Genetic analysis of scat samples to inform conservation of the Tasmanian devil

2020 ◽  
Vol 40 (3) ◽  
pp. 492-504
Author(s):  
Catherine E. Grueber ◽  
Rowena Chong ◽  
Rebecca M. Gooley ◽  
Elspeth A. McLennan ◽  
Vanessa R. Barrs ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Animal Species ◽  
Conservation Management ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Species Conservation ◽  
Conservation Strategy ◽  
Tasmanian Devil ◽  
Scat Analysis ◽  
Intestinal Microbes ◽  
The Devil

Recent advances in molecular genetics have enabled a great deal of information about species to be obtained from analysis of non-invasively collected samples such as scat. Scat provides genetic information via residual host DNA on the outside of the scat, via characterising the genetic makeup of intestinal microbes that are present in the scat, or by examining the DNA remnants of prey items that have passed through the animal’s digestive tract. In this review, we provide a case study to demonstrate how these approaches are being used to better understand the threatened Tasmanian devil in the landscape, and to support the species’ conservation. Scat analysis enables us to quantify the genetic diversity of remote populations, where trapping is logistically challenging. We are beginning to learn how conservation management impacts the microbiome of threatened species, and investigate how various management strategies may be impacting the diverse array of bacteria and viruses that devils, like all animal species, are host to. We are using scat samples to better understand the interaction between devils and other animals in their environment by learning more about what they eat. We explore the strengths and challenges of these approaches by comparing our work to that conducted in other species. Finally, we provide specific examples of how our results are being integrated into conservation strategy for the devil.

scholarly journals Linking Conservation, Community Knowledge, and Adaptation to Extreme Climatic Events: A Case Study in Gorongosa National Park, Mozambique

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (11) ◽  
pp. 6478
Author(s):  
Amemarlita Matos ◽  
Laura Barraza ◽  
Isabel Ruiz-Mallén
Keyword(s):  
National Park ◽  
Animal Species ◽  
Human Life ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Forest Products ◽  
Buffer Zone ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Extreme Climatic Events ◽  
Water Provision

This study is based on ethnographic research that analyzes how traditional knowledge and local beliefs on biodiversity conservation relates to the local ability to adapt and be resilient to climatic changes in two communities around Gorongosa National Park, Mozambique: Nhanfisse in the buffer zone and Muanandimae in the core area. A total of 78 semi-structured interviews with heads of households were conducted. We found that both communities carried out practices and held beliefs associated with conservation, such as protecting trees and animal species considered sacred or perceived as beneficial for human life in terms of water provision and agricultural production. In addition to traditional ceremonies that respond to extreme climatic events such as drought and flood, other adaptation strategies used by the communities include moving to neighboring areas in search of better living conditions and using forest products in times of scarcity. We discuss that the management of the park should be agreed on, in a shared way, between local communities and conservation agents to ensure that these areas continue to perform the ecological, subsistence, and spiritual functions required. Our research results contribute to a better understanding of local adaptation dynamics towards extreme climatic events and improvement of management strategies.

Are any populations 'safe'? Unexpected reproductive decline in a population of Tasmanian devils free of devil facial tumour disease

2018 ◽  
Vol 45 (1) ◽  
pp. 31 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. A. Farquharson ◽  
R. M. Gooley ◽  
S. Fox ◽  
S. J. Huxtable ◽  
K. Belov ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Conservation Management ◽  
Southern Oscillation ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Natural Populations ◽  
Significant Decline ◽  
Tasmanian Devil ◽  
Devil Facial Tumour Disease ◽  
In The Wild ◽  
Reproductive Rates

Context Conservation management relies on baseline demographic data of natural populations. For Tasmanian devils (Sarcophilus harrisii), threatened in the wild by two fatal and transmissible cancers (devil facial tumour disease DFTD: DFT1 and DFT2), understanding the characteristics of healthy populations is crucial for developing adaptive management strategies to bolster populations in the wild. Aims Our analysis aims to evaluate contemporary reproductive rates for wild, DFTD-free Tasmanian devil populations, and to provide a baseline with which to compare the outcome of current translocation activities. Methods We analysed 8 years of field-trapping data, including demographics and reproductive rates, across 2004–16, from the largest known DFTD-free remnant population at Woolnorth, Tasmania. Key results Surprisingly, we found a dramatic and statistically significant decline in female breeding rate when comparing data collected from 2004–2009 with data from 2014–2016. Unfortunately we do not have any data from the intermediate years. This decline in breeding rate was accompanied by a subtle but statistically significant decline in litter sizes. These changes were not associated with a change in body condition over the same period. Furthermore, we could not attribute the decline in breeding to a change in population size or sex ratio. Preliminary analysis suggested a possible association between annual breeding rate and coarse measures of environmental variation (Southern Oscillation Index), but any mechanistic associations are yet to be determined. Conclusions The decline in breeding rates was unexpected, so further monitoring and investigation into potential environmental and/or biological reasons for the decline in breeding rate are recommended before the arrival of DFTD at Woolnorth. Implications Our results provide valuable data to support the conservation management of Tasmanian devils in their native range. They also highlight the importance of continued monitoring of ‘safe’ populations, in the face of significant threats elsewhere.

scholarly journals Deciphering the Taxonomic Delimitation of Ottelia acuminata (Hydrocharitaceae) Using Complete Plastomes as Super-Barcodes

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yunheng Ji ◽  
Jin Yang ◽  
Jacob B. Landis ◽  
Shuying Wang ◽  
Zhenyan Yang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Species Delimitation ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Conservation Management ◽  
Species Conservation ◽  
Phylogenetic Inference ◽  
Independent Sequence ◽  
Varietal Identification ◽  
Effective Conservation ◽  
Conservation And Management

Accurate species delimitation and identification, which is a challenging task in traditional morphology-based taxonomy, is crucial to species conservation. Ottelia acuminata (Hydrocharitaceae) is a severely threatened submerged macrophyte endemic to southwestern China. The taxonomy of O. acuminata, which has long been in dispute, remains unresolved, impeding effective conservation and management practices. Here, we aim to address the long-standing issues concerning species boundary and intraspecific subdivision of O. acuminata using complete plastome sequences as super-barcodes. The taxonomic delimitation of O. acuminata was explored using phylogenetic inference and two independent sequence-based species delimitation schemes: automatic barcode gap discovery (ABGD) and multi-rate Poisson tree processes (mPTP). The reciprocally reinforcing results support the reduction of the closely related congeneric species, O. balansae and O. guanyangensis, as two conspecific varieties of O. acuminata. Within the newly defined O. acuminata, accurate varietal identification can be achieved using plastome super-barcodes. These findings will help inform future decisions regarding conservation, management and restoration of O. acuminata. This case study suggests that the use of plastome super-barcodes can provide a solution for species delimitation and identification in taxonomically difficult plant taxa, thus providing great potential to lessen the challenges of inventorying biodiversity, as well as biologically monitoring and assessing threatened species.

Social values and species conservation: the case of Baudin's and Carnaby's black-cockatoos

2016 ◽  
Vol 43 (3) ◽  
pp. 294-305 ◽  
Author(s):  
GILLIAN B. AINSWORTH ◽  
HEATHER J. ASLIN ◽  
MICHAEL A. WESTON ◽  
STEPHEN T. GARNETT
Keyword(s):  
Conservation Management ◽  
Social Research ◽  
Important Determinant ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Species Conservation ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Apple Industry ◽  
The Social ◽  
The Subject ◽  
Rare Endemic

SUMMARYWe investigated how the socio–political and ecological environment are associated with the conservation management strategies for two rare, endemic and almost identical Australian white-tailed black-cockatoos: Baudin's (Calyptorhynchus baudinii) and Carnaby's black-cockatoo (C. latirostris). Substantially less investment and action has occurred for Baudin's black-cockatoo. Interviews with key informants revealed that this disparity has probably arisen because Baudin's black-cockatoo has long been considered a pest to the apple industry, lives primarily in tall forests and has had little research undertaken on its biology and threats. By contrast, Carnaby's black-cockatoo has been the subject of one of the longest running research projects in Australia, is highly visible within the urban environment and does not appear to affect the livelihoods of any strong stakeholder group. We suggest the social context within which recovery efforts occur could be an important determinant in species persistence. We argue that social research is fundamental to a better understanding of the nature of efforts to conserve particular species, the factors associated with these efforts and their likelihood of success.

scholarly journals Status Of Endemic Plants Of Bangladesh And Conservation Management Strategies

2013 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 231-249
Author(s):  
M Atiqur Rahman ◽  
M Enamur Rashid
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Management ◽  
Conservation Management ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Species Conservation ◽  
Endemic Plants ◽  
Conservation Priority ◽  
The Status ◽  
In The Wild ◽  
Total Species

The present study was aimed at recognizing the status of 28 endemic plants of Bangladesh and determining their conservation management strategies. These endemics belong to 17 angiosperm families and constitute about 0.78% of the total species of the country. Of these endemics, 2 species were least concern, 10 rare and 7 endangered, and need to give immediate conservation priority. Another 9 endemics were assessed to be extinct since no report of collection for more than 100 years was available and could not be traced in the wild. An enumeration of these endemics is presented, each cited with updated nomenclature, bangla names, type, habit, ecology, potential values, places and status of occurrence, threats to the species, conservation status for sustainable management strategies. List of examined specimens of these endemics, wherever available, is also provided. Photographs of 24 endemics are also presented. International Journal of Environment, Volume-2, Issue-1, Sep-Nov 2013, Pages 231-249 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ije.v2i1.9224

scholarly journals The challenges and conservation implications of bear bile farming in Viet Nam

Oryx ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 54 (2) ◽  
pp. 252-259 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brian Crudge ◽  
Trang Nguyen ◽  
Tien Trung Cao
Keyword(s):  
Management Strategies ◽  
Species Conservation ◽  
Consumer Preference ◽  
Abundant Species ◽  
Conservation Strategy ◽  
Viet Nam ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Conservation Implications ◽  
Declining Populations ◽  
Bear Bile

AbstractLegalized trade in commercially farmed wildlife products is sometimes promoted as a conservation strategy. In theory, flooding the market with cheaper or better quality products will decrease the profitability of poaching. Bear bile is highly sought-after for use in traditional medicine and overhunting to supply the demand for bear parts has led to declining populations across South-east Asia. Bear bile farming was established to help supply the high demand for bear bile. In Viet Nam it is legal to keep registered bears, but illegal to extract or sell bear bile. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 66 bear bile farmers in Viet Nam to examine the conservation implications of bear bile farming. The results show that demand for wild bear bile was not satisfied by the widespread availability of farmed bear bile. Farmers report a strong consumer preference and willingness to pay more for wild-sourced products. The existence of bear bile farms presents considerable challenges to law enforcement. The results suggest that bear bile farming in Viet Nam relies on restocking from wild populations, and farmers openly admit to extracting and selling bear bile, in clear violation of national legislation. The case of bear bile farming in Viet Nam provides an example of wildlife farming failing to reduce pressure on a once widely distributed and relatively abundant species. Research into consumer values, attitudes and behaviours will help to improve understanding of market drivers and help inform the design of effective species conservation and management strategies.

The Value of Private Non-Industrial Forestland for Wildlife Species Conservation

EDIS ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shelly A. Johnson ◽  
Timm Kroeger ◽  
Josh Horn ◽  
Alison E. Adams ◽  
Damian C. Adams
Keyword(s):  
Animal Species ◽  
Human Life ◽  
Economic Value ◽  
Species Conservation ◽  
Fact Sheet ◽  
Monetary Value ◽  
Wildlife Species ◽  
Wildlife Viewing ◽  
Animal Habitat

Animals in Florida provide a variety of benefits to people, from recreation (fishing, hunting, or wildlife viewing) to protection of human life and property (oysters and corals provide reef structures that help protect coasts from erosion and flooding). By measuring the economic value of these benefits, we can assign a monetary value to the habitats that sustain these species and assess the value that is lost when development or other human-based activities degrade animal habitat. This 5-page fact sheet presents the results of a study that assessed the value of protecting five animal species in Florida and showed the economic value of protecting animal habitat.

Investigation of a New Approach to Predict Water Quality Extremes with a Case Study of Chemical Determinands in Stream Water

1991 ◽  
Vol 24 (6) ◽  
pp. 25-33
Author(s):  
A. J. Jakeman ◽  
P. G. Whitehead ◽  
A. Robson ◽  
J. A. Taylor ◽  
J. Bai
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Stream Water ◽  
Probability Distributions ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Hybrid Modelling ◽  
Trend Model ◽  
Environmental Extremes ◽  
Modelling Approach

The paper illustrates analysis of the assumptions of the statistical component of a hybrid modelling approach for predicting environmental extremes. This shows how to assess the applicability of the approach to water quality problems. The analysis involves data on stream acidity from the Birkenes catchment in Norway. The modelling approach is hybrid in that it uses: (1) a deterministic or process-based description to simulate (non-stationary) long term trend values of environmental variables, and (2) probability distributions which are superimposed on the trend values to characterise the frequency of shorter term concentrations. This permits assessment of management strategies and of sensitivity to climate variables by adjusting the values of major forcing variables in the trend model. Knowledge of the variability about the trend is provided by: (a) identification of an appropriate parametric form of the probability density function (pdf) of the environmental attribute (e.g. stream acidity variables) whose extremes are of interest, and (b) estimation of pdf parameters using the output of the trend model.

scholarly journals Exploring the Use of Ecosystem Services Conceptual Models to Account for the Benefits of Public Lands: An Example from National Forest Planning in the United States

Forests ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 267
Author(s):  
Lydia Olander ◽  
Katie Warnell ◽  
Travis Warziniack ◽  
Zoe Ghali ◽  
Chris Miller ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ecosystem Services ◽  
Ecosystem Service ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Public Lands ◽  
The United States ◽  
Forest Planning ◽  
National Forest ◽  
Planning Team ◽  
National Forest Planning

A shared understanding of the benefits and tradeoffs to people from alternative land management strategies is critical to successful decision-making for managing public lands and fostering shared stewardship. This study describes an approach for identifying and monitoring the types of resource benefits and tradeoffs considered in National Forest planning in the United States under the 2012 Planning Rule and demonstrates the use of tools for conceptualizing the production of ecosystem services and benefits from alternative land management strategies. Efforts to apply these tools through workshops and engagement exercises provide opportunities to explore and highlight measures, indicators, and data sources for characterizing benefits and tradeoffs in collaborative environments involving interdisciplinary planning teams. Conceptual modeling tools are applied to a case study examining the social and economic benefits of recreation on the Ashley National Forest. The case study illustrates how these types of tools facilitate dialog for planning teams to discuss alternatives and key ecosystem service outcomes, create easy to interpret visuals that map details in plans, and provide a basis for selecting ecosystem service (socio-economic) metrics. These metrics can be used to enhance environmental impact analysis, and help satisfy the goals of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the 2012 Planning Rule, and shared stewardship initiatives. The systematic consideration of ecosystem services outcomes and metrics supported by this approach enhanced dialog between members of the Forest planning team, allowed for a more transparent process in identification of key linkages and outcomes, and identified impacts and outcomes that may not have been apparent to the sociologist who is lacking the resource specific expertise of these participants. As a result, the use of the Ecosystem Service Conceptual Model (ESCM) process may result in reduced time for internal reviews and greater comprehension of anticipated outcomes and impacts of proposed management in the plan revision Environmental Impact Statement amongst the planning team.

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