Abstract
ObjectivesLow genetic diversity can lead to reduced average fitness in a population or even extinction. Preserving genetic connectivity across fragmented landscapes is therefore vital to counteract the negative consequences of genetic drift and inbreeding. This study aimed to assess the genetic composition and consequently the conservation status of a nationwide sample of European hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) in Denmark.MethodsWe applied an adaptation of the genotyping by sequencing (GBS) technique to 178 individuals from six geographically distinct populations. We used a Bayesian clustering method to subdivide individuals into genetically distinct populations. We estimated individual observed (iHO), observed (HO), and unbiased expected (uHE) heterozygosity, inbreeding coefficient (FIS), percentage of polymorphic loci (P%) and tested for deviations from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE). We used linear models to test for potential anthropogenic effects on the genetic variability of hedgehogs with iHO, uHE, P% and FIS as response variables, and assessed the demographic history of the population.ResultsThe Danish hedgehog population is composed of three genetic clusters. We found a mean P% of 54.44–94.71, a mean uHE of 0.126–0.318 and a mean HO of 0.124–0.293 in the six populations. The FIS was found to be significantly positive for three of the six populations. We detected a large heterogeneity of iHO values within populations, which can be due to inbreeding and/or fragmentation. FIS values decreased with increasing farmland density, but there was no significant association with human population or road density.ConclusionsWe found a low level of genetic variability and evidence for genetic substructure and low effective population size, which are all consequences of habitat fragmentation. We failed to detect signs of a recent population bottleneck or population increase or decline. However, because the test only identifies recent changes in population size, we cannot reject the possibility of a longer-term decline in the Danish hedgehog population.
Highlights
The western European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus, hereafter referred to as “hedgehog”), is a widely-distributed nocturnal generalist predator species found in a range of habitats in the British Isles, New Zealand and continental Europe, from Iberia and Italy northwards into Scandinavia [1, 2]
F coefficients (FIS) values decreased with increasing farmland density, but there was no significant association with human population or road density
We found a low level of genetic variability and evidence for genetic substructure and low effective population size, which are all consequences of habitat fragmentation
Summary
The western European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus, hereafter referred to as “hedgehog”), is a widely-distributed nocturnal generalist predator species found in a range of habitats in the British Isles, New Zealand and continental Europe, from Iberia and Italy northwards into Scandinavia [1, 2]. We lack population trend data for Denmark, it is likely that the situation is similar because of comparable habitat fragmentation, landscape structure, farm management practices and climate across north-western European countries Potential drivers of this decline include habitat loss and fragmentation, which are a great concern in terrestrial ecosystems in general [13, 14]. In Europe, intensified agricultural practices often include the removal of hedgerows to create large, homogenous, and intensively managed fields [15] These practices have particular relevance for hedgehogs because hedgerows and field margins are important habitats for rural hedgehogs [16, 17]. These areas function as corridors connecting suitable habitats [18]
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