Conservation Genetics

Mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla, Meliaceae) is the most valuable and intensively exploited Neotropical tree. No information is available regarding the genetic structure of mahogany in South America, yet the region harbours most of the unlogged populations of this prized hardwood. Here we report on the genetic diversity within and the differentiation among seven natural populations separated by up to 2100 km along the southern arc of the Brazilian Amazon basin. We analysed the variation at eight microsatellite loci for 194 adult individuals. All loci were highly variable, with the number of alleles per locus ranging from 13 to 27 (mean = 18.4). High levels of genetic diversity were found for all populations at the eight loci (mean HE = 0.781, range 0.754–0.812). We found moderate but statistically significant genetic differentiation among populations considering both estimators of FST and RST, θ = 0.097 and ρ = 0.147, respectively. Estimates of θ and ρ were significantly greater than zero for all pairwise population comparisons. Pairwise ρ-values were positively and significantly correlated with geographical distance under the isolation-by-distance model. Furthermore, four of the populations exhibited a significant inbreeding coefficient. The finding of local differentiation among Amazonian mahogany populations underscores the need for in situ conservation of multiple populations of S. macrophylla across its distribution in the Brazilian Amazon. In addition, the occurrence of microgeographical genetic differentiation at a local scale indicates the importance of maintaining populations in their diverse habitats, especially in areas with mosaics of topography and soil.

We evaluated the feasibility of using faeces as a non-invasively collected DNA source for the genetic study of an endangered bird population (capercaillie; Tetrao  urogallus). We used a multitube approach, and for our panel of 11 microsatellites genotyping reliability was estimated at 98% with five repetitions. Experiments showed that free DNases in faecal material were the major cause of DNA degradation. Our results demonstrate that using avian faeces as a source of DNA, reliable microsatellite genotyping can be obtained with a reasonable number of PCR replicates.

The Cape Dwarf Chameleon (Bradypodion pumilum) is an endemic South African species that is currently threatened by habitat loss and fragmentation of its natural habitat through urbanization and agriculture. To conduct studies that will assist in understanding these anthropogenic effects on gene flow, population structure, and genetic diversity, we developed eight microsatellite loci using an enrichment protocol. Number of alleles ranged from 5 to 26 with observed heterozygosities of 0.279–0.930. Several loci did not meet HW expectations, but this may be a result of extreme demographic fluctuations that have been noted for this species. These loci will prove useful to examine the population genetics of these threatened reptiles and for providing information that will be used for generating and updating conservation assessments.

The study examined the Air Pollution Tolerance Index (APTI) of seven different tree species growing around electricity generating houses within the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Main campus, Samaru. Four parameters, leaf relative water content (RWC), ascorbic acid content (AA), total chlorophyll (TCH) and pH of leaf extract were used to compute the APTI of the tree species. Results indicate the order of tolerance showing Azadirachta indica (9.8) < Carica papaya (11.5) < Albizia lebbeck (14.9) < Senna siamea (17.0) <Mangifera indica (17.8) <Khaya senegalensis (19.5) < Termonalia collii (20.9). Terminalia collii, the most tolerant could act as a possible sink for air pollutants around pollution emitting sources. On the other hand, A. indica, the most sensitive of the studied species could serve as a possible indicator of air pollution.

Western European populations of red-crested pochard (Netta rufina) are characterized by low size and high fragmentation, which accentuate their sensitivity to hunting. Uncertainties regarding the demographic trends of these populations highlight the need for pertinent hunting regulations. This requires identification of the limits of the populations under exploitation, i.e. delimiting a management unit. We used the left domain of the mitochondrial control region and seven nuclear loci (four microsatellites and three introns) to assess the level of genetic structure and demographic independence between the fragmented Western European and the large Central Asian populations. The second objective was to investigate the colonization history of the Western European populations. This study demonstrated that the Western European populations of red-crested pochard constitute a separate demographic conservation unit relative to the Asian population as a result of very low female dispersal (m...

A study on the effect of water salinity ranging from 0-30 ppt on hatching success of snake head fish, Channa striatus was conducted in a 15-liter glass aquarium (water volume 10 liters) containing 500 eggs for various levels of water salinity. Fertilization rates at 0, 5, 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14 ppt were 69.33, 72.67, 71.33, 72.67, 82.00, 73.33 and 10.67%, respectively. The fertilization rate at 12-13 ppt salinity was significantly (P<0.05) higher than that at 0, 5, 10 and 11 ppt salinity. Hatching rate at 0, 5, 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14 ppt salinity were 60.00, 60.67, 66.67, 72.00, 77.33, 68.00 and 2.67%, respectively. Hatching rate at 12 ppt salinity was significantly (P<0.05) higher than that at 0, 5, 10, 11 and 13 ppt salinity. For the snake head fish, the water salinity of 12 ppt was shown to give the highest fertilization and hatching rates. The times of hatching out at water salinity of 0-14 ppt were between 1,192-1,442 minutes. After hatching, the survival tolerance of snake head fish larvae in different salinity (0-30 ppt) within 24 hour were then studied using a 50-liter glass aquarium (water volume 30 liters) containing 50 larvae at each level of salinity. All treatments were done in triplicate. The survival rate of fish larvae in the 0, 5, 10, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25 and 30 ppt salinity were 100, 100, 100, 100, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0 and 0 %, respectively. However, fish larvae that had survived at 15 ppt died after 8 days of rearing. The gain rate of total body length, body weight gain rate and survival rate (%) at 10 weeks at water salinity ranging from 0, 5 and 10 ppt were significantly (P<0.05) higher than that at 11, 12, 13 and 14 ppt salinity. However, there were no significance differences (P>0.05) among 0, 5 and 10 ppt.

With a total population of less than 60 individuals limited to two locations, the Javan rhinoceros is perhaps the most endangered large mammal on earth. Although species specific information is crucial to its conservation, its precarious status, habitat inaccessibility, and behavioral adaptations pose major obstacles to its study. Here we report on the first genetic analysis of the two extant populations, in Ujung Kulon, Indonesia, and Cat Tien, Vietnam, and discuss their conservation. As its critically endangered status precluded invasive sampling, we extracted DNA from dung, amplifying and sequencing segments of the mtDNA 12S rRNA gene and the non-coding D-loop. Divergence between Javan rhinos from Ujung Kulon and Cat Tien was similar to that between recognized subspecies of African rhinos, and exceeded that between Sumatran rhinos. The Ujung Kulon and Cat Tien populations represent separate Evolutionary Significant Units, advocating independent management. However, given the precariousness of the Cat Tien population, demographic considerations may override genetic issues in the short term. Genetic diversity of Javan rhinos was low and population expansion in the immediate future will be critical for its survival.

... Acacia acinacea (Fabaceae: Mimosoideae), commonly known as the Gold Dust wattle, is a key species for revegetation in south eastern Australia. ... burn P Avoca Q Castlemaine* R Sea Lake* S Kotta T Gunbower* U Yando* V Gowar W Rich Avon X Back Boga Y Barragunda Z ...

Oculocutaneous albinism (OCA) is a group of hereditary recessive disorder recognized as a loss of pigmentation. OCA can derive from mutations in different genes that produce melanin. These mutations cause disturbances to get a standard melanin synthesis. There are 7 types of oculocutaneous albinism. These include OCA1, OCA2, OCA3, OCA4, OCA5, OCA6, and OCA7. To help OCA patients, it may include management of such as hats with brims and sunscreens. An effective therapy is unavailable for albinism at present. However, to fight OCA in the future, gene therapy can be used. Gene therapy can include use of such as retrovirus vectors, adenovirus vectors, and CRISPR/Cas9 system. Research results in animal models have shown remarkable advances. It means that the gene therapy will be helpful to treat people with albinism.

Procedure:
1. Put on new gloves to handle scat sample (if no gloves: use leaves, pebbles or twigs). Do not touch or handle scat sample with bare hands. Scat sample or parts of scat sample must be selected based on downstream analysis requirements. For example, parts of scat sample containing bones or hair for diet analyses and fresh parts of scat (mostly the outermost layer possessing sloughed off large intestine epithelial layer cells) for predator identification through DNA analysis must be chosen only.
2. Place the selected parts of scat pile in the paper bag and then place paper bag inside a Ziploc® bag containing silica desiccant. Ensure minimal damage of scat morphology and transfer of other elements such as grass, sand, etc. To prevent cross contamination, place only one uniquely identified scat sample in each paper bag. If multiple scat piles exist, handle and collect separately.
3. Label both the paper and the Ziploc® collection bags using permanent ink with details of scat sample – e.g. suspected species, GPS location, date, collecting person's name, macro-and micro-habitat details, etc.
4. If the scat sample is very fresh and moist, add silica desiccant to the Ziploc® bag containing the paper bag in an approximate 4(silica):1(scat) w/w ratio. Reduce silica accordingly – no need to add silica if scat sample appears very dry and old. Scat samples exposed to moisture and sunlight can allow for microbial and UV light activity respectively – both leading to the degradation of DNA in the scat sample. Hence, ensure minimal exposure of scat sample to both elements (moisture and sunlight) after collection.
5. Store sample bags in a cool and dry place and transport to the laboratory for long-term storage at 4 degrees C and subsequent downstream analyses (DNA extraction, etc). Note: Collection must be done strictly based on requirement as removal of complete scat pile(s) from any location may affect or disturb animal behavior or movements.

Kingsnakes of the Lampropeltis getula complex range throughout much of temperate and
subtropical North America. Studies over the last century have used morphology and color pattern to
describe numerous subspecies. More recently, DNA analyses have made invaluable contributions
to our understanding of their evolution and taxonomy. We use genetic and ecological methods
to test previous hypotheses of distinct evolutionary lineages by examining 66 total snakes and
1) analyzing phylogeographic structure using 2 mtDNA loci and 1 nuclear locus, 2) estimating
divergence dates and historical demography among lineages in a Bayesian coalescent framework,
and 3) applying ecological niche modeling (ENM). Our molecular data and ENMs illustrate
that 3 previously recognized subspecies in the eastern United States comprise well-supported
monophyletic lineages that diverged during the Pleistocene. The geographic boundaries of these
3 lineages correspond closely to known biogeographic barriers (Florida peninsula, Appalachian
Mountains, and Apalachicola River) previously identified for other plants and animals, indicating
shared geographic influences on evolutionary history. We conclude that genetic, ecological, and
morphological data support recognition of these 3 lineages as distinct species (Lampropeltis
floridana, Lampropeltis getula, and Lampropeltis meansi).

The genus Vanilla belongs to the Orchidaceae family and Vanilla planifolia, probably endemic from tropical forests in Eastern Mexico, is the main source for commercial vanilla. There has recently been an important number of publications covering Vanilla taxonomy, particularly using molecular genetics, but the taxonomy of the genus is still unclear and numerous synonyms remain. Recent studies showed that inter-specific hybridization and perhaps even polyploidization played an important role in the evolution of the genus. There has also been an important increase in the knowledge of the genetic diversity and reproductive biology of V. planifolia in natural conditions, showing that mating system diversity exists in Vanilla and that this genus could be a good model to study the role of fragrance in orchid evolution. Recent studies on the genetic consequences of V. planifolia domestication are also presented and raise major scientific questions regarding the origin of phenotypic diversity in a vegetatively propagated crop. Finally, all these studies have demonstrated the urgent need for preservation of the genetic resources of V. planifolia (primary and secondary gene pools, and cultivated resources) and current conservation efforts are presented.

This book described the endangered species of Taxus sumatrana growing in Indonesia in detail and comprehensive discussion, started from their active compound content of Taxol derivatives , ecology, silvicultural and also conservation strategy.