Detection and analysis of genetic variation in Hordeum spontaneum populations from Israel using RAPD markers

Randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers were used to analyse genetic diversity within and between Hordeum spontaneum populations sampled from Israel. Nei's index of genetic differentiation was used to partition diversity into within and between population components. Fifty-seven per cent of the variation detected was partitioned within 10 H. spontaneum populations. Using principal component and multiple regression analysis, part of the variation detected between populations was seen to be associated with certain ecogeographical factors. Fifty-eight per cent of the distribution of the phenotypic frequencies of three RAPD phenotypes detected using a single primer in 20 H. spontaneum populations could be accounted for by four ecogeographical variables, suggesting adaptive variation at certain RAPD loci.     

Effect of Extra-Pair Paternity on Effective Population Size in a Reintroduced Population of the Endangered Hihi, and Potential for Behavioural Management

We collected genetic and behavioural data on hihi (Notiomysts cincta, an endangered New Zealand bird) after reintroduction to Mokoia Island to assess the effect of extrapair copulation on effective population size (N_e), and investigate the potential for increasing N_e through behavioural management. DNA fingerprinting revealed that 46% of chicks (n = 188) resulted from extra-pair paternity, and 82% of broods (n = 56) had at least one extra-pair chick. Of the extra-pair young, 34%(n = 89) were from unpaired males, and the remainder were from paired males. Variance in reproductive success (VRS) among individuals changed between years, and the relative variance among males and females depended on the sex ratio. VRS increased when measured over longer time scales, the variance in recruits being three times higher than the variance in the number of hatchlings. Extra-pair copulation increased VRS by 150% in 1 year and decreased it by 30% in another year, but this only caused a 4% decrease and 8% increase, respectively, to N_e/N. Although there is potential to manage VRS in this species through behavioural management, a more important factor is adult lifespan, which is the main correlate of lifetime reproductive success as well as the determinant of generation time. The high annual mortality rate in Mokoia hihi (females = 64%, males = 52%) has prevented the population from growing, so the key factors limiting N and N_e/N are the same.     

Genetic differentiation and diversity of Acacia koa populations in the Hawaiian Islands

Acacia koa A. Gray (koa) is a leguminous tree endemic to the Hawaiian Islands and can be divided into morphologically distinguishable groups of A. koaia Hillebrand, A. koa and populations that are intermediate between these extremes. The objectives of this investigation were to distinguish among divergent groups of koa at molecular levels, and to determine genetic diversity within and among the groups. Phylogenetic analyses using the ITS/5.8S rDNA and trnK intron sequences did not separate the representative koa types into distinct clusters. An unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean cluster analysis and principal coordinate analysis, based on allele profiles of 12 microsatellite loci for 215 individual koa samples, separated the population into three distinct clusters consistent with their morphology, A. koaia, A. koa and intermediate forms. There was an average of 8.8 alleles per polymorphic locus (AP) among all koa and koaia individuals. The intermediate populations had the highest genetic diversity (H′ = 1.599), AP (7.9) and total number of unique alleles (21), whereas A. koaia and A. koa showed similar levels of genetic diversity (H′ = 0.965 and 0.943, respectively). No correlation was observed between geographic distance and genetic distance as determined by a Mantel test (r = 0.027, P = 0.91). The data presented here support previous recommendations that morphological variation within koa should be recognized at the subspecific level rather than as distinct species.     

Life on the margin: genetic isolation and diversity loss in a peripheral marine ecosystem, the Baltic Sea

Marginal populations are often isolated and under extreme selection pressures resulting in anomalous genetics. Consequently, ecosystems that are geographically and ecologically marginal might have a large share of genetically atypical populations, in need of particular concern in management of these ecosystems. To test this prediction, we analysed genetic data from 29 species inhabiting the low saline Baltic Sea, a geographically and ecologically marginal ecosystem. On average Baltic populations had lost genetic diversity compared to Atlantic populations: a pattern unrelated to dispersal capacity, generation time of species and taxonomic group of organism, but strongly related to type of genetic marker (mitochondrial DNA loci had lost c. 50% diversity, and nuclear loci 10%). Analyses of genetic isolation by geographic distance revealed clinal patterns of differentiation between Baltic and Atlantic regions. For a majority of species, clines were sigmoid with a sharp slope around the Baltic Sea entrance, indicating impeded gene flows between Baltic and Atlantic populations. Some species showed signs of allele frequencies being perturbed at the edge of their distribution inside the Baltic Sea. Despite the short geological history of the Baltic Sea (8000 years), populations inhabiting the Baltic have evolved substantially different from Atlantic populations, probably as a consequence of isolation and bottlenecks, as well as selection on adaptive traits. In addition, the Baltic Sea also acts a refuge for unique evolutionary lineages. This marginal ecosystem is thus vulnerable but also exceedingly valuable, housing unique genes, genotypes and populations that constitute an important genetic resource for management and conservation.     

AFLP marker analysis revealing genetic structure of the tree Parapiptadenia rigida (Benth.) Brenan (Leguminosae-Mimosoideae) in the southern Brazilian Tropical Rainforest

Parapiptadenia rigida is a tropical early secondary succession tree characteristic of the Tropical Atlantic Rainforest. This species is of great ecological importance in the recovery of degraded areas. In this study we investigated the variability and population genetic structure of eight populations of P. rigida. Five AFLP primer combinations were used in a sample of 159 individuals representing these eight populations, rendering a total of 126 polymorphic fragments. The averages of percentage of polymorphic loci, gene diversity, and Shannon index were 60.45%, 0.217, and 0.322, respectively. A significant correlation between the population genetic variability and the population sizes was observed. The genetic variability within populations (72.20%) was higher than between these (22.80%). No perfect correlation was observed between geographic and genetic distances, which might be explained by differences in deforestation intensities that occurred in these areas. A dendrogram constructed by the UPGMA method revealed the formation of two clusters, these also confirmed by Bayesian analysis for the number of K cluster. These results show that it is necessary to develop urgent management strategies for the conservation of certain populations of P. rigida, while other populations still preserve reasonably high levels of genetic variability.     

Genetic management of the red squirrel,Sciurus vulgaris: a practical approach to regional conservation

The progressive decline in red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) numbers in Wales has led to conservation and reintroduction projects being established on the island of Anglesey. The recovery of the island’s remnant wild population was initially successful, however concern remained over potential loss of genetic diversity resulting from an observed demographic bottleneck. We used mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region sequences and six microsatellite loci to assess current levels of genetic variation in the population. Samples were monomorphic for control region sequences and a historic specimen from the same area carrying a different haplotype demonstrated a loss of mtDNA diversity during the last 20 years. Inclusion of other Welsh haplotypes indicated phylogeographic structure in the region, in contrast to previous UK studies. Genotyping results showed allelic diversity and heterozygosity to be less than 50% of that recorded in other UK populations, with strong evidence for a recent genetic bottleneck. A parallel reintroduction programme on Anglesey included genetic analysis of individuals during the selection of captive breeding pairs. We present analysis of sequence and microsatellite data, and subsequent management decisions taken to maximise diversity in the founder and F1 generations. Population and Habitat Viability Analysis applied to both populations modelled future levels of heterozygosity and allelic diversity. Supplementation of the remnant and reintroduced populations with translocated squirrels was simulated as a potential management tool; results support use of this strategy to reduce loss of diversity and increase survival. The limitations of applying conservation genetic theory within small-scale management projects are discussed.