Dataset Information

Population Genetic Structure and Demography of the Critically Endangered Chequered Blue Butterfly (Scolitantides orion) in a Highly Isolated Part of Its Distribution Range.

ABSTRACT: Scolitantides orion is a butterfly species threatened in many European countries. In Poland, it survived in a single highly isolated area (Vistula River valley), which is an example of the dramatic decline in the population number. We studied the two largest remaining populations inhabiting opposite banks of the river. Mark-release-recapture studies showed that both populations were small, and they fluctuated in numbers, but adult individuals were twice as numerous on the western site. Genetic analyses were carried out using a mitochondrial (COI, ND5) and nuclear markers (Wgl, EF-1?, and microsatellite loci). We found out that genetic variation was low at both sites but higher in the smaller eastern population. This pattern is likely to be better explained by past distribution, when the butterfly, as a continental species used to be much more widespread in the east. However, the genetic differentiation between populations was low. This could suggest that the existing gene flow is facilitated by dominant regional wind direction, which may also contribute to a better genetic condition of the western population. Finally, a comparison of the obtained COI sequences with others available enabled us to reveal the phylogeographic pattern of the S. orion from different localities within its range.

SUBMITTER: Czajkowska M

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7564389 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Publications

Population Genetic Structure and Demography of the Critically Endangered Chequered Blue Butterfly (<i>Scolitantides orion</i>) in a Highly Isolated Part of Its Distribution Range.

Czajkowska Magdalena M Dawidowicz Łukasz Ł Borkowska Anetta A Dziekańska Izabela I Sielezniew Marcin M

Insects 20200908 9

<i>Scolitantides orion</i> is a butterfly species threatened in many European countries. In Poland, it survived in a single highly isolated area (Vistula River valley), which is an example of the dramatic decline in the population number. We studied the two largest remaining populations inhabiting opposite banks of the river. Mark-release-recapture studies showed that both populations were small, and they fluctuated in numbers, but adult individuals were twice as numerous on the western site. Ge ...[more]

PMID: 32911638

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Project description:BackgroundThe giant lizard of La Gomera (Gallotia bravoana), is an endemic lacertid of this Canary Island that lives confined to a very restricted area of occupancy in a steep cliff, and is catalogued as Critically Endangered by IUCN. We present the first population genetic analysis of the wild population as well as of captive-born individuals (for which paternity data are available) from a recovery center. Current genetic variability, and inferred past demographic changes were determined in order to discern the relative contribution of natural versus human-mediated effects on the observed decline in population size.ResultsGenetic analyses indicate that the only known natural population of the species shows low genetic diversity and acts as a single evolutionary unit. Demographic analyses inferred a prolonged decline of the species for at least 230 generations. Depending on the assumed generation time, the onset of the decline was dated between 1200-13000 years ago. Pedigree analyses of captive individuals suggest that reproductive behavior of the giant lizard of La Gomera may include polyandry, multiple paternity and female long-term sperm retention.ConclusionsThe current low genetic diversity of G. bravoana is the result of a long-term gradual decline. Because generation time is unknown in this lizard and estimates had large credibility intervals, it is not possible to determine the relative contribution of humans in the collapse of the population. Shorter generation times would favor a stronger influence of human pressure whereas longer generation times would favor a climate-induced origin of the decline. In any case, our analyses show that the wild population has survived for a long period of time with low levels of genetic diversity and a small effective population size. Reproductive behavior may have acted as an important inbreeding avoidance mechanism allowing the species to elude extinction. Overall, our results suggest that the species retains its adaptive potential and could restore its ancient genetic diversity under favorable conditions. Therefore, management of the giant lizard of La Gomera should concentrate efforts on enhancing population growth rates through captive breeding of the species as well as on restoring the carrying capacity of its natural habitat.

Dataset Information

Population Genetic Structure and Demography of the Critically Endangered Chequered Blue Butterfly (Scolitantides orion) in a Highly Isolated Part of Its Distribution Range.

Publications

Population Genetic Structure and Demography of the Critically Endangered Chequered Blue Butterfly (<i>Scolitantides orion</i>) in a Highly Isolated Part of Its Distribution Range.

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