Provision of nestboxes raises the breeding density of Great Tits Parus major equally in coniferous and deciduous woodland

Nestbox provision is a technique used to increase nest-site availability for secondary cavity-nesting birds. However, little is known about the demographic consequences of nestbox provision in different habitat types. To assess how nestbox provision affects the density of hole-nesting birds simultaneously in two contrasting habitats, we compared the breeding density of Great Tits along transects without nestboxes with that in transects where nestboxes were provided. Although the initial density of breeders was considerably higher in the deciduous habitat than in the coniferous habitat, provision of nestboxes increased density by a similar number of additional pairs in each habitat type. Thus, the provision of nestboxes in managed coniferous forests may be as effective in increasing the breeding opportunities of cavity nesters as in deciduous stands. Moreover, previous research showed that pairs in deciduous habitat with nestboxes have consistently lower breeding success than those in coniferous habitat with nestboxes. It is possible that the addition of nestboxes in the preferred habitat increased density to such an extent that density-dependent effects became apparent.     

Unresolved native range taxonomy complicates inferences in invasion ecology: <Emphasis Type="Italic">Acacia dealbata</Emphasis> Link as an example

Elaborate and expensive endeavours are underway worldwide to understand and manage biological invasions. However, the success of such efforts can be jeopardised due to taxonomic uncertainty. We highlight how unresolved native range taxonomy can complicate inferences in invasion ecology using the invasive tree Acacia dealbata in South Africa as an example. Acacia dealbata is thought to comprise two subspecies based on morphological characteristics and environmental requirements within its native range in Australia: ssp. dealbata and spp. subalpina. Biological control is the most promising option for managing invasive A. dealbata populations in South Africa, but it remains unknown which genetic/taxonomic entities are present in the country. Resolving this question is crucial for selecting appropriate biological control agents and for identifying areas with the highest invasion risk. We used species distribution models (SDMs) and phylogeographic approaches to address this issue. The ability of subspecies-specific and overall species SDMs to predict occurrences in South Africa was also explored. Furthermore, as non-overlapping bioclimatic niches between the two taxonomic entities may translate into evolutionary distinctiveness, we also tested genetic distances between the entities using DNA sequencing data and network analysis. Both approaches were unable to differentiate the two putative subspecies of A. dealbata. However, the SDM approach revealed a potential niche shift in the non-native range, and DNA sequencing results suggested repeated introductions of different native provenances into South Africa. Our findings provide important information for ongoing biological control attempts and highlight the importance of resolving taxonomic uncertainties in invasion ecology.     

The European Renal Genome Project: An Integrated Approach Towards Understanding the Genetics of Kidney Development and Disease

Rapid progress in genome research creates a wealth of information on the functional annotation of mammalian genome sequences. However, as we accumulate large amounts of scientific information we are facing problems of how to integrate and relate the data produced by various genomic approaches. Here, we propose the novel concept of an organ atlas where diverse data from expression maps to histological findings to mutant phenotypes can be queried, compared and visualized in the context of a three-dimensional reconstruction of the organ. We will seek proof of concept for the organ atlas by elucidating genetic pathways involved in development and pathophysiology of the kidney. Such a kidney atlas may provide a paradigm for a new systems-biology approach in functional genome research aimed at understanding the genetic bases of organ development, physiology and disease.Key Words: EuReGene, kidney, genome, development, pathophysiology, genetics     

Historical range contraction,and not taxonomy,explains the contemporary genetic structure of the Australian tree <Emphasis Type="Italic">Acacia dealbata</Emphasis> Link

Irrespective of its causes, strong population genetic structure indicates a lack of gene flow. Understanding the processes that underlie such structure, and the spatial patterns it causes, is valuable for conservation efforts such as restoration. On the other hand, when a species is invasive outside its native range, such information can aid management in the non-native range. Here we explored the genetic characteristics of the Australian tree Acacia dealbata in its native range. Two subspecies of A. dealbata have previously been described based on morphology and environmental requirements, but recent phylogeographic data raised questions regarding the validity of this taxonomic subdivision. The species has been widely planted within and outside its native Australian range and is also a highly successful invasive species in many parts of the world. We employed microsatellite markers to investigate the population genetic diversity and structure among 42 A. dealbata populations from across the species’ native range. We also tested whether environmental variables purportedly relevant for the putative separation of subspecies are linked with population genetic differentiation. We found no relationship between population genetic structure of A. dealbata in Australia and these environmental features. Rather, we identified two geographically distinct genetic clusters that corresponded with populations in the northeastern part of mainland Australia, and the southern mainland and Tasmanian range of the species. Our results do not support the taxonomic subdivision of the species into two distinct subspecies based on environmental features. We therefore assume that the observed morphological differences between the putative subspecies are plastic phenotypic responses. This study provides population genetic information that will be useful for the conservation of the species within Australia as well as to better understand the invasion dynamics of A. dealbata.