Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Parice A. Brandies, Belinda R. Wright, Carolyn J. Hogg, Catherine E. Grueber, Katherine Belov
Summary: Interindividual variation at genes known to play a role in reproduction may impact reproductive fitness in Tasmanian devils. The study identified functional diversity at reproductive genes, with two genes ADAMTS9 and NANOG showing putative signatures of balancing selection. Researchers will further investigate the interplay between reproductive gene variation and reproductive fitness in Tasmanian devil populations.
MOLECULAR ECOLOGY RESOURCES
(2021)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Debra M. Shier, Gregory F. Grether, Elizabeth E. Reid-Wainscoat, Samantha Fox, David Pemberton, Jodie Elmer, Ronald R. Swaisgood
Summary: Familiarizing resident Tasmanian devils with the scent of released devils may reduce aggression during translocation, according to a controlled experiment.
BEHAVIORAL ECOLOGY AND SOCIOBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Nynke Raven, Marcel Klaassen, Thomas Madsen, Frederic Thomas, Rodrigo K. Hamede, Beata Ujvari
Summary: Understanding the effects of wildlife diseases on populations requires analyzing multiple factors, including local environmental conditions, host defence mechanisms, host life-history trade-offs, pathogen population dynamics, and their interactions. This study investigated the expression of 10 immune genes in Tasmanian devil blood and found that the expression of these genes differed across seasons and in the presence of DFTD infection. There was also a strong positive association between the expression of an innate immune gene and DFTD infection.
Article
Ecology
Fatih Veysel Nurcin, Niyazi Senturk, Elbrus Imanov, Sam Thalmann, Karen Fagg
Summary: This study aims to develop a computer vision system to assist in monitoring the spread of Devil Facial Tumour Disease (DFTD). The proposed system uses image segmentation, feature extraction, and classification to differentiate healthy devils from those with DFTD. The algorithm achieved 92.4% classification accuracy, providing a helpful tool for field workers and allowing for more frequent analysis of devils.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Cleopatra Petrohilos, Amanda Patchett, Carolyn J. Hogg, Katherine Belov, Emma Peel
Summary: The Tasmanian devil is endangered due to the spread of a contagious cancer called Devil Facial Tumour Disease (DFTD). In this study, seven recently characterized Tasmanian devil cathelicidins were tested for their potential role in cancer regulation. The results showed that four cathelicidins were toxic to DFTD cells and caused cellular stress, while the most toxic peptide also suppressed important signaling pathways associated with cancer proliferation. Additionally, three cathelicidins induced inflammatory pathways in DFTD cells, potentially recruiting immune cells. These findings suggest that devil cathelicidins have potential anti-cancer and inflammatory functions that warrant further exploration as potential treatment leads.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Paula E. Adams, Anna B. Crist, Ellen M. Young, John H. Willis, Patrick C. Phillips, Janna L. Fierst
Summary: The outcrossing species C. remanei can recover from inbreeding, but the recovery is limited by the presence of a large number of segregating deleterious variants in natural populations.
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Hannah E. Roberts, Kerry V. Fanson, Naomi Hodgens, Marissa L. Parrott, Pauleen Bennett, La Toya Jamieson
Summary: This study explores the feasibility of using detection dogs as a non-invasive method to detect female estrus in a captive breeding program for the endangered Tasmanian devil. The results show that detection dogs can to some extent correctly distinguish between estrus and non-estrus devil fecal samples, providing a promising tool for monitoring reproductive status in wildlife.
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Sebastian Martinuzzi, Ashley M. Olah, Luis Rivera, Natalia Politi, Eduarda M. O. Silveira, Guillermo Martinez Pastur, Yamina M. Rosas, Leonidas Lizarraga, Paula Nazaro, Sofia Bardavid, Volker C. Radeloff, Anna M. Pidgeon
Summary: Closing the research-implementation gap is crucial for biodiversity conservation. This study in Argentina combines species distributions, human footprint data, and existing forest zoning to identify priority forest conservation areas. The research highlights the inadequacy of the current zoning scheme in protecting priority conservation areas and emphasizes the value of integrating species distributions and human footprint maps into land use plans to guide conservation efforts.
BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Julia Silver, Mary E. Norton
Summary: The use of expanded carrier screening, which can test for hundreds of genetic disorders at the same time, presents challenges and complexities due to the limited knowledge of genetic sequencing among front-line obstetric health care professionals. Urgent attention is required to address issues such as reclassification of variants, pretest and posttest counseling, and the responsibilities of health care professionals in ensuring patients understand the process of variant interpretation.
OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biology
Amanda R. Stahlke, Brendan Epstein, Soraia Barbosa, Mark J. Margres, Austin H. Patton, Sarah A. Hendricks, Anne Veillet, Alexandra K. Fraik, Barbara Schonfeld, Hamish I. McCallum, Rodrigo Hamede, Menna E. Jones, Andrew Storfer, Paul A. Hohenlohe
Summary: The study found that Tasmanian devils are undergoing multi-locus evolutionary response to devil facial tumour disease, involving multiple aspects such as cell cycling and immune response. Limited overlap was observed between historical and contemporary selection, indicating a unique evolutionary response of devils to the disease.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Camille Kessler, Alice Brambilla, Dominique Waldvogel, Glauco Camenisch, Iris Biebach, Deborah M. Leigh, Christine Grossen, Daniel Croll
Summary: The study explores the impact of immune function polymorphism on health and reproductive success within species, as well as the significance of genetic diversity loss in extinction risk. Through the design of a microfluidics-based amplicon sequencing assay, comprehensive genetic variation in Alpine ibex was successfully captured, revealing unexpectedly high genetic differentiation at immunity-related loci within the species.
MOLECULAR ECOLOGY RESOURCES
(2022)
Review
Forestry
Janet R. Backs, Mary Ashley
Summary: Quercus species, as integral components of the landscape in the northern hemisphere, have been threatened by human activities, highlighting the need to address their genetic variability and structure for conservation management strategies. The lack of sufficient genetic data for the protected oak species underscores critical research gaps that exist in this field.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
John G. Black, Anthony R. J. van Rooyen, Dean Heinze, Robbie Gaffney, Ary A. Hoffmann, Thomas L. Schmidt, Andrew R. Weeks
Summary: Identifying and analysing isolated populations is crucial for conservation. This study investigates the genetic structure and individual heterozygosity patterns of the eastern barred bandicoot in Tasmania, Australia. The findings reveal isolated populations undergoing significant genetic drift and multiple fine-scale differentiation regions. The study also highlights variations in individual heterozygosity within populations and spatial patterns of heterozygosity.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Soraia Barbosa, Kimberly R. Andrews, Amanda R. Goldberg, Digpal S. Gour, Paul A. Hohenlohe, Courtney J. Conway, Lisette P. Waits
Summary: This study examines the neutral and adaptive processes in species and population differentiation using recently diverged sister species of ground squirrels. The results highlight the importance of neutral and adaptive differentiation in understanding genetic structure and environmental adaptation, with implications for conservation efforts.
Article
Fisheries
Candida Wong, Jocelyn M. Darby, Peter R. Murphy, Terry L. Pinfold, Patrick R. Lennard, Gregory M. Woods, A. Bruce Lyons, Andrew S. Flies
Summary: The study showed that Tasmanian devil's CTLA4 and CD28 can capture CD80 and CD86, opening up possibilities for the translation of checkpoint immunotherapies to evolutionarily divergent species. These findings suggest the potential for immune checkpoint therapies to be applied across different species.
DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
C. J. Hogg, E. A. McLennan, P. Wise, A. Lee, D. Pemberton, S. Fox, K. Belov, C. E. Grueber
BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION
(2020)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Samantha R. Mulvena, Jennifer C. Pierson, Katherine A. Farquharson, Elspeth A. McLennan, Carolyn J. Hogg, Catherine E. Grueber
CONSERVATION GENETICS
(2020)
Article
Evolutionary Biology
Katherine A. Farquharson, Carolyn J. Hogg, Katherine Belov, Catherine E. Grueber
EVOLUTIONARY APPLICATIONS
(2020)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Rebecca M. Gooley, Carolyn J. Hogg, Samantha Fox, David Pemberton, Katherine Belov, Catherine E. Grueber
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Alison M. Flanagan, Bryce Masuda, Catherine E. Grueber, Jolene T. Sutton
Summary: Research on the Hawaiian Crow conservation breeding program revealed that inbreeding has a negative impact on offspring survival, with parental egg incubation improving survival rates. However, inbreeding does not significantly affect offspring reproductive success if they breed with distantly related mates. The study also identified a specific inbreeding threshold value that impacts survival rates, highlighting the importance of managing inbreeding in pedigree-managed populations.
CONSERVATION BIOLOGY
(2021)
Book Review
Zoology
Travis M. Livieri
JOURNAL OF MAMMALOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Parice A. Brandies, Belinda R. Wright, Carolyn J. Hogg, Catherine E. Grueber, Katherine Belov
Summary: Interindividual variation at genes known to play a role in reproduction may impact reproductive fitness in Tasmanian devils. The study identified functional diversity at reproductive genes, with two genes ADAMTS9 and NANOG showing putative signatures of balancing selection. Researchers will further investigate the interplay between reproductive gene variation and reproductive fitness in Tasmanian devil populations.
MOLECULAR ECOLOGY RESOURCES
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Belinda R. Wright, Carolyn J. Hogg, Elspeth A. McLennan, Katherine Belov, Catherine E. Grueber
Summary: Captive breeding for conservation faces challenges such as small population size, founder effects, lack of migration, which influence the genetic makeup through selection, genetic drift, and gene flow. Our study on Tasmanian devils shows that genetic drift may lead to allele loss in smaller populations, while managed breeding in captivity can minimize inbreeding over time. Gene flow plays a key role in shaping population structure and increasing genetic diversity in managed populations.
BIODIVERSITY AND CONSERVATION
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Luke W. Silver, Carolyn J. Hogg, Belinda R. Wright, Catherine E. Grueber
Summary: This study used 39 resequenced devil genomes to characterize diversity at behavior-associated genes, finding variations that may influence their functions. However, there was little evidence of an association between genetic profile and the probability of being struck by a vehicle.
CONSERVATION GENETICS
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
A. L. Wright, J. R. Anson, V Leo, B. R. Wright, T. M. Newsome, C. E. Grueber
Summary: Common species play a significant role in shaping ecosystem structure and function. The reintroduction of common species is an important step in restoring severely impacted habitats. Genetic impacts of a reintroduction of the native bush rat were assessed, and no short-term interventions were necessary to promote genetic diversity. Continued genetic monitoring is important to ensure the stability of the population.
ANIMAL CONSERVATION
(2022)
Article
Biology
Sean Hoban, Frederick Archer, Laura D. Bertola, Jason G. Bragg, Martin F. Breed, Michael W. Bruford, Melinda A. Coleman, Robert Ekblom, W. Chris Funk, Catherine E. Grueber, Brian K. Hand, Rodolfo Jaffe, Evelyn Jensen, Jeremy S. Johnson, Francine Kershaw, Libby Liggins, Anna J. MacDonald, Joachim Mergeay, Joshua M. Miller, Frank Muller-Karger, David O'Brien, Ivan Paz-Vinas, Kevin M. Potter, Orly Razgour, Cristiano Vernesi, Margaret E. Hunter
Summary: Biodiversity is crucial for the resilience, function, economies, and well-being of ecosystems, but understanding how it sustains ecosystems under stress and environmental change requires new approaches to biodiversity data. The Group on Earth Observations Biodiversity Observation Network (GEO BON) has developed Essential Biodiversity Variables (EBVs) as fundamental metrics to aggregate and interpret biodiversity observation data. Genetic Composition EBVs (Genetic EBVs), which measure within-species genetic variation, are proposed and ranked according to relevance, sensitivity to change, generalizability, scalability, feasibility, and data availability. The implementation of Genetic EBVs faces challenges in terms of aggregation, standardization, and costs, but advances in genetic data collection and availability provide opportunities for their integration into global conservation policy.
BIOLOGICAL REVIEWS
(2022)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Carolyn J. Hogg, Luke Silver, Elspeth A. McLennan, Katherine Belov
Summary: Genome sequencing is a powerful tool for managing threatened species, and the Koala Genome Survey was developed to address the lack of genomic diversity studies in koala populations. The survey has released 430 koala genomes to accelerate conservation research.
Review
Biodiversity Conservation
Sarah E. Dalrymple, Thomas Abeli, John G. Ewen, Tania C. Gilbert, Carolyn J. Hogg, Natasha A. Lloyd, Axel Moehrenschlager, Jon Paul Rodriguez, Donal Smith
Summary: The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species includes 84 plants and animals listed as Extinct in the Wild (EW), meaning they have been lost from their natural habitats. Our analysis shows that 60% of these species are associated with ecoregions with very little intact habitat. Invasive species, pollution, and climate change also pose major threats to more than half of the EW species, making it difficult for them to be reintroduced to the wild. Despite these challenges, we present five scenarios and potential conservation actions for each to help recover EW species and prevent their extinction.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Murraya R. Lane, Arianne Lowe, Jelena Vukcevic, Robert G. Clark, George Madani, Damien P. Higgins, Luke Silver, Katherine Belov, Carolyn J. Hogg, Karen J. Marsh
Summary: This study evaluated the health parameters of rehabilitated koalas and resident koalas in burnt and unburnt habitats. The results showed that the body condition of rehabilitated koalas improved significantly over time and was similar to that of resident koalas at 12-16 months. The prevalence of Chlamydia pecorum was also similar between groups and timepoints, indicating that wildfire and rehabilitation did not worsen the disease in this population. Although there were some variations in serum biochemistry and haematology parameters, most of them were within normal reference ranges. The findings suggest that koalas were generally healthy at the time of release and when recaptured nine months later. The landscapes in the Monaro region with a mosaic of burn severity can support koalas, and returning rehabilitated koalas to burnt habitats 4-6 months post-fire does not compromise their health.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Jennifer C. Pierson, Laurence Berry, Lauren Alexander, Jennifer Anson, Michelle Birkett, Leah Kemp, Bruce A. Pascoe, Katherine A. Farquharson, Carolyn J. Hogg
Summary: The application of genetic data to conservation management programs can be hindered by the mismatch in timelines for management decisions and the acquisition of genetic data, particularly genomic sequence data that may require outsourcing. Genetic principles can provide general guidelines for actions when data are absent, but fine-tuning actions through adaptive management using genetic data can be more effective. In the case of establishing a metapopulation of the red-tailed phascogale, genetic data from captive breeding programs were used to guide the allocation of founders to new populations, allowing for diversity within and among the sites.
