Effects of flood events on the genetic structure of riparian populations of the grassland plant Origanum vulgare

River regulation results in the disconnection and increased fragmentation of habitats in the river corridor. In this study, we investigated the within-population genetic variability and among-population genetic differentiation of 21 populations of Origanum vulgare along the River Meuse, using dominant AFLP markers, in order to asses the restoration potential of this species in the context of current river restoration efforts. The average observed within-population genetic diversity was high and suggests that river regulation and associated fragmentation of the populations have not strongly affected genetic diversity. The genetic differentiation between populations was high (Φ_ST = 0.24) and can be explained by founder effects, rather than by genetic drift in isolated populations. We also detected a pronounced hierarchic spatio-temporal structure in genetic variation. This structure can be related to the irregular patterns in the flow regime of the River Meuse. Large floods are the major vector of genetic structure, but geographic upstream proximity, probably mediated by small floods, also has an important effect on genetic structure. Three distinct groups of populations were observed, two of which could be related to the extreme flood events of the mid-nineties of last century. Assignment tests revealed occasional long-distance seed dispersal with extreme flood events and local colonisation with more regular floods. Our study species optimally took benefit of the opportunities offered by the river restoration programme, with a strong colonisation after floods, and illustrates the need for maintaining river dynamics to conserve and restore genetic diversity.     

Current genetic isolation and fragmentation contrasts with historical connectivity in an alpine lizard (Cyclodomorphus praealtus) threatened by climate change

Assessing levels of genetic diversity, connectivity and historical demography for threatened species provides important information for conservation management. We used a combination of the mitochondrial ND4 gene and seven microsatellite markers to examine both historical and recent population genetic structure and demography of the threatened alpine she-oak skink, Cyclodomorphus praealtus. This species is restricted to the “sky islands” of the Australian alpine region. Based on mtDNA, the New South Wales and Victorian regions are reciprocally monophyletic and highly divergent, with among population variation of 0.9 and net sequence divergence of 4.28%, which suggests that they should be considered separate Evolutionary Significant Units for management purposes. The mtDNA data also indicate historical connectivity between the three Victorian populations. However, a model-based clustering analysis of microsatellite genotypes identified strong population structure in Victoria, with three distinct populations that have no current inter-population gene flow. This suggests that the Victorian populations are effectively isolated from each other, and is indicative of very low dispersal capacity and a high degree of habitat specialisation. This is reinforced by the substantially lower genetic diversity within the lowest elevation population compared to the other higher elevation populations. We found no genetic signature of major changes in effective population size. These data provide a baseline for assessing future impacts of climate change on the genetic structure of this alpine endemic species.     

Anthropogenic and natural disturbance lead to differing patterns of gene flow in the Rocky Mountain tailed frog, Ascaphus montanus

Understanding the influence of habitat alteration on population structure and persistence is critical for effective conservation strategies. Timber harvest and wildfire are two of the most prevalent disturbances across temperate forests, yet the long-term effects of these two forces on population connectivity have rarely been studied. We studied populations of the Rocky Mountain tailed frog (Ascaphus montanus) across landscapes that have experienced either timber harvest or broad scale fires. Rocky Mountain tailed frogs generally require forested habitat, and are a species of concern in managed forests. We used landscape genetic techniques to test the explanatory power of alternative paths of connectivity across both burned and harvested forests and identified topographical and climatic variables that significantly influenced gene flow. We found that timber harvest and fire led to different patterns of genetic connectivity. Widespread terrestrial gene flow was maintained across previously burned areas and connectivity was primarily limited by solar radiation. In contrast, gene flow among populations in managed forests followed riparian corridors, presumably to avoid the loss of cover due to timber harvest. Gene flow along riparian corridors in Rocky Mountain tailed frogs differs from a population of the closely related coastal tailed frog (Ascaphus truei), for which gene flow appears to occur primarily over land. These results suggest management of Rocky Mountain tailed frogs should focus on maintaining riparian buffer zones, which may be less effective for the coastal species. Thus, consideration of landscape differences is essential even for conservation of closely related, morphologically similar species.     

Ecological and genetic measurements of dispersal in a threatened dragonfly

Leucorrhinia caudalis is a rare dragonfly, threatened throughout its European distribution. The species was formerly widespread in the Swiss lowlands, but only a single population remained in the 1980s. However, a spread has recently been observed, with additional ponds being colonised, sometimes at considerable distance. Despite this evidence of recent long-distance dispersal, it is unknown whether L. caudalis regularly moves among ponds or whether this is a rather rare event. A combination of an ecological mark-resight and a population genetic study was applied to investigate contemporary dispersal and the genetic footprint of the recent population history of L. caudalis in Switzerland. DNA for genetic microsatellite analysis was extracted from exuviae. The mark-resight study and the genetic analysis gave congruent results. They showed that L. caudalis is mostly a sedentary species, with only a few contemporary dispersal events over distances up to 5 km being observed. The genetic analysis was in agreement with the recent population history of the Swiss populations. The oldest and largest population showed large genetic diversity and acted as source population for the recent spread of L. caudalis in Switzerland. Recurrent gene flow among this source population and close populations caused substantial local genetic variation in the latter, as well as low population differentiation. The two recently founded distant populations (?30 km distance) were genetically less diverse and highly differentiated. These distant populations and another recently colonised population also expressed signatures of genetic bottlenecks.     

Habitat fragmentation reduces genetic diversity and connectivity among toad populations in the Brazilian Atlantic Coastal Forest

Tropical rainforests are becoming increasingly fragmented and understanding the genetic consequences of fragmentation is crucial for conservation of their flora and fauna. We examined populations of the toad Rhinella ornata, a species endemic to Atlantic Coastal Forest in Brazil, and compared genetic diversity among small and medium forest fragments that were either isolated or connected to large forest areas by corridors. Genetic differentiation, as measured by F_ST, was not related to geographic distance among study sites and the size of the fragments did not significantly alter patterns of genetic connectivity. However, population genetic diversity was positively related to fragment size, thus haplotype diversity was lowest in the smallest fragments, likely due to decreases in population sizes. Spatial analyses of genetic discontinuities among groups of populations showed a higher proportion of barriers to gene flow among small and medium fragments than between populations in continuous forest. Our results underscore that even species with relatively high dispersal capacities may, over time, suffer the negative genetic effects of fragmentation, possibly leading to reduced fitness of population and cases of localized extinction.     

Genetic structure of soil invertebrate populations: Collembolans,earthworms and isopods

Soil-living animals such as collembolans, earthworms and isopods are considered to be sedentary animals with only limited dispersal capacities. Therefore, gene flow among populations is expected to be low leading to significant population genetic differentiation due to random drift and local adaptation. We reviewed the literature to test this expectation. Our survey reveals a clear signature in the current pattern of genetic variation due to post-glacial colonization events. It also reveals that habitus can be a misleading predictor of dispersal capacity. In some species relatively high gene flow across considerable distances, most likely through passive dispersal (mediated by wind, water flow or animals), might counteract local genetic adaptation and will prevent loss of genetic variation.     

Integrating environmental conditions and functional life-history traits for riparian arthropod conservation planning

River banks are naturally disturbed habitats, in which local flood events and the landscape structure are expected to govern riparian species assemblages. Not solely effects of flooding per se, but also related changes in vegetation structure will affect species distribution. By elucidating the relationships between species occurrences and multivariate habitat conditions on a restricted spatial scale, insight into conservation strategies to preserve riparian species is gained. Ordination and grouping methods revealed important environmental and functional trait constraints on the composition of predatory riparian arthropods. Mainly flooding disturbance appeared to affect spider and carabid beetle assemblages. Habitat affinity and dispersal ability were retained as important traits explaining similarity between arthropod assemblages. River banks similar in species composition differed in absolute and functional group species richness. Furthermore, Poisson regressions demonstrated the importance of variation in discharge regime, sediment composition and vegetation structure for the preservation of rare riparian arthropods. Xerothermophilic specialists were disfavoured by increased flooding disturbance, whereas hygrophilic species benefited from increased vegetation cover. In contrast to flight-active riparian carabids, occurring throughout the river system, especially cursorial spiders are expected to go extinct under increased anthropogenic alterations of discharge regimes. In general, river restoration should generate the required heterogeneity in environmental conditions (e.g. dynamic processes) at the river bank level, thereby increasing the sustainability of dynamic riverine landscapes and the conservation of vulnerable riparian arthropods. Moreover, we argue that the understanding of functional responses towards environmental factors on a local scale results in general and widely applicable guiding concepts for species conservation and ecosystem management.     

电站尾水渠内鱼道进口位置布局

电站尾水渠是上溯鱼类较为理想的聚集场所,利用电站尾水渠合理布置鱼道进口,是目前大中型河流鱼道建设中的研究热点之一。该文通过数值模拟,结合鱼类游泳能力,对利用电站尾水诱鱼的鱼道进口布置进行研究。结果表明:机组运行方式、鱼道进口位置与出流方向均对鱼道进口诱鱼水流产生较大影响。机组运行方式决定了尾水渠内主流的位置,并在主流两侧形成多个回流区。回流区水流的旋转方向和位置对鱼道进口诱鱼水流的影响较大,鱼道进口的诱鱼水流动量较小,其出流方向应与回流区水流方向一致,并可根据电站运行方式,设置多个鱼道进口。主流与回流区之间的过渡区域是布置鱼道进口的重点区域。该研究结果可为优化改进大中型河流鱼道进口设计提供重要参考。     

Restricted gene flow in the clonal hepatic Trichocolea tomentella in fragmented landscapes

We studied the genetic diversity, gene flow and population structure among 18 populations of the clonal bryophyte Trichocolea tomentella located in Finland, Lithuania, the UK and Canada using DNA fingerprinting methods. T. tomentella is a habitat-limited, unisexual hepatic, which occupies spring and mesic habitats in woodland. The relatively small populations are increasingly fragmented with a high risk for extinction for extrinsic reasons. The presence of relatively high levels of genetic diversity regardless of population size highlights the role of even small remnant populations as important sources of genetic diversity in T. tomentella. The long-term accumulation of genotypes and somatic mutations may explain the observed levels of diversity. Gene flow among populations seems to be infrequent indicating dispersal limitation also on the relatively small spatial scale. Colonization within populations is not affected by isolation by distance suggesting the occurrence of random short-range dispersal of detached vegetative fragments. The population structure study confirmed the low mortality rates of shoots indicating a long life span of the clones in favourable conditions. Efficient ramet production by branching is likely to operate against interspecific competition. To conclude, T. tomentella appears to persist well in undisturbed habitats due to clonal regeneration, although restricted dispersal capacity is likely to prevent successful (re-)colonization in the potential habitat patches of recovering forest landscapes. The implications of the results for conservation are introduced.     

Genetic differentiation among populations of a specialist fishing bat suggests lack of suitable habitat connectivity

Specialist species face higher extinction risks as a result of smaller, isolated populations with reduced gene flow. The large-footed myotis (Myotis macropus) is the only microbat in Australia specialised for foraging directly over water surfaces. Such highly specialised feeding ecology restricts the distribution of M. macropus to coastal regions and inland waterways. Using five novel and two existing nuclear microsatellite markers, we investigated genetic diversity within and among five M. macropus populations in Victoria. Significant genetic differentiation was detected between all populations. F_ST values between populations ranged from 0.02 to 0.24. We suggest that the movement of M. macropus throughout the landscape is constrained by the availability of permanent waterways and associated riparian habitats. These findings represent important considerations for the conservation of this specialist species and the management of riparian vegetation, particularly on private land.     

Fragmented but not isolated: Contribution of single trees, small patches and long-distance pollen flow to genetic connectivity for Gomortega keule, an endangered Chilean tree

Habitat fragmentation is a major threat to species survival worldwide due to genetic isolation, inbreeding depression, genetic drift and loss of adaptive potential. However the data on how gene-flow changes following habitat fragmentation is contradictory. If there is significant gene-flow between spatially isolated populations then limited conservation resources could be directed away from projects to ‘establish genetic connectivity’ and used to address other consequences of habitat fragmentation.This research focused on an endangered tree species Gomortega keule (Gomortegaceae) in a fragmented landscape in the Central Chile Biodiversity Hotspot and addressed three questions: (1) How far does pollen move between pollen donors and seed trees and what is the shape of the dispersal curve? (2) Do insect pollinators travel outside of forest patches? (3) Do small populations and single trees contribute to genetic connectivity across the landscape?Paternity analysis results show that G. keule’s insect pollinators travel outside of forest patches, over distances of 6 km, beyond the scale of population fragmentation or genetic structure. Pollen moved from small sites and single trees into large sites, as well as in the other direction, indicating these sites play a key role as functioning elements of the wider population and as stepping stones between sites. Fragmentation at the scale investigated has not led to genetic isolation, thus genetic connectivity per se is not a conservation priority. Other consequences of land-use change, specifically continuing habitat loss and population reduction, still threaten the survival of the species.     

北江干流河岸带不同植被类型植物物种多样性分析

以北江干流河岸带4种典型植被类型(竹林、草地、混交林和桉树林)为研究对象,采用样方法调查分析其群落特征和物种多样性,运用冗余分析(RDA)探讨北江河岸带植物物种多样性与环境因子之间的关系。结果表明:北江河岸带植物物种受热带季风气候影响,植物种类繁多,共调查到59科116属136种植物,群落科属组成分散;4种植被类型的物种丰富度、Shannon-Wiener多样性和均匀度指数变化规律一致,均以混交林最高,竹林次之,桉树林最低,但各植被类型间差异并不显著,说明北江河岸带不同植被类型维持物种多样性的异质性较小,其作用更多体现在为不同物种提供栖息地;RDA结果显示,植物物种丰富度、均匀度和多样性指数与乔木层高度、草本层盖度和海拔均呈正相关,而与至河流距离和土壤含水量呈负相关,在选取的7个环境因子中,海拔对北江河岸带植物物种多样性的影响最大,土壤含水量影响次之,至河流距离影响最小。     

Genetic diversity and local population structure of fragmented populations of Trillium camschatcense (Trilliaceae)

Trillium camschatcense, a long-lived common woodland herb, has been experiencing intensive habitat fragmentation over the last century in eastern Hokkaido, Japan. We examined the genetic diversity and population genetic structure of 12 fragmented populations with different population sizes using allozyme electrophoresis. The percentage of polymorphic loci and mean number of alleles per locus were positively related to population size, probably due to the stochastic loss of rare alleles (frequency of q<0.1) in small populations. Populations with 350 flowering plants or fewer had lost almost all of their rare alleles. While the heterozygosity and inbreeding coefficient were not related to population size, some small populations showed relatively high inbreeding coefficients. In spite of the low genetic differentiation among overall populations (F_ST=0.130), local population structuring was recognized between the two geographically discontinuous population groups. Within groups, sufficient historical gene flow was inferred, whereas a low dispersal ability of this species and geographical separation could produce apparent differentiation between groups.     

Genetic variability of wild apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) populations in the Ili Valley as revealed by ISSR markers

The genetic variability of 14 wild Prunus armeniaca populations was investigated using morphological analysis and inter-simple sequence repeat markers. 10 morphological characters revealed a high level variation, especially Fruit number, Fruit weight, Seed weight and Tree height. Totally, 15 selected primers generated 155 loci, with an average of 10.3 bands per primer. Nei’s gene diversity (H _e ) and Shannon’s index of diversity (I) were fairly high at the species level (H _e  = 0.2741, I = 0.4220). High molecular and morphological variability indicated that wild apricots in the Ili Valley still maintained a relatively high level of diversity. The G _ST of 0.2275 revealed a low level of genetic differentiation among populations, and genetic variation mainly resided within populations (81.51 %), which was identified with the moderate gene flow value (N _m  = 1.6974). The relatively high intraspecific genetic diversity and low inter-population genetic differentiation was largely attributed to long-distance dispersal of pollen, continuous distribution of populations and the self-incompatible breeding system.     

Microsatellite analysis of genetic population structure of the endangered cyprinid Anaecypris hispanica in Portugal: implications for conservation

The endangered fish species Anaecypris hispanica is restricted to eight disjunct populations in the Portuguese Guadiana drainage. The genetic structure of these populations was studied in order to determine levels of genetic variation within and among populations and suggest implications for conservation of the species. Based on five microsatellite loci, the null hypothesis of population homogeneity was tested. Tests for genetic differentiation revealed highly significant differences for pairwise comparisons between all populations, and substantial overall population subdivision (F_ST=0.112). All sampled populations contained unique alleles. Our findings indicate marked genetic structuring and emphasise limited dispersal ability. The high levels of genetic diversity detected within and among A. hispanica populations suggest, however, that the observed fragmentation and reduction in population size of some populations during the last two decades, has impacted little on levels of genetic variability. Data imply that most A. hispanica populations should be managed as distinct units and that each has a high conservation value containing unique genetic variation. It is argued that geographic patterns of genetic structuring indicate the existence of eight management units.     

A river runs through it: Land-use and the composition of vegetation along a riparian corridor in the Cape Floristic Region, South Africa

Riparian zones are important for the many ecosystem services they supply. In settled areas, the vegetation of such zones is shaped by human land-use; this often creates conditions under which alien plant species thrive. Alien plants have been shown to induce large-scale changes in riparian habitats, and they pose a major threat to the continued provision of key ecosystem services. We used direct gradient analysis to assess correlations between land-use and the composition of vegetation along a riparian river corridor in the highly transformed landscape surrounding Stellenbosch in South Africa’s Western Cape Province. Vegetation plots were sampled along the entire length of the river from headwaters to estuary (ca. 40 km). Plant community composition was analyzed in relation to land-use data collected in the field, and additional land-use variables computed from digital land-cover data. Patterns of plant community structure were found to be directly related to land-use, with measures of cover, richness, and diversity differing significantly among land-use types. Portions of the riparian zone adjacent to agricultural land had the greatest level of alien plant cover, while areas bordered by urban land maintained the highest alien species richness. Areas adjacent to grazing and natural lands showed intermediate and low levels of invasion, respectively. Several native species were found to persist in areas with high abundance and diversity of invasive alien plants, suggesting that they will be valuable focal species for future restoration attempts. Due to the level of human-mediated change in many areas of the riparian zone, restoration to historic conditions over most of the river is not considered feasible. These areas should be recognized as examples of novel ecosystems, and management efforts should focus on restoring or creating desirable ecosystem functions, rather than on achieving assemblages comprising only native species.     

Patch connectivity and genetic diversity conservation in the federally endangered and narrowly endemic plant species Astragalus albens (Fabaceae)

To evaluate the sufficiency of US federal critical habitat designations and a proposed conservation plan in promoting the long-term persistence of the endangered plant Astragalus albens, patterns of genetic diversity and landscape connectivity were examined. A. albens harbors substantial genetic variation and shows no evidence of historic bottlenecks, suggesting little risk of extinction due to genetic homogeneity (A = 2.40; P = 0.50) or inbreeding (f = −0.08) within occurrences. Low genetic differentiation among occurrences (θ_p = 0.01) indicates relatively high gene flow or little genetic drift. The 91 patches of A. albens were connected into a single network at a distance of 2100 m; 94% of patches were <1000 m from at least one other patch. Managing ecological conditions that maintain large population sizes and connectivity among populations throughout the species’ ecological and geographic ranges will most likely conserve existing diversity. Both reserve networks partially accomplish these goals by including most extant occurrences and >89% of the aerial extent of the species, including the largest populations, and capturing all detected alleles. However, both conservation networks fail to conserve occurrences from one portion of the species’ range, possibly speeding loss of unique local adaptations. In addition, connectivity of the whole network is reduced with the 65 patches designated as critical habitat being connected at a distance of 6200 m and the proposed reserve sites being connected at a distance of 9500 m. Although total network connectivity would be reduced, connectivity at scales most relevant to gene flow (e.g., <1000 m) remains sufficiently in tact to provide a relatively promising outlook for species persistence.     

Conservation of the critically endangered Rumex rothschildianus as implied from AFLP diversity

Rumex rothschildianus (Polygonaceae) is a small dioecious annual endemic to the central coastal plain of Israel. This very rare sorrel is on the verge of global extinction, as its total gene pool consists of two surviving populations only: one small and the other relatively large and flourishing. The other ten populations of this species recorded during the 20th century (all in Israel) are now extinct. Amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers were used to evaluate the population genetic structure of the two remaining populations. Genetic diversity in R. rothschildianus was H=0.17 with 48.9% polymorphic loci. Gene flow values suggest that the differentiation between the two populations is moderate (mean F_st=0.09). Considering these genetic data, two conservation management strategies should be applied: (1) Large scale reseeding in a neighbouring nature reserve to maintain the genetic diversity detected in this study. Seeds from diverse sources should be used for repeated reseedings in order to prevent the reintroduced populations from going through a genetic bottleneck or suffering genetic drift. (2) To maintain the genetic diversity in the two remaining wild populations, and to avoid risks such as possible outbreeding depression, only intrapopulation reinforcement should be considered. These populations should be carefully monitored and protected.     

ISSR analysis shows low genetic diversity versus high genetic differentiation for giant bamboo, Dendrocalamus giganteus (Poaceae: Bambusoideae), in China populations

Dendrocalamus giganteus Munro is a high-value woody bamboo widely grown in Southeast Asia and China’s Yunnan Province. We investigated its genetic diversity in Yunnan as a prelude to considering effective breeding programs and the protection of germplasm resources. Inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers were used to assess the genetic structure and differentiation of seven populations. Seven ISSR primers generated 140 bands, of which 124 were polymorphic (88.57%). Genetic diversity within populations was relatively low, averaging 11.33% polymorphic bands (PPB), while diversity was considerably higher among populations, with PPB = 88.57%. Greater genetic differentiation was detected among populations (G _ST = 0.8474). We grouped these seven populations into two clusters within an UPGMA dendrogram—one comprised the Xinping and Shiping populations from central Yunnan, the other included the remaining five populations. Mantel tests indicated no significant correlation between genetic and geographic distances among populations. Breeding system characteristics, genetic drift, and limited gene flow (N _m = 0.0901) might be important factors for explaining this differentiation. Based on the overall high genetic diversity and differentiation among D. giganteus populations in Yunnan, we suggest the implementation of in situ conservation measures for all populations and sufficient sampling for ex situ conservation collections.