Genetic Effect of Transportation Infrastructure on Roe Deer Populations (Capreolus capreolus)

Kuehn, Ralph; Hindenlang, Karin E.; Holzgang, Otto; Senn, Josef; Stoeckle, Bernhard C.; Sperisen, Christoph

doi:10.1093/jhered/esl056

Cited by 70 publications

(50 citation statements)

References 65 publications

(68 reference statements)

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“…This impact on genetic variation and gene Xow has been demonstrated for species with small body size or relatively low dispersal range (Gerlach and Musolf 2000;Keller and Largiader 2003;Keller et al 2005). In recent studies, this was also shown for ungulates (Epps et al 2005;Kuehn et al 2007) and carnivores (Riley et al 2006;Dixon et al 2007).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 57%

Evidence of wolf dispersal in anthropogenic habitats of the Polish Carpathian Mountains

2009

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In the course of their maturation, most young wolves leave their natal pack and disperse in search for mating partners, improved food availability and new territories. We investigated whether this dispersal is aVected by anthropogenic infrastructure in a 5,000 km² area of the eastern region of the Polish Carpathian Mountains occupied by wolves. A radio-collared male wolf covered 230 km while dispersing through forested hills and densely populated valleys. To test if such dispersal is common in the population we analysed by microsatellite genotyping 39 samples taken from live-trapped wolves or wolves found dead in the study area. Although the obtained genotypes were assigned to diVerent clusters in Bayesian tests, we could not ascribe this structure to landscape features, but rather to shared ancestry of wolf individuals found in distant locations. Moreover, we could not detect a spatial genetic structure in the wolf population, indicating a random occurrence of genotypes within the study area. Observation of the dispersing wolf and the absence of spatial genetic structure imply that wolves are still able to roam the entire area despite high densities of roads and a dense human population. Thus, we concluded that the existing anthropogenic infrastructure does not restrict wolf dispersal in the area and the studied wolves represent a coherent part of the Polish Carpathian wolf population.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 57%

Evidence of wolf dispersal in anthropogenic habitats of the Polish Carpathian Mountains

2009

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“…Fragmentation effects by power lines have been argued to contribute to population decline (Nellemann et al, 2003), impair migration (Vistnes et al, 2004) and could induce genetic drift, as for roads (Epps et al, 2005;Kuehn et al, 2007). Yet we found no evidence that the construction of power lines alone influenced population dynamics of ungulates.…”

Section: Potential Demographic Impactsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Power lines may influence wildlife through disturbance, clearing of forest habitat under power lines, edge, barrier and corridor effects (Willyard and Tikalsky, 2004;Ball, 2012). Fragmentation by power lines could induce genetic drift, as for roads (Epps et al, 2005, Kuehn et al, 2007, and reduce population productivity and persistence (Griffen and Drake 2008;Haanes et al, 2013). Wide-ranging and mobile species as some ungulates will likely encounter power lines within their home ranges (Tables 1 to 7).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The effects of power lines on ungulates and implications for power line routing and rights-of-way management

Bartzke¹,

May²,

Bevanger³

et al. 2014

Int. J. Biodivers. Conserv.

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Thousands of kilometres of power lines exist and more are planned. Ungulates that range over large areas are likely to encounter power lines, but a synthesis of power line effects on ungulates is lacking. Reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus) are suspected to avoid power lines up to distances of 4 km. In contrast, some forest ungulates preferentially forage in power line rights-of-way, cleared areas under power lines. We reviewed the factors that possibly influence avoidance and attraction effects of power lines on ungulates, construct a conceptual framework, and make suggestions on how to mitigate avoidance effects through power line routing and rights-of-way management. Power line construction, noise and electromagnetic fields are possible sources of disturbance, while rights-of-way management influences habitat use under power lines. Disturbance and altered habitat use can induce barrier and corridor effects, thereby influencing connectivity. Species-specific effects influence behavioural disturbance and habitat use. We found little evidence for behavioural disturbance of reindeer or forest ungulates under power lines. Forest ungulates could benefit from browsing in power line rights-of-way if they are managed to provide abundant and preferred forage as well as sufficient cover. However, power lines may facilitate access for hunters and predators. As a precaution, construction of power lines should be avoided in calving areas. To establish a causal relationship between the construction of power lines and potential avoidance, before-after-impact-control studies are recommended. More research is needed to make recommendations for the optimal design of power line networks.

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“…Several studies have looked at gene flow across major roadways and found that reduction in migration rates led to population differentiation [16][17][18]. Research on beetles has shown that road-caused fragmentation can lead to loss of genetic variability [19].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Genetic connectivity for two bear species at wildlife crossing structures in Banff National Park

2014

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Roads can fragment and isolate wildlife populations, which will eventually decrease genetic diversity within populations. Wildlife crossing structures may counteract these impacts, but most crossings are relatively new, and there is little evidence that they facilitate gene flow. We conducted a three-year research project in Banff National Park, Alberta, to evaluate the effectiveness of wildlife crossings to provide genetic connectivity. Our main objective was to determine how the Trans-Canada Highway and crossing structures along it affect gene flow in grizzly (Ursus arctos) and black bears (Ursus americanus). We compared genetic data generated from wildlife crossings with data collected from greater bear populations. We detected a genetic discontinuity at the highway in grizzly bears but not in black bears. We assigned grizzly bears that used crossings to populations north and south of the highway, providing evidence of bidirectional gene flow and genetic admixture. Parentage tests showed that 47% of black bears and 27% of grizzly bears that used crossings successfully bred, including multiple males and females of both species. Differentiating between dispersal and gene flow is difficult, but we documented gene flow by showing migration, reproduction and genetic admixture. We conclude that wildlife crossings allow sufficient gene flow to prevent genetic isolation.

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Genetic Effect of Transportation Infrastructure on Roe Deer Populations (Capreolus capreolus)

Cited by 70 publications

References 65 publications

Evidence of wolf dispersal in anthropogenic habitats of the Polish Carpathian Mountains

Evidence of wolf dispersal in anthropogenic habitats of the Polish Carpathian Mountains

The effects of power lines on ungulates and implications for power line routing and rights-of-way management

Genetic connectivity for two bear species at wildlife crossing structures in Banff National Park

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