Impact of Population Expansion on Genetic Diversity and Structure of River Otters (Lontra canadensis) in Central North America

Brandt, Jessica R.; Brandt, Adam L.; Ammer, Frank K.; Roca, Alfred L.; Serfass, Thomas L.

doi:10.1093/jhered/est069

Cited by 8 publications

(6 citation statements)

References 48 publications

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“…= 10, P = 0.380) from the average of 6.3 alleles/locus detected in Brandt et al. 's () study (Table ). Observed heterozygosity ( H o ) in the combined dataset averaged 0.701 (± 0.112 sd , range 0.547–0.875) and expected heterozygosity ( H e ) averaged 0.668 (± 0.110 sd , range 0.488–0.720), similar to H o and H e values reported by Latch et al .…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 67%

“…For the six loci common to our study and Brandt et al . (), allelic richness in the combined Missouri dataset averaged 5.3 alleles/locus, and was not significantly different ( t = 0.918, d.f. = 10, P = 0.380) from the average of 6.3 alleles/locus detected in Brandt et al.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 92%

“…We compared levels of genetic diversity in Missouri river otters with those of two studies (Latch et al ., ; Brandt et al ., ) that analyzed samples from the presumed Louisiana source region. In Latch et al .…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In Brandt et al. 's () study, otters came from both the coastal and inland regions of Louisiana ( n = 12 samples, 24 genes). We corrected allelic values for Missouri otters to those expected in sample sizes comparable to these studies in HP‐R are .…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Genetics and the successful reintroduction of the Missouri river otter

Mowry

Schneider

Latch

et al. 2014

Animal Conservation

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Reintroduction is an effective tool for restoring endangered populations. There is increasing concern, however, that demographic restoration may not equate with genetic restoration. We examine the demographic-genetic contrast in the context of one of the world's most successful carnivore population restorations. Beginning in 1982, a total of 835 river otters Lontra canadensis were reintroduced to Missouri, USA, more than 50 years after extirpation. Most otters were translocated from Louisiana, USA, and released at 43 sites across the state. An estimated population of 11 000-18 000 otters existed by 2000, and density estimates for Missouri otters are now similar to those reported for populations across the continent, indicating demographic recovery. We used microsatellite genotyping and mitochondrial sequence analysis of DNA extracted from fecal samples from eight southern Missouri rivers, in conjunction with mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) analyses from several native Louisiana otter populations, to evaluate the genetic diversity and population structure of otters within Missouri as compared with Louisiana. The Missouri population showed moderate to high heterozygosity and allelic diversity, similar to that of the source populations, but low mtDNA haplotype diversity. We detected five distinct genetic clusters distributed throughout the eight rivers, with no evidence of isolation by distance. These data collectively suggest that 30 years after restoration efforts commenced, Missouri river otters have retained genetic diversity levels similar to those of the source populations, but that genetic structure has not reached an equilibrium between migration and genetic drift. Thus, the Missouri otter population has made a robust recovery despite retaining the genetic signature of the reintroduction.Restored otter genetic structure R. A. Mowry et al.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 67%

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 92%

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Genetics and the successful reintroduction of the Missouri river otter

Mowry

Schneider

Latch

et al. 2014

Animal Conservation

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“…A larger breeding population may occur further north along the Crocodile River, which may have undergone range expansion into the Hennops River and subsequent tributaries with headwaters occurring in the city of Johannesburg. 51 This range expansion could explain the lower levels of genetic diversity in the tributary rivers (Jukskei River and Klein Jukskei). The low genetic differentiation between samples from Pienaars River and Crocodile River is interesting as the rivers are a considerable distance apart in Gauteng, but they share a confluence to the north of Gauteng.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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

Ponsonby¹,

Madisha²,

Schwaibold³

et al. 2019

S. Afr. J. Sci.

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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.

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