Protected Species Research Articles

A machine learning approach for protected species bycatch estimation

IntroductionMonitoring bycatch of protected species is a fisheries management priority. In practice, protected species bycatch is difficult to precisely or accurately estimate with commonly used ratio estimators or parametric, linear model-based methods. Machine-learning algorithms have been proposed as means of overcoming some of the analytical hurdles in estimating protected species bycatch.MethodsUsing 17 years of set-specific bycatch data derived from 100% observer coverage of the Hawaii shallow-set longline fishery and 25 aligned environmental predictors, we evaluated a new approach for protected species bycatch estimation using Ensemble Random Forests (ERFs). We tested the ability of ERFs to predict interactions with five protected species with varying levels of bycatch in the fishery and methods for correcting these predictions using Type I and Type II error rates from the training data. We also assessed the amount of training data needed to inform a ERF approach by mimicking the sequential addition of new data in each subsequent fishing year.ResultsWe showed that ERF bycatch estimation was most effective for species with greater than 2% interaction rates and error correction improved bycatch estimates for all species but introduced a tendency to regress estimates towards mean rates in the training data. Training data needs differed among species but those above 2% interaction rates required 7-12 years of bycatch data.DiscussionOur machine learning approach can improve bycatch estimates for rare species but comparisons are needed to other approaches to assess which methods perform best for hyperrare species.

Taxonomic & biological annotations on six endangered shark species found in the landings at Karachi Fish Harbour with reference to some conservation strategy measures

Identification based on taxonomy of six (6) shark species that have been occasionally seen in the landings of Karachi Fish Harbour (KFH) was carried out in this study. Between 2014 and 2023, field and laboratory observations were made in five different surveys. These uncommon shark species were identified as Carcharhinus amblyrhynchus, C. amboinensis, C.hemiodon, C. longimanus, C. macloti and Stegostoma fasciatum. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) have described these species of sharks as endangered, data deficient, critically endangered and near threatened species respectively in their Red List 2022. These species are being captured and sold for markets connected to domestic and international commerce or export procedures, despite the fact that they are endangered and on the verge of extinction. Regrettably, the main reasons for this out-of-control situation and the extinction of these protected species are the local fishermen's misunderstanding of the laws and the inadequate monitoring provided by higher authorities

Comparisons of songbirds on sale across online and physical markets in Indonesia

AbstractUnsustainable wildlife trade is a leading threat to biodiversity, not least in Southeast Asia where serious overexploitation of songbirds has precipitated the ‘Asian Songbird Crisis’. While the nature of bird trade in physical markets is fairly well studied, the growing online trade in birds is far less understood, in terms of diversity and traits of birds on offer. Here, online trade, monitored across twelve broad spectrum Indonesian bird-selling Facebook groups over a period of six months in 2022, is compared to published data from physical markets, and from a machine learning web-scrape. Nearly 2,000 individuals of 190 Indonesian species were recorded from Facebook, with 9.5% of species being categorised as Threatened (IUCN 2022), 15.8% protected under Indonesian law, and 17.4% regarded as priority taxa according to the Asian Songbird Trade Specialist Group. These represent similar proportions of species to those from physical market surveys, although physical markets had more individuals of protected species than did Facebook groups. Bird family composition did not correlate between online and physical platforms, with the former dominated by Muscicapidae and the latter by Estrildidae. Controlling for trade volume, online groups had higher species richness than physical markets, although the difference was not significant. Bird ‘communities’ on offer in the individual Facebook groups were both similar to each other, and distinct from those in physical markets, although there was a geographical signature especially in the latter. Results highlight the importance of monitoring online trade as, while there are substantial differences in types of birds sold, it contains a similarly high number of species of conservation concern to physical markets.

Wildlife fencing at German highways and federal roads – requirements and management implications

In Germany, the high risk of wildlife–vehicle collisions (WVC) is further increasing due to increasing traffic volumes and road densities as well as the growing population densities of common ungulate species. As a result, threats to human health and property as well as wildlife mortality of widely spread and rare species increase. Currently, three basic types of wildlife fences are used in Germany: type A, a conventional galvanized‐high tensile deer fence (made of knot braid); type B, a chain wire (mesh wire) fence; type C, a rigid welded wire mesh fence panels. Since fencing needs to restrict access of many different species with different behaviours (e.g. jumping, climbing, digging), fencing needs to be multifaceted to be effectively. Furthermore, the occurrence of wildlife species with habits such as jumping, climbing or digging determines the optimal (functional) fence design per location. We surveyed road managers in combination with a personal assessment of road sections in Germany and derived the following recommendations for optimal fencing to reduce WVC: 1) To deter digging, use plates made of recycled synthetic materials or a concrete foundation, instead of barbed wire. 2) Fencing should be made of chain wire (mesh wire, type B) fence or rigid welded wire mesh fence panels (type C) instead of knot braid mesh (type A). 3) To restrict climbing, use angled chain wire fence or rigid welded wire mesh fence panels at the top of the fences. 4) Maintain fences so that they are kept free from ingrown vegetation/woods. Maintenance conditions should be considered while planning and building the fence, especially to ensure sufficient space on both sides for accessibility. 5) Fencing should be established preferably near the roadside and moved away from property lines. In conclusion, wildlife fencing could be a very effective mitigation measure to prevent WVC with common as well as protected species, when proper designed and recommendations of the survey will be consequently considered. Currently many wildlife fences lack functionality due to an inappropriate design and maintenance issues in Germany.

Biomonitoring of benzophenones in guano samples of wild bats in Poland.

Benzophenones (BPs) are substances used in the production of sunscreens, cosmetics, and personal care products. However, there is a lack of knowledge of BPs in wild animals. Therefore, the study aimed to assess the concentration of selected BPs commonly used in the cosmetic industry in guano samples collected from 4 colonies of greater mouse-eared bats (Myotis myotis). Liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was used to determine guano concentrations of benzophenone 1 (BP-1), benzophenone 2 (BP-2), benzophenone 3 (BP-3) and benzophenone 8 (BP-8). BP-1 levels above the method quantification limit (MQL) were noted in 97.5% of samples and fluctuated from <0.1 ng/g to 259 ng/g (mean 41.50 ng/g, median 34.8). The second most common was BP-3, which fluctuated from <0.1 ng/g to 19 ng/g (mean 6.67 ng/g, median 5.05), and its levels higher than MQL were observed in 40% of samples. BP-2 and BP-8 concentrations did not exceed the method detection limit (0.04 ng/g) in any analyzed sample. There were visible differences in the BP-1 and BP-3 levels among the studied bat colonies. Mean BP-1 concentration fluctuated from 11.23±13.13 ng/g to 76.71±65.51 ng/g and differed significantly between the colonies. Mean BP-3 concentration fluctuated from 5.03±6.03 ng/g to 9.18±7.65 mg/g, but it did not differ significantly between the colonies. The results show that guano is a suitable matrix for the assessment of wildlife exposure to BPs. This could be particularly advantageous in protected species, where not disturbing and stressing the animals are crucial.

Exploring Morphological Population Variability: Host Plant and Habitat Dependency in the Protected Moth Gortyna borelii (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae)

In this paper, we discuss the evolutionary implications of the correlation between different species of Peucedanum plants and the distribution of Gortyna borelii moth populations in Romania. We highlight geographic separation and isolation among these populations due to anthropogenic landscape fragmentation, which hinders genetic exchange. A geometric morphometric analysis was utilized to visualize and compare the morphometric variations in relation to the environmental variables, particularly the host plant. Additionally, the distribution of G. borelii populations across Europe and in Romania that are correlated with the host plant was analyzed. The significant morphological and morphometric differences between the analyzed populations support our working hypothesis, according to which the use of different Peucedanum species by the larvae of G. borelii leads to an intraspecific diversification correlated with the host plant species. The newly discovered population of G. borelii in Romania holds substantial conservation importance, necessitating protection measures, including demarcating habitat areas and raising awareness among stakeholders. G. borelii is a protected species at the European level (Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC, Appendices II and IV), considered endangered due to the isolation of its populations and anthropogenic pressures exerted through agricultural practices. Understanding the impact of agricultural practices on their habitat is crucial for effective management strategies. Overall, this study sheds light on the complex interplay between ecological adaptation, host plant specialization, and speciation dynamics in phytophagous insects, emphasizing the importance of conservation efforts to preserve G. borelii populations and their habitats.

The greater the proportion of Robinia pseudoacacia in a stand the greater its effect on the population characteristics of Erythronium dens-canis

Management of invasive alien plants is an increasing problem throughout the world. In some cases native rare or protected species can appear or even prefer habitats dominated by invasive alien plants, which raises questions about the optimal treatment of such areas. Erythronium dens-canis in Hungary is a protected species which only have several occurrences in the country and a number of these populations situated in Robinia pseudoacacia stands developed after harvesting native forests. In this study a total of five populations of E. dens-canis were surveyed between 2020 and 2022 in southwestern Hungary examining and comparing the ongoing demographic changes under native and Robinia stands by monitoring individual plants. Two populations were situated in forests composed of native tree species, two in Robinia pseudoacacia-dominated stands and one in a Robinia-native tree species mixed stand. We categorized the plants into five age-state categories: dormant, seedling, juvenile, vegetative adult, and reproductive adult. We found some considerable differences (e.g. leaf size, reproduction rate) between the populations situated in native and in Robinia stands, whereas the population in mixed forest showed intermediate character in most examined factors. Based on our results, R. pseudoacacia have a significant effect on the phenology and life history of E. dens-canis, and this effect is greater with higher proportion of R. pseudoacacia in a forest stand where the E. dens-canis occurs.

A matter of connection: the importance of habitat networks for endangered butterflies in anthropogenic landscapes

AbstractCities are expanding at fast rates across the world, representing one of the main drivers of biodiversity loss due to habitat replacement. Nonetheless, urban and peri-urban areas often feature green spaces that may offer opportunities to wildlife and even represent safe havens for endangered species. Nonetheless, the key drivers that shape wildlife responses to urban landscapes, and in turn their ability to persist within cities, are far from being fully understood. Here we focus on an ecologically specialized butterfly, the endemic Italian festoon Zerynthia cassandra, as a model to assess how endangered species may survive in highly modified urban landscapes. The relatively low mobility and high host plant specialization make Z. cassandra an excellent target for studies in urban ecology, as they make the species able to exploit small suitable patches while at the same time potentially sensitive to habitat fragmentation and loss due to urbanization and land reclamation. We thus first document the relatively widespread occurrence of potentially suitable sites within two highly modified landscapes of central and southern Italy, with 25 and 35% of sites actually occupied by Z. cassandra. By modeling the probability of butterfly occurrence as a function of environmental characteristics, we found that Z. cassandra is strongly influenced by functional connectivity among suitable sites in urban landscapes, as well as by the abundance of Aristolochia host plants, and by the availability of profitable land cover classes in the immediate surroundings of potential oviposition sites. Our results indicate not only that networks of urban and peri-urban green spaces may host populations of protected and endangered species, but that management should also focus on the urban matrix in order to provide connecting corridors, as key assets to guarantee species persistence in cities.

Harbour porpoises respond to chronic acoustic deterrent device noise from aquaculture

Acoustic deterrent devices (ADDs) are used globally by the aquaculture industry to attempt to reduce pinniped depredation. However, noise from ADDs sited in areas used by cetaceans may lead to changes in cetacean behaviour and displacement from habitats impacting conservation status. Here, we investigate whether ADD noise from aquaculture within a habitat reduces acoustic detections of harbour porpoises, indicating either displacement or changes in echolocation activity. Nine years (2011–2019) of boat-based acoustic line-transect data for harbour porpoises were collected across the west coast of Scotland together with ADD presence and perceived loudness recorded by volunteers at regular listening stations along each transect. The most intense ADD noise coincided with significantly fewer harbour porpoise detections than in areas with no ADD noise. This corresponded with an estimated displacement of 34 % of the total undisturbed population, assuming that there was no change in echolocation behaviour. Furthermore, significant responses occurred at estimated received sound levels from ADDs >108 dB re 1 μPa RMS (frequency weighted for harbour porpoises). These findings suggest porpoises are either displaced from habitats degraded by intense ADD noise and/or echolocate less. In Scotland, ADD use in aquaculture has required a license since 2021. Limiting licensing, and monitoring ADD use by aquaculture should be considered by conservation managers globally, particularly in areas used by acoustically sensitive protected species. Non-acoustic (and non-lethal) measures to mitigate pinniped depredation on aquaculture sites are available and should be encouraged.

Aquatic protected area system in the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau: establishment, challenges and prospects

Conservation of wetlands on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau is vital to the ecological security of China and even all of Asia. In this study, we investigated the aquatic protected area system established by the Chinese government in the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau. In general, 9 categories of aquatic protected areas have been established in this area, linked to the International Union for Conservation of Nature classification system of protected areas. The diverse main protection objectives of different protected areas have played a key role in wetland conservation. However, the protection of wetland environments and aquatic organisms has been insufficient in some atypical protected areas and local protected areas. We further constructed a list of important aquatic organisms in the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau and analyzed the protected status of those important species through gap analysis. A total of 156 important aquatic species were identified, with 8 gap species and 18 inadequately protected species. It is encouraging that none of the national key protected species are gap species, but there are 4 gap species that are threatened species on “China’s red list”. In addition, we found that 17 important species are designated as Data Deficient or Not Evaluated on “China’s red list”, including 8 national key protected species. Finally, we propose the prospects for solving the existing problems of aquatic protected area systems: integrating aquatic protected areas, enhancing the status of community-based conservation, and increasing investment in important aquatic organism research.

An improved habitat suitability index for the great crested newt Triturus cristatus

An improved habitat suitability index for the great crested newt Triturus cristatus

Hidden diversity of cestodes in wild African carnivores: I. Non-taeniid cyclophyllideans

Our knowledge of parasites in wildlife remains limited, primarily due to restricted access to samples, especially of parasites from protected species. This present study contributes to the comprehension of the enigmatic world of helminths of African wild mammals and cestode biodiversity by combining both molecular and morphological analysis. Cestode samples were opportunistically collected from 77 individual definitive hosts in South Africa, Namibia and Ethiopia, encompassing 15 different species of wild African carnivores and additionally domestic cats. The analysis revealed 32 different cyclophyllidean species of which 21 (65.6 %) represent previously unknown genetic entities. They belong to the families Mesocestoididae, Hymenolepididae, Dipylidiidae and Taeniidae. Here we cover the non-taeniid cestodes, while the taeniids will be addressed in a separate publication. Three of the non-taeniid species uncovered in this study could be assigned to the genus Mesocestoides and were isolated from servals and domestic cats. The white-tailed mongoose was found to be a suitable host for a species belonging to the Hymenolepididae, which was identified as Pseudandrya cf. mkuzii. Both feline and canine genotypes of Dipylidium caninum were detected in domestic cats, the canine genotype also in an African wolf. In addition to these, a novel species of Dipylidium was discovered in an aardwolf. Lastly, four distinct species of Joyeuxiella were found in this study, revealing a cryptic species complex and emphasizing the need for a taxonomic reassessment of this genus. Despite the limited scope of our study in terms of geography and sample size, the results highlight that biodiversity of cestodes in African wild mammals is grossly under-researched and follow-up studies are urgently required, in particular linking morphology to gene sequences.

Урожайність молоді риб прибережних ділянок р. Дністер у межах Івано-Франківської області

Purpose. Taking into account the unique ichthyological complex of the upper course of the Dniester River, the studies should be directed both at the structure of the ichthyofauna and at its quantitative parameters of the species structure, and fish with a special conservation status need special attention. Therefore, the purpose of our work was to determine the peculiarities of the current structural and functional organization of the ichthyocenosis of the Dniester River within the Ivano-Frankivsk region. Methodology. Quantitative assessment of fish juveniles was carried out using the area method. Fish juveniles were identified to the species level using A.F. Koblytska and Yu.V. Movchan identification keys. All fish, after some measurements, were released to the place where they were caught in an undamaged state and alive. After identification of fish species with a special conservation status, which were trapped into the fishing gear, they were immediately returned to their habitat without removing them from water. Findings. Fourteen fish species were observed in the community of fish juveniles on the nearshore areas of the Dniester River in the Ivano-Frankivsk region. According to the data of the analysis, following relative abundances of juvenile fish species were observed: vyrezub (40% of the total abundance), bleak (23% of the total abundance) and vimba (18% of the total abundance). The total relative abundance of fish juveniles with special conservation status in the total catch was 68%, which suggested the need to create additional zones in order to increase conservation measures. Given the high share of fish species with special conservation status, the assessment of species biodiversity in terms of biotope similarity is important. The area of Mariyampil village and floodplain coastal areas were characterized by the highest biodiversity in terms of species composition of ichthyofauna among the studied biotopes. The highest abundance of fish juveniles in absolute values was recorded in the mouth areas of the rivers, but its high values were achieved due to the juveniles of vyrezub. Also, this studied nearshore area was not characterized by a high biodiversity of ichthyofauna, which was confirmed by the Shannon-Weaver index at the level of 1.74. According to the results of our study, it can be stated that the nearshore areas of the mouth part of the rivers are important and unique for the formation of ichthyocenosis specifically for the vyrezub. Thus, it can be concluded that all analyzed stations were characterized by the presence of vyrezub, which allows classifying the studied area as important in terms of environmental protection. In view of the prevalence of juvenile vyrezub within the studied areas, protective measures are more important, which are aimed not only at ensuring control over the state of aquatic biological resources, but also at the organization of artificial replenishment of natural localities and the creation of new populations of this species with their purposeful acclimatization in specially selected ecological conditions of the water body. Originality. For the first time, the yield of fish juveniles in the nearshore areas of the Dniester River within the Ivano-Frankivsk Region was analyzed. The obtained data will be used to solve the problem of the preservation of species diversity and the abundance of fish species, which are valuable in terms of environmental protection. Practical value. As a result of the assessment of the current state of the ichthyofauna of the Dniester River within the limits of the Ivano-Frankivsk region, data were obtained regarding the natural localities of rare and endangered fish species in the specified area. Keywords: ichthyofauna, Dniester River, protected species, natural locality.

Habitat changes explain shifts in bird community composition in abandoned military training areas: Lessons for conservation

Military training areas are important biodiversity refuges and may serve as viable components of regional conservation networks, mainly due to the blocking of ecological succession by the disturbance regime creating a heterogeneous open habitat mosaic hosting many threatened species. However, European armies have undergone downsizing over the past decades and numerous military training areas have been abandoned. The assessment of the consequences of this abandonment for biodiversity would show us whether these abandoned areas still provide conservation benefits. For this purpose, we carried out bird surveys in 30 abandoned military training areas in Czechia. The surveys were performed in two periods (2009 and 2020–2021) to track small-scale changes in land cover and bird abundance after the areas were abandoned in the 1990s. We tested (i) whether changes in bird abundance were related to land cover changes and (ii) whether the observed bird species’ responses to the land cover changes can be explained by species-specific characteristics. Multivariate spatial analyses uncovered significant shifts in land cover composition towards a higher representation of dense shrub, forest and built-up areas at the expense of open areas represented by grassland and sparse shrub. These land cover changes explained a small but significant part of bird abundance variation across the areas. Correspondingly, species benefiting from these land cover changes were associated with dense scrub or forest, such as the Common Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, or Eurasian Blackcap, whereas species suffering from these changes were associated with grassland, such as the European Stonechat and Eurasian Skylark. Phylogenetically informed interspecific analysis aiming to explain changes in bird abundance between periods confirmed that population declines were linked to open habitat preference, while population increases were linked to the preference for dense shrub and forest. In addition, we found that protected species increased their abundance, most likely due to the existence of conservation management that kept their habitats available. These patterns indicate that military training areas transform toward later successional stages after their abandonment with corresponding changes in bird community composition. However, these changes may not necessarily be negative provided that species of conservation concern enjoy the support of conservation management.

Indonesia's sustainable development goals in relation to curbing and monitoring the illegal wildlife trade

AbstractIndonesia has committed to implement the sustainable development goals (SDG) by 2030 including the ending trafficking of protected species and addressing the illegal wildlife demand and supply. As such, there is a need for long‐term data on wild animal trade and its contribution to the wider economy. We initiated a long‐term monitoring programme of live civet trade in wildlife markets (120 surveys, 2010–2023). Civets are traded to be kept as exotic pets and to produce civet coffee and are a proxy for other high‐profile wildlife. We recorded 2289 civets of six species, including ones with strict regulations in place. Despite the trade being illegal, and contra to Indonesia's commitments as part of the SDG to curb this trade, it remained remarkably stable over time (numbers, species, prices). As such, Indonesia is not meeting its SDG targets that are related to curbing illegal wildlife trade and illicit financial flows.

Ambivalence in Environmental Care: Marine Care Ethics and More-Than-Human Relations in the Conservation of Seagrass Posidonia oceanica

Posidonia oceanica is an endemic seagrass from the mediterranean that provides key ecosystem services. A protected species, its presence is regressing due to anthropogenic pressures, some associated to the tourism economy that much of the Mediterranean coast depends on. In 1992, the European Union declared it a priority habitat, and since the early 2000s, it has occupied a central space in marine conservation debates in the Balearic Islands. Popularly known as Posidonia, this seagrass went from being considered dirt that ruined virgin Balearic beaches to become an emblematic species. This article takes this U-turn in policy and public perception as a study case to think of knowledge-making practices and restoration initiatives as a form of environmental care. The relational, situated and affective character of care ethics helps to understand the human and ecological labour embedded in knowledge-making and restoration practices and its inevitable engagement with the Balearic tourism industry. Drawing on those engagements, I reflect on environmental care practices of knowledge-making and restoration, arguing that they emerge ambivalently: they challenge management logics based on economic rationales while forced to develop and coexist inside those same rationales. I conclude by arguing that developing care-centric narratives for environmental conservation and restoration is essential to continue promoting more-than-human aquatic relations in which the needs of others are the ethical basis for action.

In vitro immunoreactivity and in vivo neutralization of Trimeresurus gracilis venom with antivenoms targeting four pit viper species.

Snakebite envenomation is a significant global health issue that requires specific antivenom treatments. In Taiwan, available antivenoms target a variety of snakes, but none specifically target Trimeresurus gracilis, an endemic and protected species found in the high mountain areas of Taiwan. This study evaluated the effectiveness of existing antivenoms against T. gracilis venom, focusing on a bivalent antivenom developed for Trimeresurus stejnegeri and Protobothrops mucrosquamatus (TsPmAV), as well as monovalent antivenoms for Deinagkistrodon acutus (DaAV) and Gloydius brevicaudus (GbAV). Our research involved in vivo toxicity testing in mice and in vitro immunobinding experiments using (chaotropic) enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, comparing venoms from four pit viper species (T. gracilis, T. stejnegeri, P. mucrosquamatus, and D. acutus) with three types of antivenoms. These findings indicate that TsPmAV partially neutralized T. gracilis venom, marginally surpassing the efficacy of DaAV. In vitro tests revealed that GbAV displayed higher binding capacities toward T. gracilis venom than TsPmAV or DaAV. Comparisons of electrophoretic profiles also reveal that T. gracilis venom has fewer snake venom C-type lectin like proteins than D. acutus, and has more P-I snake venom metalloproteases or fewer phospholipase A2 than G. brevicaudus, T. stejnegeri, or P. mucrosquamatus. This study highlights the need for antivenoms that specifically target T. gracilis, as current treatments using TsPmAV show limited effectiveness in neutralizing local effects in patients. These findings provide crucial insights into clinical treatment protocols and contribute to the understanding of the evolutionary adaptation of snake venom, aiding in the development of more effective antivenoms for human health.

Pedigree-Based Genetic Diversity in the South African Boerboel Dog Breed.

The Boerboel dog breed (BBD) is indigenous to South Africa (SA) and plays an important role in safeguarding homes and farms. The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform, and Rural Development (DALRRD) classifies the BBD as a protected species, and it is valued for its intelligence, boldness, and strength, as well as for continually ensuring the safety of its owners. The aim of this study was to investigate genetic diversity within the BBD population using pedigree information. The original BBD data, which contained 87,808 records, were obtained from the Integrated Registration and Genetic Information System (INTERGIS). After editing, the pedigree data included 87,755 records of animals born between 1971 and 2019. Pedigree analyses were performed using PEDIG (Fortran 77 software) to determine the completeness, inbreeding coefficients, and genetic diversity as defined by the genetic contributions of the most important ancestors of the current animals. This study identified 91.2% inbred animals in the BBD population, with an average and maximum inbreeding of 7.5% and 50% of inbred animals, respectively. The estimated inbreeding rate per year was 0.20% with an effective population size of 83.1. The most influential ancestors explained 82.63% and 80.92% of the total genetic variation for males and females in the studied populations, respectively. Only 10 important ancestors explained more than 50% of the entire population's genetic diversity. The numbers of founders (f) were 348 and 356, and the effective numbers of founders (fe) were 57.4 and 60.1, respectively, for males and females. The numbers of founders were higher than the effective numbers of founders, implying a loss of genetic diversity due to unequal founder contributions. The BBD population was not critically endangered based on the inbreeding rates and effective population size; however, the population experienced a significant loss of genetic variability, unequal genetic contributions by founders, and a genetic bottleneck. Future breeding strategies could benefit from using equal proportions of parent stock and including new genetically distant breeds.

Analysis of protected species observer data: Strengths, weaknesses, and application in the assessment of marine mammal responses to seismic surveys in the northern Gulf of Mexico 2002-2015.

Visual observation data collected by protected species observers (PSOs) is required per regulations stipulated in Notices to Lessees (NTLs) and geophysical survey Permits (Form BOEM-0328) issued to seismic operators in the Gulf of Mexico (GOM). Here, data collected by certified and trained PSOs during seismic surveys conducted between 2002-2015 were compiled and analyzed to assess utility in assessing marine mammal responses to seismic noise and effectiveness of required mitigation measures. A total of 3,886 agency-required bi-weekly PSO Effort and Sightings reports were analyzed comprising 598,319 hours of PSO visual effort and 15,117 visual sighting records of marine mammals. The observed closest point of approach (CPA) distance was statistically compared across five species groupings for four airgun activity levels (full, minimum source, ramp up, silent). Whale and dolphin detections were significantly farther from airgun array locations during full power operations versus silence, indicating some avoidance response to full-power operations. Dolphin CPA distances were also significantly farther from airguns operating at minimum source than silence. Blackfish were observed significantly farther from the airgun array during ramp up versus both full and minimum source activities. Blackfish were observed significantly closer to the airgun array during silent activities versus at full, minimum source, and ramp up activities. Beaked whales had the largest mean CPA for detection distance compared to all other species groups. Detection distances for beaked whales were not significantly differences between full and silent operations; however, the sample size was very low. Overall results are consistent with other studies indicating that marine mammals may avoid exposure to airgun sounds based on observed distance from the seismic source during specified source activities. There was geographic variability in sighting rates associated with specific areas of interest within the GOM. This study demonstrates that agency required PSO reports provide a robust and useful data set applicable to impact assessments; management, policy and regulatory decision making; and qualitative input for regional scientific, stock assessment and abundance studies. However, several improvements in content and consistency would facilitate finer-scale analysis of some topics (e.g., effort associated with specific activities, observer biases, sound field estimation) and support statistical comparisons that could provide further insight into marine mammal responses and mitigation efficacy.

Heritable CRISPR Mutagenesis of Essential Maternal Effect Genes as a Simple Tool for Sustained Population Suppression of Invasive Species in a Zebrafish Model.

Invasive species control is important for ecological and agricultural management. Genetic methods can provide species specificity for population control. We developed heritable maternal effect embryo lethality (HMEL), a novel strategy allowing negative population pressure from HMEL individuals to be transmitted within a population across generations. We demonstrate the HMEL technique in zebrafish through genome-integrated CRISPR/Cas targeted mutagenic disruption of nucleoplasmin 2b (npm2b), a female-specific essential maternal effect gene, causing heritable sex-limited disruption of reproduction. HMEL-induced high-efficiency mutation of npm2b in females suppresses population, while males transmit the HMEL allele across generations. HMEL could be easily modified to target other genes causing sex-specific sterility, or generalized to control invasive fish or other vertebrate species for environmental conservation or agricultural protection.