Open AccessNuclear and mitochondrial genetic structure in the E urasian beaver ( C astor fiber ) – implications for future reintroductions
Author(s) -
Senn Helen,
Ogden Rob,
Frosch Christiane,
Syrůčková Alena,
CampbellPalmer Roisin,
Munclinger Pavel,
Durka Walter,
Kraus Robert H. S.,
Saveljev Alexander P.,
Nowak Carsten,
Stubbe Annegret,
Stubbe Michael,
Michaux Johan,
Lavrov Vladimir,
Samiya Ravchig,
Ulevicius Alius,
Rosell Frank
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
evolutionary applications
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.776
H-Index - 68
ISSN - 1752-4571
DOI - 10.1111/eva.12162
Subject(s) - biology , genetic diversity , outbreeding depression , mitochondrial dna , conservation genetics , evolutionary biology , inbreeding , phylogenetic tree , ecology , allee effect , population , genetics , microsatellite , gene , demography , allele , sociology
Many reintroduction projects for conservation fail, and there are a large number of factors that may contribute to failure. Genetic analysis can be used to help stack the odds of a reintroduction in favour of success, by conducting assessment of source populations to evaluate the possibility of inbreeding and outbreeding depression and by conducting postrelease monitoring. In this study, we use a panel of 306 SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism) markers and 487–489 base pairs of mitochondrial DNA control region sequence data to examine 321 individuals from possible source populations of the E urasian beaver for a reintroduction to S cotland. We use this information to reassess the phylogenetic history of the E urasian beavers, to examine the genetic legacy of past reintroductions on the E urasian landmass and to assess the future power of the genetic markers to conduct ongoing monitoring via parentage analysis and individual identification. We demonstrate the capacity of medium density genetic data (hundreds of SNP s) to provide information suitable for applied conservation and discuss the difficulty of balancing the need for high genetic diversity against phylogenetic best fit when choosing source population(s) for reintroduction.