Islands as Time Capsules for Genetic Diversity Conservation: The Case of the Giglio Island Mouflon

Abstract

The use of multidisciplinary approaches of investigation including biological, biogeographical, historical, morphological, and genetic analysis, can be useful in identifying and preserving biodiversity. The present study focuses on the characterisation and conservation of a mouflon population (Ovis gmelini musimon) from the Mediterranean island of Giglio. Here we provide the first molecular data on the Giglio population and compare it with mouflons from Sardinia, Elba, and Corsica using both nuclear and mitochondrial markers. Our results suggest that the Giglio mouflon harbours genetic variability likely of Sardinian origin but not represented in the current Sardinian mouflon diversity. Although not presenting the typical characteristics of an invasive alien species, the Giglio mouflon is being subjected to eradication through culling or trapping and surgical sterilization. The molecular evidence we report highlights that such actions are causing the irremediable loss of ancestral genetic variants of the genus Ovis. Finally, we highlight how a multidisciplinary approach is necessary to aid the conservation and management of the anthropochorous populations of Mediterranean mammals.

Population Genomic History of the Endangered Anatolian and Cyprian Mouflons in Relation to Worldwide Wild, Feral, and Domestic Sheep Lineages

“…These were originally considered “vulnerable” but later discarded from the IUCN Red List as their status was revised as feral dogs, although conservation efforts for protecting some dingo populations are still ongoing ( Elledge et al 2006 ; Cairns et al 2017 ; Jhala et al 2018 ; Cairns 2021 ). Similarly, in the case of EUM, there have been local efforts to protect populations in Sardinia and Corsica ( Mereu et al 2019 ; Satta et al 2021 ; Barbato et al 2022 ; Portanier et al 2022 ). These efforts are relevant given that the EUM has been in the wild for possibly 10k years, even if it may have experienced further domestic introgression after feralization.…”

“…Indeed, the group clusters with DOM Ovis aries based on their mitogenome ( Townsend et al 2019 ). The EUM has not been assessed by the IUCN due to its assumed feral status; still, there are local conservation efforts for the two primary natural populations in Corsica and Sardinia ( Mereu et al 2019 ; Satta et al 2021 ; Barbato et al 2022 ; Portanier et al 2022 ).…”

Population genomic history of the endangered Anatolian and Cyprian mouflons in relation to worldwide wild, feral and domestic sheep lineages

“…These were originally considered “vulnerable” but later discarded from the IUCN Red List as their status was revised as feral dogs, although conservation efforts for protecting some dingo populations are still being carried out [55–58]. Similarly, in the case of EUM, there have been local efforts to protect populations in Sardinia and Corsica [59–62]. These efforts are relevant given that the EUM has been in the wild for nearly 10k years (even if it may have experienced further domestic introgression after feralization).…”

“…These were originally considered "vulnerable" but later discarded from the IUCN Red List as their status was revised as feral dogs, although conservation efforts for protecting some dingo populations are still being carried out [55][56][57][58]. Similarly, in the case of EUM, there have been local efforts to protect populations in Sardinia and Corsica [59][60][61][62]…”

Genetic variation of European mouflon depends on admixture of introduced individuals

“…The introduction of mou on in Europe was motivated by the goal of increasing its genetic diversity and improving outcome of game management in regions with low species diversity and a poor, degraded environment [19] . Further contributions to the distribution of the mou on in Europe come from the transfer of small groups of animals from the Sardinian-Corsican "reservoir" to create a genetic backup that makes it possible to protect the oldest populations in Europe from the risk of extinction [20] . Nowadays, mou on are an integral part of the fauna of many ecosystems, inhabiting mainly mountainous environments [21]- [26] , although some (sub)populations also occur along the seacoast or in lowland areas [11], [24], [27], [28] .…”