Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ainhoa Lopez, Carlos Carreras, Marta Pascual, Cinta Pegueroles
Summary: Conservation genomic studies rely on reduced representation sequencing techniques based on restriction enzymes. This study evaluated the distribution and functional composition of loci obtained using Genotyping-by-Sequencing (GBS) in different species. The selection of restriction enzymes was found to affect the enrichment of loci in specific regions and emphasized the importance of high-quality annotated genomes.
MOLECULAR ECOLOGY RESOURCES
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Hong Ma, Yongbo Liu, Detuan Liu, Weibang Sun, Xiongfang Liu, Youming Wan, Xiujiao Zhang, Rengang Zhang, Quanzheng Yun, Jihua Wang, Zhenghong Li, Yongpeng Ma
Summary: This study presents a high-quality genome of the critically endangered Rhododendron griersonianum, revealing its low genetic diversity and historical genetic bottlenecks. These findings provide valuable resources and insights for future research and conservation efforts for this species.
Article
Ecology
Brandon T. Sinn, Sandra J. Simon, Mathilda Santee, Stephen P. DiFazio, Nicole M. Fama, Craig F. Barrett
Summary: Generating densely sampled single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data is essential in various fields of biology, but wet-laboratory expertise and bioinformatics training can be limiting factors. ISSRseq, a PCR-based method, offers a straightforward approach to reduced representation of genomic variation, requiring only simple wet-laboratory skills and commonplace instrumentation. This method is highly repeatable, flexible, and capable of genomic-scale variant discovery on par with existing methods that are more complex.
METHODS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Natalie J. Forsdick, Denise Martini, Liz Brown, Hugh B. Cross, Richard F. Maloney, Tammy E. Steeves, Michael Knapp
Summary: Genomic analysis was used to reassess the extent of introgression resulting from interspecific hybridisation between the critically endangered kaki over bar and the non-threatened poaka. The study found no evidence of poaka genetic material introgression in the wild adult kaki over bar population, indicating that existing microsatellite markers are effective for detecting potential hybrid individuals.
GLOBAL ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Chengchuan Zhou, Shiqi Xia, Qiang Wen, Ying Song, Quanquan Jia, Tian Wang, Liting Liu, Tianlin Ouyang
Summary: This study found that the genetic diversity of Ormosia henryi populations in southern China is relatively low, with moderate genetic differentiation and four genetic groups. The populations in southern Jiangxi Province showed high levels of genetic admixture. Due to continuous habitat loss and extremely small effective population size, the endangered status of O. henryi is seriously underestimated, and artificial conservation measures should be taken to prevent extinction.
Review
Forestry
Julianus Kinho, Suhartati, Husna, Faisal Danu Tuheteru, Diah Irawati Dwi Arini, Moh. Andika Lawasi, Resti Ura', Retno Prayudyaningsih, Yulianti, Subarudi, Lutfy Abdulah, Ruliyana Susanti, Totok Kartono Waluyo, Sona Suhartana, Andianto, Marfuah Wardani, Titi Kalima, Elis Tambaru, Wahyudi Isnan, Adi Susilo, Ngatiman, Laode Alhamd, Dulsalam, Soenarno
Summary: Indonesia has a diverse range of wood species, with around 4000 species and 10% (400) being commercial wood. One of the commercial wood species is kayu kuku (Pericopsis mooniana Thwaites), native to Southeast Sulawesi. This species has faced challenges due to excessive logging and difficulties in seedling production and nursery technology. Efforts are being made to conserve and sustainably use P. mooniana through improved silviculture techniques and both in situ and ex situ conservation measures.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Andrew Digby, Daryl Eason, Alejandro Catalina, Michael Lierz, Stephanie Galla, Lara Urban, Marissa F. Le Lec, Joseph Guhlin, Tammy E. Steeves, Peter K. Dearden, Tineke Joustra, Caroline Lees, Tane Davis, Deidre Vercoe
Summary: Hand-rearing can negatively impact the reproductive fertility of male birds, while the fertility of females is not affected. However, having multiple mates and copulations can increase fertility. These findings have significant implications for the conservation management of threatened bird species.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Fan Zhang, Hongzhang Xue, Xiaorui Dong, Min Li, Xiaoming Zheng, Zhikang Li, Jianlong Xu, Wensheng Wang, Chaochun Wei
Summary: This study introduced new steps for handling long-read data and constructed a high-quality rice pan-genome that is more comprehensive than the one based on short-read sequencing. The main components of novel sequences are repetitive sequences, and the pan-genome constructed from long-read data is more representative than the one constructed from short-read data.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Elisabeth Slooten, Stephen M. Dawson
Summary: The paper provides an overview of Hector's dolphin conservation, emphasizing the importance of early action, clear management goals, and large-scale protection measures. It warns that compromise can have high biological costs and highlights the significant role of politics and social processes in achieving conservation outcomes. Scientists play crucial roles in the process, with outcomes closely tied to political interests.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Luca Di Nuzzo, Paolo Giordani, Renato Benesperi, Giorgio Brunialti, Zuzana Fackovcova, Luisa Frati, Juri Nascimbene, Sonia Ravera, Chiara Vallese, Luca Paoli, Elisabetta Bianchi
Summary: Microclimatic conditions play a crucial role in determining lichen distribution, especially in forest management. This study reveals that forest logging and microclimatic conditions have an impact on the growth of Lobaria pulmonaria, with lower growth probabilities observed on isolated trees in logged areas and higher growth probabilities for samples transplanted north in unlogged areas.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Stephanie J. Szarmach, Alan Brelsford, Christopher C. Witt, David P. L. Toews
Summary: Researchers studying genomic data for non-model organisms face trade-offs between reduced representation methods and whole genome resequencing, impacting marker density, sequencing depth, and multiplexing capabilities. This study compared GBS, ddRAD, and WGS sequencing data for the yellow-rumped warbler species complex, finding that WGS outperformed the other methods in identifying high levels of differentiation on a finer scale. WGS also allowed for the identification of small regions of elevated differentiation, highlighting its advantages over reduced representation methods.
Article
Environmental Studies
Matthew W. Herring, Stephen T. Garnett, Kerstin K. Zander
Summary: Farmers in Australia are willing to adopt "bittern-friendly" rice growing practices to conserve the endangered Australasian bittern. They are motivated by public recognition of the habitat values of their fields and are willing to forgo profits for conservation efforts. Farmers have preferences for financial incentives and management requirements, with a strong emphasis on flexibility. Incentive programs that use public resources and consumer funding are more preferred than pledge systems and tenders.
Article
Plant Sciences
Sara Torre, Federico Sebastiani, Guia Burbui, Francesco Pecori, Alessia L. Pepori, Iacopo Passeri, Luisa Ghelardini, Alberto Selvaggi, Alberto Santini
Summary: Riparian ecosystems, particularly the distribution of tree riparian species, are heavily impacted by human activities. This study on the phylogeography of the southern distribution of Ulmus laevis highlights the significant role of genetic diversity in Serbian population and the low genetic differentiation between populations.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Biology
Han Zhang, Xin Du, Congcong Dong, Zeyu Zheng, Wenjie Mu, Mingjia Zhu, Yingbo Yang, Xiaojie Li, Hongyin Hu, Nawal Shrestha, Minjie Li, Yongzhi Yang
Summary: Bretschneidera sinensis is an endangered relic tree species in the Akaniaceae family with sporadic distribution in eastern Asia. The chromosome-level high-quality genome of B. sinensis reveals lineage-specific whole-genome duplication and expanded gene families related to mycorrhizal adaptation. Historical effective population size oscillations in response to Quaternary climatic changes and a rapid recent decrease in population size have contributed to the current rarity of B. sinensis, potentially due to disruptions in mycorrhizal adaptation caused by environmental changes during the Holocene.
Article
Environmental Studies
Amy Garbett, Natasha D. Phillips, Jonathan D. R. Houghton, Paulo Prodohl, James Thorburn, Sophie L. Loca, Lawrence E. Eagling, Gary Hannon, Daniel Wise, Liz Pothanikat, Cat Gordon, Maurice Clarke, Peter Williams, Rebecca Hunter, Ronan McShane, Aafke Brader, Jane Dodd, Chris McGonigle, Heidi McIlvenny, Olivia Daly, Ronald Surgenor, Sarah Varian, Peter Verhoog, Gijs Van Zonneveld, Lylian R. Burke, Ian Davies, Terri A. Souster, Paul A. Mayo, Tanja N. Schwanck, Catherine S. Jones, Patrick C. Collins
Summary: The flapper skate, a large European skate species, has been classified as Critically Endangered and efforts have been made to establish the Flapper Skate Working Group (SWG) to support conservation initiatives. Comprising government, NGOs, sport-fishing associates, and academics, the SWG aims to consolidate expertise for the conservation of the species. The first SWG workshop held in Belfast in 2019 focused on conservation efforts in the North-East Atlantic region and produced key recommendations for collaborative conservation in the future.
Article
Ecology
Rachel M. Binks, Neil Gibson, Kym M. Ottewell, Bronwyn Macdonald, Margaret Byrne
JOURNAL OF BIOGEOGRAPHY
(2019)
Article
Ecology
Esther Levy, Margaret Byrne, Joel A. Huey, Mia J. Hillyer, Renee C. Firman, Kym M. Ottewell
JOURNAL OF BIOGEOGRAPHY
(2019)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kym Ottewell, Rujiporn Thavornkanlapachai, Shelley McArthur, Peter B. S. Spencer, Jamie Tedeschi, Brad Durrant, Chris Knuckey, Kyle Armstrong, Margaret Byrne
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY REPORTS
(2020)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Rujiporn Thavornkanlapachai, Esther Levy, You Li, Steven J. B. Cooper, Margaret Byrne, Kym Ottewell
Summary: The taxonomy of Australian Isoodon bandicoots has been changing over the past 20 years, showing uncertainty in species relationships within southern and western Isoodon. Genetic studies have revealed complexities in the classification of I. obesulus and highlighted the need for further research and conservation efforts to protect the populations with low genetic diversity.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Daniel J. White, Kym Ottewell, Peter B. S. Spencer, Michael Smith, Jeff Short, Colleen Sims, Nicola J. Mitchell
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Rujiporn Thavornkanlapachai, Harriet R. Mills, Kym Ottewell, J. Anthony Friend, W. Jason Kennington
Summary: The loss of genetic variation and genetic divergence is a common issue in reintroduction programs using captive animals or a small number of founders. This study found that genetic composition changes in captive and reintroduced populations were associated with the origins of the individuals introduced, and careful management of founder releases can manipulate genetic composition in these populations.
Article
Zoology
Saul Cowen, Michael Smith, Shelley McArthur, Kelly Rayner, Chantelle Jackson, Georgina Anderson, Kym Ottewell
Summary: Monitoring banded hare-wallabies using DNA extracted from faecal material presents a promising non-invasive method, with degradation rates influenced by solar exposure and exposure duration. This study highlights the potential for using novel microsatellite markers for population estimation in this species.
AUSTRALIAN JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY
(2021)
Editorial Material
Biodiversity Conservation
Kym Ottewell, Margaret Byrne
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Kristen Nilsson, David Pearson, Mike Paxman, Anthony Desmond, Jason Kennington, Margaret Byrne, Kym Ottewell
Summary: Black-flanked rock-wallabies in Western Australia are at risk of genetic diversity loss and extinction due to their small and isolated populations. Conservation translocations have been conducted to increase their population sizes, and the introduction of multiple source populations has been shown to enhance genetic diversity. Monitoring of the translocated populations has shown increased genetic diversity over time.
CONSERVATION GENETICS
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Ebony D. Skey, Kym M. Ottewell, Peter B. Spencer, Robyn E. Shaw
Summary: Landscape genetics is shifting towards the use of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) instead of microsatellites to detect spatial-genetic structure. In this study, we compared the performance of SNPs and microsatellites in testing landscape genetic hypotheses for small, arid-zone mammals. SNPs revealed subtle genetic structuring not detected by microsatellites, showed stronger signatures of isolation-by-distance and isolation-by-resistance, and identified more complex resistance surfaces. This study demonstrates the potential of new genetic tools for ecological insights and conservation management in arid landscapes.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Saul Cowen, Colleen Sims, Kym Ottewell, Fiona Knox, Tony Friend, Harriet Mills, Sean Garretson, Kelly Rayner, Lesley Gibson
Summary: Conservation translocations have become popular for rewilding areas that have lost their native fauna. The Dirk Hartog Island National Park Ecological Restoration Project aims to restore ecological function and has undertaken innovative approaches in conservation translocations.
Article
Ecology
Shannon Treloar, Cheryl Lohr, Anna J. M. Hopkins, Kym Ottewell, Shelley McArthur, Robert A. Davis
Summary: The use of noninvasive scat DNA sampling with genetic markers allows for the estimation of mala population abundance.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Lara Semple, Kym Ottewell, Colleen Sims, Henner Simianer, Margaret Byrne
PACIFIC CONSERVATION BIOLOGY
(2020)