Poor taxonomy and genetic rescue are possible co-agents of silent extinction and biogeographic homogenization among ungulate mammals

Gippoliti, Spartaco; Cotterill, F.P.D.; Groves, Colin P.; Zinner, Dietmar

doi:10.21426/b633039045

Cited by 17 publications

(8 citation statements)

References 57 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…Based on criteria that include head and plumage patterns, Altai region falcons are informally classified into saker-like and gyrfalcon-like falcons (12), which is the neutral definition we follow in this study, as it does not presume their taxonomic status. Nonetheless, without a robust and comprehensive classification of Altai falcons (F. altaicus), conservation efforts would be impeded, misguided and sometimes detrimental (13)(14)(15)(16). Being conflated with the saker falcon, whose range extends from Western Asia to Eastern Europe, the Altai region falcons may lack the due conservation attention and informed management it requires.…”

Section: Introduction: the Falcons Of The Altai Region As A 200-year-...mentioning

confidence: 99%

Genomic, genetic and phylogenetic evidence for a new falcon species using chromosome-level genome assembly of the gyrfalcon and population genomics

Al-Ajli

Formenti

Fédrigo

et al. 2023

Preprint

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

The taxonomic classification of a falcon population found in the Altai region in Asia has been heavily debated for two centuries and previous studies have been inconclusive, hindering a more informed conservation approach. Here, we generated a chromosome-level gyrfalcon reference genome using the Vertebrate Genomes Project (VGP) assembly pipeline. Using whole genome sequences of 44 falcons from different species and populations, including "Altai" falcons, we analyzed their population structure, admixture patterns and demographic history. We find that the Altai falcons are genomically mosaic of saker and gyrfalcon ancestries, and carry distinct W- and mitochondrial-haplotypes that cluster with the lanner falcon. The Altai haplotype diverged 422,000 years ago from the ancestor of sakers and gyrfalcons, both of which, in turn, split 109,000 years ago. The Altai W chromosome includes coding variants that may influence important structural, behavioral and reproductive traits. These findings support the designation of Altai falcons as a distinct falcon species (Falco altaicus).

show abstract

Section: Introduction: the Falcons Of The Altai Region As A 200-year-...mentioning

confidence: 99%

Genomic, genetic and phylogenetic evidence for a new falcon species using chromosome-level genome assembly of the gyrfalcon and population genomics

Al-Ajli

Formenti

Fédrigo

et al. 2023

Preprint

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…This simultaneously underscores the success of early restocking efforts, while also reiterating long-standing concerns about the genetic and/ or phenotypic impacts of anthropogenic translocations (Meffe & Vrijenhoek, 1988). It also reinforces the need to formalize as an explicit management consideration the intraspecific taxonomy of deer, both to better understand the (yet to be seen) evolutionary consequences of past translocations, and to provide a more proactive baseline going forward (Cronin, 2003; Gippoliti, Cotterill, Groves, & Zinner, 2018).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 82%

Spatial population genetics in heavily managed species: Separating patterns of historical translocation from contemporary gene flow in white-tailed deer

Chafin

Zbinden

Douglas

et al. 2020

Preprint

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Approximately 100 years ago, hunter-harvest eliminated white-tailed deer (WTD; Odocoileus virginianus) in eastern North America, which subsequently served as a catalyst for wildlife management as a national priority. An extensive stock-replenishment effort soon followed, with WTD broadly translocated among states as a means of reestablishment. Now, contemporary issues focus on reverberations from a global (and fatal) epizootic disease in Cervidae (chronic wasting disease, CWD). These cumulative impacts have effectively obscured the traditional signals of post-translocation gene flow and dispersal in North American WTD. To develop baseline data for its adjudication, we applied cutting-edge molecular and biogeographic tools to process 1,143 WTD sampled state-wide in AR, with 54,102 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) derived via reduced-representation genomic sequencing. We then employed Simpson's diversity index to visualize landscape genetic patterns previously obscured by extensive translocations, and this allowed us to summarize multidimensional ancestry assignments and identify spatio-genetic transitions. We then sub-sampled transects and tested clinal patterns across loci for concordance and/or coincidence. Two salient results emerged: (A) Genetic echoes from historic translocations are widely apparent; and (B) Geographic filters (major rivers; urban centers; highways) now act as inflection points for the distribution of more contemporary ancestry. These results, in synergy, yielded a state-wide assessment of how historic translocations, as well as ongoing processes, have acted to dictate contemporary population structure of Arkansas WTD. In addition, the analytical framework employed herein effectively deciphered the extant/historic drivers of WTD distribution in AR. It is also applicable for other biodiversity elements with demographic histories equally as complex.

show abstract

“…As some current genomic assessments have recognized significant differentiation of populations, specifically in plains zebra Equus quagga Boddaert, 1785 [138] or tiger Panthera tigris (Linnaeus, 1758) [139], which have been recognized as undifferentiated based on small number of loci (zebras [130]) and some phenotype and ecological features (tigers [140]), we argue for a precautionary principle in conservation management [128,135,141].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 89%

Taxonomy and Translocations of African Mammals: A Plea for a Cautionary Approach

Gippoliti¹,

Robovský

Angelici³

2021

Conservation

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Ecotourism can fuel an important source of financial income for African countries and can therefore help biodiversity policies in the continent. Translocations can be a powerful tool to spread economic benefits among countries and communities; yet, to be positive for biodiversity conservation, they require a basic knowledge of conservation units through appropriate taxonomic research. This is not always the case, as taxonomy was considered an outdated discipline for almost a century, and some plurality in taxonomic approaches is incorrectly considered as a disadvantage for conservation work. As an example, diversity of the genus Giraffa and its recent taxonomic history illustrate the importance of such knowledge for a sound conservation policy that includes translocations. We argue that a fine-grained conservation perspective that prioritizes all remaining populations along the Nile Basin is needed. Translocations are important tools for giraffe diversity conservation, but more discussion is needed, especially for moving new giraffes to regions where the autochthonous taxa/populations are no longer existent. As the current discussion about the giraffe taxonomy is too focused on the number of giraffe species, we argue that the plurality of taxonomic and conservation approaches might be beneficial, i.e., for defining the number of units requiring separate management using a (majority) consensus across different concepts (e.g., MU—management unit, ESU—evolutionary significant unit, and ECU—elemental conservation unit). The taxonomically sensitive translocation policy/strategy would be important for the preservation of current diversity, while also supporting the ecological restoration of some regions within rewilding. A summary table of the main translocation operations of African mammals that have underlying problems is included. Therefore, we call for increased attention toward the taxonomy of African mammals not only as the basis for sound conservation but also as a further opportunity to enlarge the geographic scope of ecotourism in Africa.

show abstract

Poor taxonomy and genetic rescue are possible co-agents of silent extinction and biogeographic homogenization among ungulate mammals

Cited by 17 publications

References 57 publications

Genomic, genetic and phylogenetic evidence for a new falcon species using chromosome-level genome assembly of the gyrfalcon and population genomics

Genomic, genetic and phylogenetic evidence for a new falcon species using chromosome-level genome assembly of the gyrfalcon and population genomics

Spatial population genetics in heavily managed species: Separating patterns of historical translocation from contemporary gene flow in white-tailed deer

Taxonomy and Translocations of African Mammals: A Plea for a Cautionary Approach

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About