Effects of a recent founding event and intrinsic population dynamics on genetic diversity in an ungulate population

Abstract

Maintenance of genetic diversity has recently become a management goal for a number of species, due to its importance for present and future population viability. Genetic drift, primarily through differential reproductive success and inbreeding, can accelerate the loss of genetic diversity in recently recovered populations. We attempt to quantify the consequences of these factors on the genetic diversity contained in a small, recently founded wood bison (Bison bison athabascae) population by examining the genetic variation in this conservation herd, the calves born therein, and its large source population. The Hook Lake Wood Bison Recovery Project was initiated to found a disease-free herd of wood bison containing a representative amount of the genetic diversity present in the Wood Buffalo National Park metapopulation. Levels of diversity in the Hook Lake Wood Bison Recovery Project founders are higher than in previous salvage attempts. To examine the effects of differential reproductive success on this population, we monitored parentage of the calves born in the Hook Lake Wood Bison Recovery Project for 3 years since the founders reached sexual maturity. Two of the male founders sired over 90% of the offspring born in this population, which has led to a reduction in diversity in their calves. Monitoring of reproductive success, and incorporation of selective breeding strategies will be required to reduce the rate at which genetic diversity is lost from this small, isolated population. These steps should occur in other recovery projects, particularly when a small number of individuals are capable of dominating reproduction.

Past bottlenecks and current population fragmentation of endangered huemul deer (Hippocamelus bisulcus): implications for preservation of genetic diversity

“…In a wood bison (Bison bison athabascae) population in northwestern Canada, two male founders monopolized the females and sired over 90% of offspring, reducing genetic diversity (Wilson et al 2005). Huemul live in small mixed groups and territorial males defend a few females (Corti 2008).…”

TUBERCULOSIS AND BRUCELLOSIS IN WOOD BISON (BISON BISON ATHABASCAE) IN NORTHERN CANADA: A RENEWED NEED TO DEVELOP OPTIONS FOR FUTURE MANAGEMENT

“…Other nondiseased wood bison populations were salvaged directly or indirectly from WBNP and, consequently, were subject to a founder effect resulting in comparatively less genetic diversity (Wilson and Strobeck 1999;McFarlane et al 2006). Genetic diversity is important for conservation for the long term because it allows populations to be resilient and to adapt to changing future conditions (Wilson et al 2003(Wilson et al , 2005. Indeed, a key recommendation from the FEARO panel was to conduct genetic salvage in conjunction with removal of diseased bison in and around WBNP to reintroduce genetically representative bison (Connelly et al 1990).…”

Variation and genetic structure of the endangered Lepus flavigularis (Lagomorpha: Leporidae)

“…Genetic variation can be measured through heterozygosity and polymorphism (genotypes and alleles, respectively) within and between populations, and is affected by population size, natural selection, mutation, gene flow, inbreeding and genetic drift (Mace, Smith, Bruford, & Wayne, 1996;Frankham, Ballou, & Briscoe, 2002;Wilson et al, 2005). The interruption of gene flow contributes to fixation of alleles by genetic drift or natural selection, which modify the levels of genetic variation and differentiation between populations, thereby influencing the genetic structure (Templeton, 1986;Templeton, Shaw, Routman, & Scott, 1990;Mech & Hallet, 2001).…”

“…The interruption of gene flow contributes to fixation of alleles by genetic drift or natural selection, which modify the levels of genetic variation and differentiation between populations, thereby influencing the genetic structure (Templeton, 1986;Templeton, Shaw, Routman, & Scott, 1990;Mech & Hallet, 2001). Decrease of genetic variation reduces population viability and the ability of species to adapt to environmental changes (Wilson et al, 2005).…”