used in population structure analysis. A total of 115 specimens were collected from the fish market around the area of study locations and amplified using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequenced using Sanger methods. The result showed genetic diversity (Hd) value of 0.99366, and nucleotide diversity (π) value of 0.01906. Both of these values indicated high genetic diversity. Population analyses using Analysis of Molecular Variance (AMOVA) showed nonsignificant differences between the three populations of study (mixing population), with the ΦST value of 0,00375 (p-value > 0.05). Based on this result, the fisheries management for T. tonggol in Java Sea needs to be managed as one single population management.

scholarly journals Conservation genetics of the threatened plant species Physaria filiformis (Missouri bladderpod) reveals strong genetic structure and a possible cryptic species

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. e0247586
Author(s):  
Christine E. Edwards ◽  
Brooke C. Tessier ◽  
Joel F. Swift ◽  
Burgund Bassüner ◽  
Alexander G. Linan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Diversity ◽  
Genetic Variation ◽  
Genetic Structure ◽  
Plant Species ◽  
Genetic Drift ◽  
Rare Species ◽  
Ex Situ ◽  
Ouachita Mountains ◽  
Genetic Diversity And Structure ◽  
Genetic Clusters

Understanding genetic diversity and structure in a rare species is critical for prioritizing both in situ and ex situ conservation efforts. One such rare species is Physaria filiformis (Brassicaceae), a threatened, winter annual plant species. The species has a naturally fragmented distribution, occupying three different soil types spread across four disjunct geographical locations in Missouri and Arkansas. The goals of this study were to understand: (1) whether factors associated with fragmentation and small population size (i.e., inbreeding, genetic drift or genetic bottlenecks) have reduced levels of genetic diversity, (2) how genetic variation is structured and which factors have influenced genetic structure, and (3) how much extant genetic variation of P. filiformis is currently publicly protected and the implications for the development of conservation strategies to protect its genetic diversity. Using 16 microsatellite markers, we genotyped individuals from 20 populations of P. filiformis from across its geographical range and one population of Physaria gracilis for comparison and analyzed genetic diversity and structure. Populations of P. filiformis showed comparable levels of genetic diversity to its congener, except a single population in northwest Arkansas showed evidence of a genetic bottleneck and two populations in the Ouachita Mountains of Arkansas showed lower genetic variation, consistent with genetic drift. Populations showed isolation by distance, indicating that migration is geographically limited, and analyses of genetic structure grouped individuals into seven geographically structured genetic clusters, with geographic location/spatial separation showing a strong influence on genetic structure. At least one population is protected for all genetic clusters except one in north-central Arkansas, which should therefore be prioritized for protection. Populations in the Ouachita Mountains were genetically divergent from the rest of P. filiformis; future morphological analyses are needed to identify whether it merits recognition as a new, extremely rare species.

Phenotypic and genotypic signature of saponin chemical composition in Chinese wild soybean (Glycine soja): revealing genetic diversity, geographical variation and dispersal history of the species

2018 ◽  
Vol 69 (11) ◽  
pp. 1126
Author(s):  
Yuya Takahashi ◽  
Xiang-Hua Li ◽  
Chigen Tsukamoto ◽  
Ke-Jing Wang
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Diversity ◽  
Chemical Composition ◽  
Genetic Structure ◽  
Southern China ◽  
Glycine Soja ◽  
Wild Soybean ◽  
Ice Age ◽  
High Genetic Diversity ◽  
The North ◽  
Or Genes

Saponin chemical composition was phenotyped and genotyped, and saponin composition-based geographical genetic diversity and differentiation were evaluated in Chinese wild soybean (Glycine soja Sieb. & Zucc.). Thirty-two phenotypes and 34 genotypes were confirmed from 3805 wild soybean accessions. Eleven phenotypes (AaαK, AaαIK, AaαIJK, AaBcEαJ, AaBcαK, AbEαIJ, AbαK, AbαIK, AbαIJK, AbβHAb and Aβ0) were newly detected. Four genes had frequencies: Sg-1a 78.8% and Sg-1b 21.0% at the Sg-1 locus; Sg-4 30.7% and Sg-6e 13.7% at their respective loci. The north-eastern and southern populations showed high genetic diversity; the Northeast region contained more novel variants (AuAe, A0, A0Bc, αH, αI αJ, αK, and AbβHAb), and the southern populations contained high frequencies of the Sg-4 gene. Gene differentiation (Fst) analysis suggested that Sg-4 and four group-α saponin alleles or genes (Sg-6e, Sg-6h, Sg-6i, Sg-6j) were important factors influencing the genetic structure and differentiation in Chinese wild soybeans. Geographical differentiation was characterised mainly by latitudinal differences, with two primary groups (north and south) based on saponin genes. Chinese wild soybean accessions differed from Japanese and South Korean ones in genetic structure based on saponin composition, the latter two being likely to have spread from southern China in the glacial stages during the last Ice Age.

Genetic Diversity and Population Structure of Phyllosticta citriasiana in China

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yibing Zeng ◽  
Tao Xiong ◽  
Bei Liu ◽  
Elma Carstens ◽  
Xiangling Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Diversity ◽  
Population Structure ◽  
Mating Type ◽  
Tan Spot ◽  
Long Distance ◽  
High Genetic Diversity ◽  
Geographic Population ◽  
Sexual And Asexual Reproduction ◽  
Geographic Populations ◽  
Genetic Clusters

Phyllosticta citriasiana is the causal agent of citrus tan spot, an important pomelo disease in Asia. At present, there is little or no information on the epidemiology or population structure of P. citriasiana. Using simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers, 94 isolates obtained from three pomelo production regions in southern/southeastern China were analyzed. The analyses showed high genetic diversity in each of the three geographic populations. A STRUCTURE analysis revealed two genetic clusters among the 94 isolates, one geographic population was dominated by genotypes in one cluster while the other two geographic populations were dominated by genotypes of the second cluster. P. citriasiana has a heterothallic mating system with two idiomorphs, MAT1-1 and MAT1-2. Analyses using mating type-specific primers revealed that both mating types were present in all three geographic populations, and in all three populations the mating type ratios were in equilibrium. Although the sexual stage of the fungus has not been discovered yet, analyses of allelic associations indicated evidence for sexual and asexual reproduction within and among populations. Despite the observed genetic differentiation among the three geographic populations, evidence for long-distance gene flow was found.

scholarly journals Population Genetic Structure and Genetic Diversity in Twisted-Jaw Fish, Belodontichthys truncatus Kottelat & Ng, 1999 (Siluriformes: Siluridae), from Mekong Basin

2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Surapon Yodsiri ◽  
Komgrit Wongpakam ◽  
Adisak Ardharn ◽  
Chadaporn Senakun ◽  
Sutthira Khumkratok
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Diversity ◽  
Genetic Structure ◽  
Demographic History ◽  
Hydropower Plant ◽  
Mekong River ◽  
Demographic Expansion ◽  
High Genetic Diversity ◽  
History Analysis ◽  
History Of ◽  
Important Food Source

The Mekong River and its tributaries possess the second highest diversity in fish species in the world. However, the fish biodiversity in this river is threatened by several human activities, such as hydropower plant construction. Understanding the genetic diversity and genetic structure of the species is important for natural resource management. Belodontichthys truncatus Kottelat & Ng is endemic to the Mekong River basin and is an important food source for people in this area. In this study, the genetic diversity, genetic structure, and demographic history of the twisted-jaw fish, B. truncatus, were investigated using mitochondrial cytochrome b gene sequences. A total of 124 fish specimens were collected from 10 locations in the Mekong and its tributaries. Relatively high genetic diversity was found in populations of B. truncatus compared to other catfish species in the Mekong River. The genetic structure analysis revealed that a population from the Chi River in Thailand was genetically significantly different from other populations, which is possibly due to the effect of genetic drift. Demographic history analysis indicated that B. truncatus has undergone recent demographic expansion dating back to the end of the Pleistocene glaciation.

Multilocus genotypic data reveal high genetic diversity and low population genetic structure of Iranian indigenous sheep

2016 ◽  
Vol 47 (4) ◽  
pp. 463-470 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. M. F. Vahidi ◽  
M. O. Faruque ◽  
M. Falahati Anbaran ◽  
F. Afraz ◽  
S. M. Mousavi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Diversity ◽  
Genetic Structure ◽  
Population Genetic Structure ◽  
Population Genetic ◽  
High Genetic Diversity ◽  
Indigenous Sheep

scholarly journals Genetic Variation and Population Differentiation in the Bovine Lymphocyte Antigen DRB3.2 Locus of South African Nguni Crossbred Cattle

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 1651
Author(s):  
Lwamkelekile Sitshilelo Mkize ◽  
Oliver Tendayi Zishiri
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Diversity ◽  
Genetic Structure ◽  
South African ◽  
Population Genetic Structure ◽  
Population Genetic ◽  
Heterozygote Advantage ◽  
Crossbred Cattle ◽  
High Genetic Diversity ◽  
Lymphocyte Antigen ◽  
Bovine Lymphocyte

The bovine lymphocyte antigen (BoLA-DRB3) gene is an important region that codes for glycoproteins responsible for the initiation of an immune response. BoLA-DRB3 alleles have been demonstrated to be associated with disease resistance/tolerance. Therefore, great genetic diversity is correlated with better adaptation, fitness, and robustness. The current study was conducted to assess the population genetic structure of the BoLA-DRB3 gene in Nguni crossbred cattle using polymerase chain reaction-sequence based typing (PCR-SBT). High genetic diversity was detected, with 30 alleles, 11 of which are novel to the study. Alleles DRB3*0201, DRB3*0701, DRB*0901, and DRB*1601 were present in all populations and accounted for nearly around 50% of all observed alleles. A mean genetic diversity (HE) of 0.93 was detected. The high overall genetic diversity is possibly associated with pathogen-assisted selection and heterozygote advantage. Such high diversity might explain the hardiness of the Nguni crossbred cattle to the Southern African region. Low population genetic structure was identified (FST = 0.01), suggesting possible gene flow between populations and retention of similar alleles. The study was undertaken to bridge the dearth of such studies in South African breeds and it is imperative for effective sustainability of indigenous breeds and the implementation of effective breeding strategies.

scholarly journals Genetic structure and diversity of the endangered growling grass frog in a rapidly urbanizing region

2015 ◽  
Vol 2 (8) ◽  
pp. 140255 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claire C. Keely ◽  
Joshua M. Hale ◽  
Geoffrey W. Heard ◽  
Kirsten M. Parris ◽  
Joanna Sumner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Diversity ◽  
Genetic Structure ◽  
Dna Sequences ◽  
Nuclear Dna ◽  
Urban Expansion ◽  
Nuclear Gene ◽  
Management Approach ◽  
Natural Habitats ◽  
High Genetic Diversity ◽  
Genetic Structure And Diversity

Two pervasive and fundamental impacts of urbanization are the loss and fragmentation of natural habitats. From a genetic perspective, these impacts manifest as reduced genetic diversity and ultimately reduced genetic viability. The growling grass frog ( Litoria raniformis ) is listed as vulnerable to extinction in Australia, and endangered in the state of Victoria. Remaining populations of this species in and around the city of Melbourne are threatened by habitat loss, degradation and fragmentation due to urban expansion. We used mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and microsatellites to study the genetic structure and diversity of L. raniformis across Melbourne's urban fringe, and also screened four nuclear gene regions (POMC, RAG-1, Rhod and CRYBA1). The mtDNA and nuclear DNA sequences revealed low levels of genetic diversity throughout remnant populations of L. raniformis . However, one of the four regions studied, Cardinia, exhibited relatively high genetic diversity and several unique haplotypes, suggesting this region should be recognized as a separate Management Unit. We discuss the implications of these results for the conservation of L. raniformis in urbanizing landscapes, particularly the potential risks and benefits of translocation, which remains a contentious management approach for this species.

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