PDF(Pubmed)
Abstract：
The intensification of agricultural practices and urbanisation are widespread causes of biodiversity loss. However, the role of artificial habitats in genetic rescue is an aspect that is not well understood. Implementing genetic rescue measures to improve gene flow and maintain a viable population of keystone species is a crucial prerequisite for promoting diverse and resilient ecosystems. Landscape fragmentation and modern agricultural methods have caused the decline and the isolation of the remnant colonies of the endangered European ground squirrel (Spermophilus citellus) throughout its range. However, the artificial habitat, such as airport fields with regular grass mowing, provides suitable conditions for this grassland specialist. We measured home range size and genetic variation of seven souslik colonies in western Slovakia. Based on the 6904 ddRAD SNPs, we found significantly higher individual heterozygosity in colonies on airports compared to colonies on pastures. This indicates a potential for higher fitness of individuals from airport colonies, which can serve as a source for evidence-based translocations. Such an intervention can preserve the genetic diversity of small and isolated populations in the region. We emphasize that conservation management strategies would be strengthened including a specific focus on human-made grassland habitats.
摘要：
农业实践和城市化的加剧是生物多样性丧失的广泛原因。然而,人工栖息地在基因拯救中的作用是一个尚未被很好理解的方面。实施遗传拯救措施以改善基因流动并维持关键物种的可行种群是促进多样化和有弹性的生态系统的关键前提。景观破碎化和现代农业方法导致了整个范围内濒临灭绝的欧洲地松鼠（Spermophiluscitellus）的残余殖民地的减少和隔离。然而,人工栖息地，例如定期割草的机场田野，为这位草原专家提供了合适的条件。我们测量了斯洛伐克西部七个苏斯利克殖民地的家园范围大小和遗传变异。基于6904个ddRADSNP，与牧场上的菌落相比，我们发现机场菌落中的个体杂合性明显更高。这表明来自机场殖民地的个体具有更高的适应性，这可以作为基于证据的易位的来源。这种干预措施可以保护该地区小型和孤立种群的遗传多样性。我们强调，将加强保护管理战略，包括特别关注人造草地栖息地。
