A carregar...
Publicação
Gene flow between Iberian wolves (Canis lupus signatus) from the Peneda/Gerês and the Alvão/Padrela nuclei
| Nome: | Descrição: | Tamanho: | Formato: | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11.76 MB | Adobe PDF |
Autores
Resumo(s)
Iberian wolves (Canis lupus signatus) face endangerment due to habitat fragmentation and
destruction, human persecution, and limited genetic diversity. This study aims to genetically
characterize the Alvão/Padrela population nucleus and assess gene flow between the Iberian
wolf populations in Peneda/Gerês and Alvão/Padrela using non-invasive sampling methods.
Samples collected in the field were analyzed in the laboratory to extract DNA, identify
species through mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequencing, determine sex, and analyze
genetic diversity with an 18-microsatellite panel. The study area includes regions with low
human density and extensive livestock farming, which offer alternative prey for wolves in an
environment with limited wild prey. Human pressure was also considered for its potential
impacts on wolf movements, as it can fragment and destroy their habitat, reduce food
availability, decrease reproductive success, and increase human-wolf interactions.
Results suggest a relatively small wolf population in Alvão/Padrela, with the absence of an
identified breeding pair and the difficulty in inferring a clear kinship structure. Genetic
analyses identified first-generation migrants from Alvão/Padrela within the Peneda/Gerês
nucleus, suggesting gene flow between the two nuclei. These results may be due to human
pressures and resource scarcity in Alvão/Padrela, pushing wolves toward neighbouring
regions. STRUCTURE, GeneClass and BayeAss analyses estimated individual ancestry and
gene flow, indicating bidirectional gene flow. The inferred bidirectional pattern may have
been affected by the unequal number of samples available from the two nuclei and the
unequal sampling periods in the two areas.
Non-invasive methods allowed effective genetic identification without capturing wolves but
presented challenges, including contamination, allelic dropout, or scoring of false alleles
Despite limitations, the study enhances understanding of Iberian wolf movements and genetic
structure. Findings suggest connectivity between nuclei, potentially impacting the species'
resilience. Continued monitoring and ecological corridors are recommended to support
connectivity and mitigate human impact on wolf populations in Portugal.
Descrição
Tese de mestrado, Biologia da Conservação, 2025, Universidade de Lisboa, Faculdade de Ciências
Palavras-chave
Canis lupus signatus migração fluxo genético Genética da Conservação métodos não-invasivos Teses de mestrado - 2025