Patterns of genomic diversity in a metapopulation of African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus) following reintroduction

• Applicant: Professor Klaus Fischer, Ph.D., since 8/2024
• Subject Area: Evolution, Anthropology ; General Genetics and Functional Genome Biology ; Ecology and Biodiversity of Animals and Ecosystems, Organismic Interactions
• Term: since 2021
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 493094679

Biodiversity loss is currently occurring at an alarming rate around the globe and across all trophic scales. The loss of apex predators has arguably been most influential on ecosystems, due to their top-down control of prey. They are also one the most challenging groups to conserve, because of their large area requirements, low densities and reproduction rates, and because of common conflicts with humans over resources. In an effort to halt the global declines of large carnivores and to restore ecosystem functioning, reintroductions have become increasingly popular. Due to reintroductions, South Africa now holds a viable population of African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus), divided over 12 reserves. Translocations between reserves are carried out to mimic natural dispersal, due to which they form one managed metapopulation. Additionally, there is a separate population in Kruger National Park and a free-roaming population in the northern part of South Africa. The aim of this study is to better understand the evolutionary (i.e. adaptive) potential of the wild dog metapopulation, and identify genetic trends associated with the translocation and range expansion programme. In order to do so, we will test the prediction that genetic diversity has been maintained due to relocation efforts, by measuring expected heterozygosity (HE), adaptive genetic variance (i.e., amino acid variance, VA) and effective population size (NE). We will also try to detect potential cryptic structure between the three wild dog populations in South Africa, which may have resulted from different demographic backgrounds, dispersal barriers or environmental pressures. By including populations from Botswana and Zimbabwe, we will also help to unravel the origin of free-roaming wild dogs, for which no conclusive data was presented during the previous study. The data generated during this study will hopefully illustrate a positive relationship between dispersal (whether natural or artificial) and adaptive genetic variation in fragmented populations, thereby highlighting the value of reintroduction and translocation programmes. The results will also illustrate the value of having a deeper understanding of a species’ genetic structure, influenced by either dispersal barriers or selective forces. For metapopulation planning, this can help to inform how best to maintain evolutionary potential, and to detect populations that are in most need of genetic rescue. It will also be highly informative for other range expansion programmes that involve threatened species.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• Ehemalige Antragstellerin: Laura Tensen, Ph.D., until 8/2024