Article
Evolutionary Biology
Ernesto Raya-Garcia, Ireri Suazo-Ortuno, Ana Berenice Garcia-Andrade, Maria Gloria Solis-Guzman, Rodolfo Perez-Rodriguez
Summary: This study used phylogenetic and coalescent-based approaches to investigate the phylogenetic relationships and differentiation levels among the subspecies of Aspidoscelis lineattissimus. The results revealed five differentiated lineages within the A. lineattissimus complex, and their origin and diversification were strongly associated with climatic fluctuations.
Article
Biology
Carly N. Cook, Kent H. Redford, Mark W. Schwartz
Summary: With the rapid growth of genomic data, our understanding of biodiversity has expanded, but also faces challenges. Genomic data can inform decision-making in managing genetic diversity, but policies protecting identified taxonomic entities can generate conflicting recommendations that complicate practitioners' work. When facing new and possibly conflicting interpretations of genomic data, three management concerns arise: defining conservation entities, managing diversity, and evaluating risks and benefits. Values play an underappreciated role in influencing management choices, creating complications through conflicting perceptions of the causes and consequences of conservation problems. We recommend reflection on values and roles for both conservation geneticists and practitioners to build a more robust species management system.
Article
Zoology
Carine C. Chamon, Ilana Fichberg
Summary: The genus Rineloricaria is a highly diverse group, but only three formally described species have been found in the Tocantins-Araguaia River basin. A recent study discovered a previously undescribed species from the same basin, which can be distinguished from its congeners by its greater number of teeth.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
H. Fraser, S. M. Legge, S. T. Garnett, H. Geyle, J. Silcock, T. Nou, T. Collingwood, K. A. Cameron, F. Fraser, A. Mulcahy, G. Walker, J. C. Z. Woinarski
Summary: Many conservation initiatives aim to reduce biodiversity decline, but specific targets are rare. The implementation of the Threatened Species Strategy in Australia in 2015 aimed to improve the population trajectory of 71 species by 2020. However, the assessment showed mixed results with some species improving and others deteriorating.
BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Brian Pentz, Nicole Klenk
Summary: The governance of northern cod recovery revolves around three core discourses: biological, industrial, and community. These discourses are characterized by their epistemic orientation, emphasis on institutions and rules, framings of risk, stakeholder priorities, goals, and interests, and lessons learned from collapse. Recovery of a commercial species is not solely determined by biological metrics, but also by decision-makers' valuation of knowledge systems, salient risk frames, and lessons gleaned from collapse. Co-productive approaches have the potential to complement adaptive strategies for reconciling competing discourses.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Philip Donkersley, Sammy Witchalls, Elias H. Bloom, David W. Crowder
Summary: Insect pollinators are declining globally. Efforts to restore habitat for pollinators are underway, with both small-scale and large-scale interventions showing benefits for pollinator species richness and abundance. However, small interventions are only effective when densely distributed at a landscape level.
AGRICULTURE ECOSYSTEMS & ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Fatemeh Moures-Nouri, Mahmoud-Reza Hemami, Azita Rezvani, Benjamin Ghasemi
Summary: This study examined the attitudes of local residents in 19 rural communities in southwestern Iran towards striped hyenas, as well as the nature, extent, and drivers of human-hyena conflicts.The findings suggest that while some fear and aversion towards hyenas exist, overall attitudes towards the species are positive. Attitudes towards hyenas were negatively correlated with levels of hatred and positively correlated with knowledge about them. Improving education levels among local residents could help reduce superstitious beliefs and negative attitudes towards hyenas.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Carolyn J. Hogg, Kym Ottewell, Peter Latch, Maurizio Rossetto, James Biggs, Andrew Gilbert, Sarah Richmond, Katherine Belov
Summary: Globally, less than 3% of threatened animal species have genomic resources for conservation management. To address this, a consortium in Australia launched the Threatened Species Initiative to develop genomic data and tools for conservation practitioners. The objective is to empower conservation practitioners to access and apply genomic data to their decision-making processes through a web-based portal.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Donna Bradbury, Rachel M. Binks, Andrew Webb, Margaret Byrne
Summary: Using SNP data, a population genomic analysis of a morphologically ambiguous plant species complex (Conospermum caeruleum; Proteaceae) from Australia revealed three genetically divergent groups that were inconsistent with the current taxonomy, but consistent with geographic distribution. One of the groups can be considered a management unit for the conservation of population genetic structure and diversity. A taxonomic revision of the Conospermum genus is recommended using a phylogenomic approach, and conservation strategies should be informed by genetic data.
BIODIVERSITY AND CONSERVATION
(2023)
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
Biodiversity Conservation
Stephen G. Kearney, James E. M. Watson, April E. Reside, Diana O. Fisher, Martine Maron, Tim S. Doherty, Sarah M. Legge, John C. Z. Woinarski, Stephen T. Garnett, Brendan A. Wintle, Euan G. Ritchie, Don A. Driscoll, David Lindenmayer, Vanessa M. Adams, Michelle S. Ward, Josie Carwardine
Summary: Earth's extinction crisis is worsening and threat classification schemes are crucial for assessing the drivers and threats causing species declines. However, there is a lack of a complementary framework for evaluating the conservation responses needed to reduce these threats. In this study, an expert-driven threat-abatement framework was developed and applied to 1532 threatened species in Australia, highlighting the importance of retaining and restoring habitat, controlling invasive species and diseases, and improving fire management for species recovery. Integrated management responses are necessary for the survival and recovery of most species.
BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Leonardo Lopes Costa, Ilana Rosental Zalmon
Summary: This study investigated macroinvertebrates from sandy beaches on a global scale through meta-analysis, revealing that species co-occurring in different types of beaches have higher umbrella potential. Most umbrella taxa respond negatively to human disturbances, and these taxa also exhibit higher percentages of co-occurring species compared to non-umbrella species.
BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Zander S. Venter, Ruben E. Roos, Megan S. Nowell, Graciela M. Rusch, Gunnar M. Kvifte, Markus A. K. Sydenham
Summary: Comparing three land cover maps, it was found that DW performed best in predicting wild bee species richness, followed by ELC10 and WC. These satellite-derived maps can provide support in species distribution modeling and contribute to biodiversity conservation.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Chao Li, Han Xiao, Xiuxia Zhang, Hungdu Lin, Kathryn R. Elmer, Jun Zhao
Summary: Identifying cryptic species is crucial for biodiversity assessment, and understanding the mechanisms behind their origins can enhance our knowledge of evolutionary processes. Recent advancements in genomics have provided unprecedented opportunities to study these areas. In this study, we used genome-wide RADseq data to test and quantify the genomic differences between six cryptic species within the White Cloud Mountain minnow (Tanichthys albonubes) complex. Our findings support the existence of these previously suggested cryptic species, and suggest a late stage of cryptic speciation with limited gene flow. This research provides new insights into cryptic speciation and has important implications for the conservation and management of the T. albonubes complex.
MOLECULAR PHYLOGENETICS AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Ryan McGeady, Sophie L. Loca, Chris McGonigle
Summary: The findings indicate that fisheries management measures have been effective in increasing the population of the common skate species complex, although there is little evidence of recolonizing previously extirpated areas.
DIVERSITY AND DISTRIBUTIONS
(2022)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Marlis R. Douglas, Tyler K. Chafin, Julie E. Claussen, David P. Philipp, Michael E. Douglas
Summary: Population genomic analyses of SNPs can diagnose the demographics of co-occurring species, defining gene flow, local adaptations, and population structure. This study on bonefish and queen conch indicated asymmetrical gene flow and differentiation patterns, supporting a vicariant barrier hypothesis. The results offer templates for future research endeavors with these species, highlighting the potential for diagnosing genetic structure and source populations within a demographic continuum.
MARINE ECOLOGY-AN EVOLUTIONARY PERSPECTIVE
(2021)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Binod Regmi, Marlis R. Douglas, David R. Edds, Michael E. Douglas
Summary: Research on freshwater fishes in the river and lake systems in the Himalayas and Tibetan Plateau revealed morphological and genetic differences among populations of snowtrout, with some populations showing morphological divergence but not significant genetic differentiation. These variations are mainly driven by isolation and specialization, and current taxonomy inadequately reflects the diversity of the species. Additional data is necessary for appropriate management and effective conservation plans.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Bradley T. Martin, Tyler K. Chafin, Marlis R. Douglas, John S. Placyk, Roger D. Birkhead, Christopher A. Phillips, Michael E. Douglas
Summary: The study evaluated the effectiveness of machine-learning in species delimitation, finding that its performance varies depending on the bioinformatic parameters chosen. Additionally, it was shown that phylogenetic discordance can seriously impact the classification results of machine-learning.
MOLECULAR ECOLOGY RESOURCES
(2021)
Article
Evolutionary Biology
Tyler K. Chafin, Zachery D. Zbinden, Marlis R. Douglas, Bradley T. Martin, Christopher R. Middaugh, M. Cory Gray, Jennifer R. Ballard, Michael E. Douglas
Summary: Approximately 100 years ago, unregulated harvest nearly eliminated white-tailed deer from eastern North America, leading to wildlife management becoming a national priority. A study in Arkansas utilizing molecular tools found genetic signatures from historic translocations are apparent and geographic barriers now influence the distribution of contemporary ancestry in deer populations.
EVOLUTIONARY APPLICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Brenna A. Levine, Marlis R. Douglas, Amy A. Yackel Adams, Bjorn Lardner, Robert N. Reed, Julie A. Savidge, Michael E. Douglas
Summary: Managing invasive species requires consideration of the heritability of traits targeted by control measures and their relationship with reproductive success to avoid potential negative repercussions.
BIOLOGICAL INVASIONS
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Marlis R. Douglas, Steven M. Mussmann, Tyler K. Chafin, Whitney J. B. Anthonysamy, Mark A. Davis, Matthew P. Mulligan, Robert L. Schooley, Wade Louis, Michael E. Douglas
Summary: The study utilized genetic analysis to assess dispersal and population connectivity of prairie voles in restoration sites, showing high connectivity and indicating that the agricultural landscape is highly permeable for voles. While genetic structure was detected in meadow voles, relatedness estimates suggest it is due to social behavior among populations rather than spatial isolation.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Whitney J. B. Anthonysamy, Michael J. Dreslik, Sarah J. Baker, Mark A. Davis, Marlis R. Douglas, Michael E. Douglas, Christopher A. Phillips
Summary: Measures of gene flow and genetic diversity are crucial for evaluating population trends and considering management and conservation strategies for wildlife. In this study, a molecular assessment was conducted on the remaining Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake hibernacula in Illinois to understand diversity and connectivity patterns. The results showed limited connectivity and distinct genetic clusters among the study areas, emphasizing the need for separate management units and preservation of genetic diversity.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Zachery D. Zbinden, Marlis R. Douglas, Tyler K. Chafin, Michael E. Douglas
Summary: This study evaluated the genetic beta-diversity of 31 co-distributed native stream fishes in the White River Basin using SNP genotyping. The study identified general spatial patterns corresponding to river network architecture and found that a significant proportion of intraspecific genetic variation was explained by the stream hierarchy model. These findings have important implications for conservation and management in the ecosystem.
Article
Biology
Zachery D. D. Zbinden, Marlis R. R. Douglas, Tyler K. K. Chafin, Michael E. E. Douglas
Summary: Hybridization is a widespread and environmentally dependent process among species, although its rates within and among communities are poorly understood. In this study, we examined hybridization in 75 freshwater fish communities within the Ozarks of the North American Interior Highlands using genetic analysis. We found evidence of hybridization among 18 species-pairs involving 73% of the study species, with the majority concentrated within one family. Our findings highlight the spatial and environmental factors influencing hybrid occurrence and provide a more comprehensive understanding of natural hybridization.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Binod Regmi, Marlis R. Douglas, Karma Wangchuk, Zachery D. Zbinden, David R. Edds, Singye Tshering, Michael E. Douglas
Summary: Global biodiversity hotspots, such as the Himalaya Mountains and Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, are remote and tectonically active areas. A study on the Snowtrout fish species found that it originated in Central Asia and dispersed through the Himalaya and into Bhutan. The study provides a foundation for understanding and conserving the unique aquatic biodiversity of the Himalaya.
Article
Mathematical & Computational Biology
Steven M. Mussmann, Marlis R. Douglas, Tyler K. Chafin, Michael E. Douglas
Summary: AdmixPipe v3 is a bioinformatics pipeline that facilitates population structure analysis by integrating results from multiple software packages. By packaging it within a Docker container, AdmixPipe v3 provides a standardized analytical environment that allows for complex analyses to be replicated by different researchers.
BIOINFORMATICS ADVANCES
(2023)