Sable Populations Research Articles

Ice age land bridges to continental islands: Repeated migration of the forest‐dwelling sable in northeastern Asia

AbstractAimThe continental island system comprising Sakhalin, Hokkaido and the southern Kuril Islands (SHSK) in northeastern Asia serves as one of the southernmost habitats for many boreal and arctic organisms, with colonization via land bridges formed during glacial periods. To understand the impacts of past land‐bridge formation under Quaternary climate changes across SHSK, we investigated the demographic history of forest‐dwelling marten species.LocationSakhalin, Hokkaido and the southern Kuril Islands in northeastern Asia.TaxonSable, Martes zibellina (Carnivora, Mustelidae).MethodsWe employed multiplexed inter‐simple sequence repeat genotyping by sequencing (MIG‐seq) to obtain genome‐wide single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). We tested possible scenarios of colonization and diversification for SHSK sables using several population genetics approaches including clustering analysis, population tree estimation and approximate Bayesian computation modelling. We also examined haplotype diversity for the mitochondrial ND2 gene.ResultsThe genetic diversity of the island populations and their affinity for continental populations were found to be higher in the order Sakhalin > Hokkaido > Iturup in both nuclear SNP and mitochondrial DNA analyses. Demographic analyses indicated that the sable migrated repeatedly from the continent, particularly to the neighbouring Sakhalin Island. However, only an earlier colonized lineage has persisted on marginal Iturup Island since the Middle Pleistocene. The stronger effects of repeated migrations and/or isolation influenced by the distance to the continent have shaped the contemporary genetic diversity and differentiation of sable populations in SHSK.Main ConclusionsGenome‐wide and comprehensive sampling approaches demonstrated that the forest‐dwelling sable had long‐term persistence with partial admixture of multiple lineages in SHSK, suggesting the existence of forest corridors and refugia on the islands during the last several glacial periods. The SHSK system of continental islands is valuable for understanding the impacts of Quaternary climate changes on the genetic diversity and evolutionary histories of boreal organisms.

Monitoring the Genetic Structure of the Sable Population (<i>Martes zibellina</i> Linnaeus, 1758) Middle Amur Region

Based on the analysis of microsatellite loci Ma3 and Mer041, the genetic structure of the sable population of the Middle Amur Region was monitored. Materials of hunting fees of winter seasons from 2011 to 2021 were studied. Three geographic subpopulations of sable from the Bureya Highlands and one from the eastern slopes of the Sikhote-Alin Ridge are considered. It was shown that the group of specific alleles characterizing the differences between the sable populations of the Bureya Highlands and the Sikhote-Alin is represented by four alleles. The monitoring of two microsatellite loci in the subpopulations of the Bureinsky Highlands showed a higher allelic diversity in the northern autochthonous compared to the more southern ones that arose on the basis of the settlement of the northern in the first half of the 20th century. The relative homogeneity of the population structure of the sable of the Bureinsky Highlands is shown, which does not lead to a statistically significant level of differentiation of subpopulations either in space or in time. A different character of the dynamics of allelic diversity was found in the subpopulations of the left bank (Bureya Highland) and right bank (Sikhote-Alin Ridge) of the Amur River. It has been hypothesized that temporal heterogeneity in the Sikhote-Alin subpopulation may indicate the existence on the eastern slopes of the Sikhote-Alin of a spatially heterogeneous population structure formed from descendants and possible hybrids of autochthonous and introduced forms. The influence of the anthropogenic factor on the dynamics of the genetic structure is considered.

Monitoring of the Genetic Structure of the Sable Population (Martes zibellina Linnaeus, 1758) in the Middle Amur Region

Monitoring of the Genetic Structure of the Sable Population (Martes zibellina Linnaeus, 1758) in the Middle Amur Region

Filaroidosis Invasion Levels in Sable and Pine Marten Populations

A comparative study of lungworm Filaroides martis invasion rates in sable and pine marten populations in the Cis-Urals region and Central Siberia was performed on the basis of samples totaling more than 3000 animals. In different sable population groups, the invasion extensiveness (prevalence) varies from 2 to 57%; in pine marten population groups, from 0 to 54%. In the Urals transgression zone, the invasion rate is statistically significantly higher in martens compared to sables. The studied groups form three clusters. Low prevalence values (less than 2%) were noted in two eastern populations: the upper Ob River (martens) and the Vakh River (sables); the highest values (over 50%), in martens in the Urals and in both species in the Uvat district, Tyumen oblast. The rest of the groups with moderate prevalence values (20–38%) form the third cluster. The invasion intensity varies from 2.5 to 3.6 helminth cysts per infected individual in sables, and from 0 to 4.6 cysts in martens; for most pairwise comparisons performed based on these two parameters, differences between samples are statistically significant. In western groups of both species, the invasion intensity is higher compared to eastern groups. In sables, invasion prevalence and intensity correlate in a statistically significant (r = 0.95; p = 0.01) way. One geographical trend was identified: in pine martens, invasion prevalence increases in a northerly direction. Cases with prevalence levels less than 5% can be explained by the absence of formed filaroidosis foci. At the beginning of the 2010s, a twofold increase in prevalence over the previous 20 years was recorded; this phenomenon has no adequate explanation yet.

ГЕНЕТИЧЕСКАЯ СТРУКТУРА СОБОЛЯ (MARTES ZIBELLINA LINNAEUS, 1758) ПРИАМУРЬЯ: КЛАСТЕРНЫЙ АНАЛИЗ СУБПОПУЛЯЦИЙ

The Amur region sable sub-populations monitoring of the allelic composition in the hunting seasons of 2011–2021 showed the presence of alleles marking the differences between the sable population at the Amur River left and right banks. A pairwise comparison of seasonal collections of left- and right-bank sub-populations revealed a spread in the level of genetic differentiation from almost zero values to intermediate ones. It became clear that in order to determine the number of different genetic groups of sable in this region, we need additional mathematical methods to work with the obtained data. The purpose of this work is to determine and visualize the most likely number of different genetic groups of sables in the territory under consideration. It was studied three sub-populations of the Bureinsky Highland sable (left bank of the Amur River). For comparison, it was taken a species sub-population from the Sikhote-Alin western slopes (the Amur River right bank). The analysis of data for two microsatellite loci Ma3 and Mer041, on the material of hunting winter seasons from 2011 to 2022, was carried out using the programs Structure 2.3.4 and Structure Harvester. Based on the results obtained with these programs, it can be assumed that in the territory under consideration, this species is represented by two genetic groups (clusters) – “the left-bank” and “the right-bank”. The structure remains the same for both the collection material of the 2012–2013 winter hunting seasons and those of 2013–2014, as well as for the total collections of 2011–2022. The formation of such a structure is undoubtedly the result of both the historical formation of the species habitat and the genetic specifics of anthropogenic introductions from two different geographical areas.

ГЕНЕТИЧЕСКАЯ ИЗМЕНЧИВОСТЬ И ВОЗРАСТНАЯ СТРУКТУРА СОБОЛЯ (MARTES ZIBELLINA L., 1758) В ЕВРЕЙСКОЙ АВТОНОМНОЙ ОБЛАСТИ

The genetic variability and age structure analysis of the sable population in the Jewish Autonomous region (JAR) was carried out on the basis of six hunting seasons 2011–2022. The authors studied the distribution of genotypes, allelic composition and its change over time for microsatellites Ma3 and Mer_041. In most of the seasonal collections, there was a lack of heterozygotes. However, the genotypic balance for both loci was disturbed only in one season of six. The age structure analysis was carried out on the materials (hunting collections of sables) of five hunting seasons in the JAR. It showed that the most represented are the age groups actively involved in reproduction, while the number of underyearlings is somewhat lower. We can assume a more or less stable state of the sable population in JAR , which is confirmed by the data of genetic analysis.

Genetic differentiation of autochthonous sable populations in Western and Eastern Siberia

Morphological variation and active migration of sables (Martes zibellina Linnaeus, 1758) cause confusion in this species’ intraspecific taxonomy. Four to 17 subspecies have been described thus far. In this study, we clarified sable population structure using 11 microsatellite loci in 665 specimens from 33 sable populations. According to subspecies taxonomy, we expect to find four genetic groups. Our results confirmed the presence of two genetic groups in the territories of Western Siberia (subspecies Martes zibellina zibellina Linnaeus, 1758) and the Western Altai Mountains (subspecies Martes zibellina averini Bashanov, 1943). Another genetic group is formed by the populations of the Central Siberian Plateau and presumably represents the subspecies Martes zibellina yeniseensis Ognev, 1925. Previous descriptions of the area occupied by this subspecies include the mountain regions of Southern Siberia. We found a few genetic groups in the Baikal region, whereas only one subspecies Martes zibellina princeps Birula, 1918 had been described previously.

Identification of Sable (Martes zibellina L.) Populations in the Southern Part of the Species Range

Identification of Sable (Martes zibellina L.) Populations in the Southern Part of the Species Range

Population Structure of Sable in the Baikal Mountain Land: Analysis of Genetic and Phenotypic Traits

The genetic and phenotypic structure (according to the fur color) of 14 sable samples from the Baikal mountain land (BML) has been studied by analyzing 257 animals for 11 microsatellite loci and evaluating over 12 000 pelts with respect to seven standard color categories. It has been found that the population structure of sable in the region is heterogeneous both phenotypically and genetically. An isolated population group of sable with dark fur inhabits Zabaikalsky krai (Uletovsky, Petrovsk-Zabaikalsky, and Krasnochikoysky districts). The Khamar-Daban Ridge in the south of Lake Baikal is inhabited by a sable population with a high genetic diversity and the lightest fur color in the study region, which is most likely due to its contacts with the East Sayan population. The other BML samples have a relatively high genetic diversity and intermediate parameters of fur color, which may result from their large-scale intraregional translocations and migrations. The results of comparative tests suggest an indirect correlation between the phenotypic and genetic structures in samples from at least seven sable populations inhabiting the study region.

Phylogeography of subspecies of the sable (Martes zibellina L.) based on mitochondrial genomes: implications for evolutionary history

Phylogeography of the sable is complicated by mass reintroductions that occurred in some areas of Russia from 1940 to 1970. We assessed phylogeny of the sable by sequence analysis of 75 mitogenome haplotypes, including 63 newly sequenced specimens from aboriginal populations. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the sable exhibited absence of phylogeographical structure across Eurasia with the exception of ‘partially monophyletic lineage’ in the Changbai Mountains (M. z. hamgyenensis) and on Kamchatka Peninsula (M. z. kamtschadalica), and two terminal sharing haplotypes occurred in two long-range subspecies. This may be the result of multiple factors, including ‘secondary contact’, anthropogenic translocation and the opportunity for long-distance movement. At the same time, M. z. hamgyenensis lacked recent demographic expansion and survived with a stable population size during the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM). Combining partially monophyletic lineage, we suggested that the region was a glacial refugia for the species. Considering the geographic distribution and the genetic diversity of sable subspecies, M. z. obscura may be regarded as central and M. z. yeniseensis, M. z. princeps, M. z. linkouensis, M. z. zibellina and M. z. arsenjevi as marginal. M. z. hamgyenensis, M. z. kamtschadalica and M. z. brachyura are categorized as a boundary. The species showed a reduced trend from central to peripheral in genetic diversity. Based on the time to most recent common ancestor (TMRCA) and the Bayesian skyline plots (BSPs) analysis of M. zibellina, the Middle and Late Pleistocene climatic conditions played an important role in phylogenetic differentiation of the sable mitochondrial gene pool. The sable populations experienced a bottleneck during the penultimate glacial maximum (PGM) rather than during the LGM. An expansion of the population continued during the transition from the middle of the Karginian to the Sartanian times, including slow expansion during the LGM. With the rise of postglacial temperatures, a rapid decline of sable populations could be associated with hunting by humans.

ИССЛЕДОВАНИЕ АЛЛЕЛЬНОГО СОСТАВА МИКРОСАТЕЛЛИТНОГО ЛОКУСА МА-3 У СОБОЛЯ (MARTES ZIBELLINA L., 1758) СРЕДНЕГО ПРИАМУРЬЯ: АНАЛИЗ СБОРОВ ПОСЛЕДОВАТЕЛЬНЫХ ОХОТНИЧЬИХ СЕЗОНОВ

The authors investigated the allele microsatellite locus Ma-3 composition in the Middle Amur Region sable (Martes zibellina). Three subpopulations of animals from the Bureinsky Highlands (Magan, Sutyr and Kamenushka), as well as one from the western macro slope of the Sikhote-Alin ridge (Manoma) were analyzed. The genetic material was collected for the hunting seasons of 2011/2012 – 2017/2018. Subpopulations of the northern (Magan) and middle (Sutyr) parts of the Bureinsky ridge were most similar to each other in their allele composition In the subpopulation of the Bureinsky Highlands southern part (Kamenushka) some slight differences were found. In the Manoma subpopulation, the specific allele 129 was found in hunting catches of 2012-2013 and 2017-2018. The specific allele presence in this subpopulation has proved some geographic isolation between the Sikhote Alin and the Bureinsky Highlands sable populations.

Tracing size distribution patterns in two Martes species across Eurasia: which populations should be protected?

My aim is to identify the general and specific patterns in the geographical distribution of sable, Martes zibellina, and pine marten, Martes martes, sizes, as well as one sibling species in the general range. For each species, a comparative analysis of the response to environmental gradients in different areas of their ranges was carried out. For the range of each species, as for the twin species, the global trend presented an increase in size from the Pacific to the Atlantic, which revealed a negative longitudinal trend that was more pronounced in the marten. The sable follows Bergmann’s rule, whereas the marten demonstrates a significant reverse trend. As a species, the marten shows a significant clinal growth that is directly correlated to the increase in the average annual temperatures and January temperatures, as well as with increased elevation (without any reaction to the July temperatures). As a species, the sable does not correlate with the temperature or elevation gradients. New and diverse patterns of sable and marten sizes across Eurasia were identified. The two species demonstrate the existence of a single zone of minimum sizes in the entire range, and there is a new feature of the growth to the east of the zone where the dimensions are minimal. The marten is adapted to a temperate climate, whereas the sable is adapted to cold and extreme climates. I have proposed several corrections to the conservation plans based on knowledge of the biological characteristics of the marten and sable populations and subspecies.

Microsatellite multiplex assay for sable (Martes zibellina) and pine marten (Martes martes)

We evaluate the applicability of the microsatellite multiplex assay of 11 short tandem repeat loci for individual identification of sable and pine marten, taxonomic identification of Martes species, and assessment of inter-population separation of sable populations isolated by distance. Based on the screening, we detected 50 and 80–82 alleles in pine marten and two sable populations, respectively. All 11 microsatellite markers of the proposed PCR assay were characterized by the same range of allele length in the two Marten species, which makes species identification unfeasible using any of the loci alone. However, the combination of all 11 loci differentiated sables and pine martens, and more importantly provided the opportunity to identify their hybrids in the sympatry range zone. Using the proposed microsatellite assay, we successfully identified geographic origin of most genotyped sable individuals.

Evaluation of population status and foraging ecology of Sable antelope (Hippotragus niger roosevelti, Heller, 1910) in Shimba Hills National Reserve, Kenya

AbstractThe Sable antelope (Hippotragus niger roosevelti, Heller, 1910) is nationally endemic to Shimba Hills National Reserve (SHNR) in Kenya. In the past few decades, its population has declined considerably. Despite the alarming decline and resultant localised distribution, a little information exists on the species population status and foraging ecology. Different ecological research techniques were used to collect relevant data and information on the species population structure and feeding habits. The results showed that Sable population comprised of sex and age structures that are skewed towards females and adult, respectively, whereas young and subadult populations were not significantly different. Seasonal change did not have significant influence on the diversity of food plants selected by Sable. Although crude protein and phosphorous levels in Sable faecal samples differed significantly between the seasons, they were within the recommended minimum maintenance requirements for wild herbivores. The study concludes that Sable has good survival rate and potential to breed but lacks stability in the population. Additionally, Sable forage quality and availability may not be limiting its population growth. There is need to establish management strategies for improving reproduction in Sable and understand the level of competition of the species with other mega herbivores in SHNR.

Population homeostasis and habitats of the sable of the southern Cisbaikalia

The importance of hunting design for the rational use of hunting resources is highlighted. As part of hunting, the role of hunting taxation is defined. Using the example of an exceptionally economically important commercial species, the possibilities of a landscape-interpretation approach for mapping the habitats of game animals are shown. The work makes their inventory on the basis of the landscape-species concept of hunting taxation. According to the habitat conditions, optimal and suboptimal habitats are identified, as well as lands unusual for sable. Criteria for the selection of optimal conditions served as the possibility of providing natural complexes of year-round habitat of sable. The interpretation criteria as suboptimal are the worst habitat conditions of the sable and their use is mainly seasonal. Unusual lands are the areas where the species does not inhabit. In general, the work performed shows the use of ecology (biogeocenology) and modern landscape science in hunting management, including for identifying and displaying natural complexes that are extremely important for homeostasis of the sable population. The region has been identified for the special importance of indigenous Siberian pine (Pinus sibirica du Tour) and the importance of this species for sable is shown. Optimal habitats are characterized by sable population density. The current state of the sable population, taking into account the current commercial use, can be characterized by its homeostasis.

Mitochondrial DNA markers for the study of introgression between the sable and the pine marten

We clarify the contribution of gene introgression in the recovery of the sable Martes zibellina, which has undergone significant population declines by the end of the nineteenth century. To verify the contribution of interspecific gene introgression, variation among the sable and the pine marten Martes martes was investigated utilizing restriction fragment analysis of the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene as a genetic markers. Evidence of symmetric introgression of mitochondrial genes between the species was detected. Frequency of marten haplotypes in the sable was 8.3%, while sable haplotype was found in 10% of the martens. The low frequency of mitochondrial DNA haplotype A indicates a comparatively low portion of the Eastern lines in the current sable populations in Western Siberia, despite the introduction of a large number of Eastern sable subspecies. These findings are of great importance for the conservation genetics of the sable. Overhunting of the sable as a more fur valuable species than the pine marten may lead to violation of the dynamic equilibrium between genetic systems of these related species. Mitochondrial markers can be used to identify genetic lines of other species or subspecies in hybrid zones.

Генетическая структура популяции соболя (Martes zibellina) Буреинского нагорья по сборам одного охотничьего сезона

Генетическая структура популяции соболя (Martes zibellina) Буреинского нагорья по сборам одного охотничьего сезона

Taxonomic Status and Genetic Identification of Altai Sable (Martes zibellina averini Bazhanov, 1943)

The genetic structure and differentiation level of the sable populations from the Altai mountain region and adjacent geographical regions were studied using nuclear and mitochondrial genome markers. The isolation of the sable from northwestern physicogeographical province of the Altai mountain region was confirmed. Previously, the taxonomic status of the sable from this region was determined according to morphological traits as the Martes zibellina averini Bashanov, 1943 subspecies. The results of the statistical analysis indicate the existence of two population groups in the Altai mountain region: northwestern (isolated by landscape peculiarities of the mountain region) and generated by the populations of the east and northeast of the Altai Mountains. The latter have sustainable migration links with the main area of sable of the Altai–Sayan Ecoregion and Central Siberian Plateau. The allelic diversity center of the studied part of the species area was detected.

Hunting Selectivity and Its Influence on the Structure of Sable Populations in the Cis-Ural Region

The structure of commercial sable samples from the Cis-Ural region was studied taking into account hunting method (shooting or trapping). The proportion of adult animals was found to be significantly lower in samples taken during the first half of the hunting season, compared to the second half, indicating predominant harvesting of young animals. To estimate the degree of hunting selectivity (I), the ratios of demographic groups among shot and trapped animals were calculated. The results confirmed the fact of selective hunting for underyearlings both by shooting (I = 1.49–1.60 for the Cis-Ural region and I = 2.46–3.37 for the Western Sayan Mountains) and by trapping (I = 2.80–4.37), especially during the first half of winter. Samples taken during the second half of the season were characterized by prevalence of adult animals making up the reproductive core of the population (I = 1.43–2.07). It is considered that the process of reproduction in Cis-Ural sable populations in the 1960s to 1980s was stimulated by intensive commercial hunting. To maintain reproduction of sable populations at a safe level, it is necessary to reduce the period of hunting in the first quarter of the year. It is proposed to use the phenomenon of hunting selectivity for managing sable populations, regulating their exploitation, and improving the economic productivity of habitats. Commercial hunting in terms of its impact on the population can act as a factor of conscious or unconscious artificial selection.

Genetic individualization of sable (Martes zibellina L. 1758) using microsatellites

ABSTRACTGenetic individualization based on non-invasive sampling is crucial for estimating the numbers of individuals in endangered mammalian populations. In sable (Martes zibellina)-poaching cases, identifying the number of animals involved is critical for determining the penalty. In addition, investigating animal numbers for wild sable populations requires genetic individualization when collecting several samples in neighboring regions. Microsatellites have been demonstrated to be reliable markers for individual identification. Thirty-three microsatellite loci derived from Mustelidae were selected to develop a genetic individualization method for sable. Three reference populations containing 54 unrelated sables were used to calculate allele number, allelic frequencies, and the polymorphic information content of each locus. The data were subsequently used to assess the validity of a combination of twelve loci for sable individualization. We defined twelve polymorphic loci that were easy to be amplified and genotyped. Four significant deviations from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium were observed among the 12 loci in the three populations. The match probability of an individual from the reference populations with a random individual based on the 12 loci was 1.37 × 10−13. Using the combination of the twelve loci provides sufficient power to individualize sables considering the levels of microsatellite polymorphism observed. These loci were successfully applied to a case of sable poaching and provided valid evidence to determine the penalty. The genetic individualization of sable based on these loci might also be useful to investigate the numbers of animals in wild populations.