Genotypic and phenotypic consequences of reintroduction history in the black-footed ferret (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Mustela nigripes</Emphasis>) |
| |
Authors: | Samantha M Wisely Rachel M Santymire Travis M Livieri Sara A Mueting JoGayle Howard |
| |
Institution: | (1) Division of Biology, Kansas State University, 116 Ackert Hall, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA;(2) Davee Center for Epidemiology and Endocrinology, Lincoln Park Zoo, 2001 N. Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60614, USA;(3) Department of Reproductive Science, Conservation &; Research Center, Smithsonian’s National Zoological Park, 1500 Remount Road, Front Royal, VA 22630, USA;(4) Prairie Wildlife Research, P.O. Box 308, Wellington, CO 80549, USA;(5) Department of Reproductive Sciences, Smithsonian’s National Zoological Park, 3001 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008, USA |
| |
Abstract: | Population augmentation with translocated individuals has been shown to alleviate the effects of bottlenecks and drift. The
first step to determine whether restoration for genetic considerations is warranted is to genetically monitor reintroduced
populations and compare results to those from the source. To assess the need for genetic restoration, we evaluated genetic
diversity and structure of reintroduced (n = 3) and captive populations of the endangered black-footed ferret (Mustela nigripes). We measured genotypic changes among populations using seven microsatellite markers and compared phenotypic changes with
eight morphometric characters. Results indicated that for the population which rapidly grew post-reintroduction, genetic diversity
was equivalent to the captive, source population. When growth languished, only the population that was augmented yearly maintained
diversity. Without augmentation, allelic diversity declined precipitously and phenotypic changes were apparent. Ferrets from
the genetically depaupertate population had smaller limbs and smaller overall body size than ferrets from the two populations
with greater diversity. Population divergence (F
ST = 0.10 ± 0.01) was surprisingly high given the common source of populations. Thus, it appears that 5–10 years of isolation
resulted in both genotypic divergence and phenotypic changes to populations. We recommend translocation of 30–40 captive individuals
per annum to reintroduction sites which have not become established quickly. This approach will maximize the retention of
genetic diversity, yet maintain the beneficial effects of local adaptation without being swamped by immigration. |
| |
Keywords: | Genetic monitoring Genetic restoration Population bottleneck Reintroduction Translocation |
本文献已被 SpringerLink 等数据库收录! |
|