Range-wide genomic scans and tests for selection identify non-neutral spatial patterns of genetic variation in a non-model amphibian species (Pelobates cultripes) - Adam Joseph Doncheff Marques; Jeffrey Owen Hanson; Miguel Camacho-Sanchez; Iñigo Martínez-Solano; Craig Moritz; Pedro Tarroso; Guillermo Velo-Antón; Ana Veríssimo; Sílvia Benoliel Carvalho (Conservation Genetics, 2022)

Contextualizing enigmatic extinctions using genomic DNA from fluid-preserved museum specimens of Desmognathus salamanders - R. Alexander Pyron; David A. Beamer; Chace R. Holzheuser; Emily Moriarty Lemmon; Alan R. Lemmon; Addison H. Wynn; Kyle A. O’Connell (Conservation Genetics, 2022)

Genetic management on the brink of extinction: sequencing microsatellites does not improve estimates of inbreeding in wild and captive Vancouver Island marmots (Marmota vancouverensis) - Kimberley G. Barrett; Geneviève Amaral; Melanie Elphinstone; Malcolm L. McAdie; Corey S. Davis; Jasmine K. Janes; John Carnio; Axel Moehrenschlager; Jamieson C. Gorrell (Conservation Genetics, 2022)
Captive breeding is often a last resort management option in the conservation of endangered species which can in turn lead to increased risk of inbreeding depression and loss of genetic diversity. Thus, recording breeding events via studbook for the purpose of estimating relatedness, and facilitating mating pair selection to minimize inbreeding, is common practice. However, as founder relatedness is often unknown, loss of genetic variation and inbreeding cannot be entirely avoided. Molecular genotyping is slowly being adopted in captive breeding programs, however achieving sufficient resolution can be challenging in small, low diversity, populations. Here, we evaluate the success of the Vancouver Island marmot ( Marmota vancouverensis ; VIM; among the worlds most endangered mammals) captive breeding program in preventing inbreeding and maintaining genetic diversity. We explored the use of high-throughput amplicon sequencing of microsatellite regions to assay greater genetic variation in both captive and wild populations than traditional length-based fragment analysis. Contrary to other studies, this method did not considerably increase diversity estimates, suggesting: (1) that the technique does not universally improve resolution, and (2) VIM have exceedingly low diversity. Studbook estimates of pairwise relatedness and inbreeding in the current population were weakly, but positively, correlated to molecular estimates. Thus, current studbooks are moderately effective at predicting genetic similarity when founder relatedness is known. Finally, we found that captive and wild populations did not differ in allelic frequencies, and conservation efforts to maintain diversity have been successful with no significant decrease in diversity over the last three generations.

Conservation genomics of federally endangered Texella harvester species (Arachnida, Opiliones, Phalangodidae) from cave and karst habitats of central Texas - Shahan Derkarabetian; Pierre Paquin; James Reddell; Marshal Hedin (Conservation Genetics, 2022)

Hidden diversity of the olive ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) from Angola, West Africa - Regina L. Cunha; Adjany Costa; Filipa Godinho; Carmen Santos; Rita Castilho (Conservation Genetics, 2022)

Genetic signature of immigrants and their effect on genetic diversity in the recently established Scandinavian wolf population - Mikael Åkesson; Øystein Flagstad; Jouni Aspi; Ilpo Kojola; Olof Liberg; Petter Wabakken; Håkan Sand (Conservation Genetics, 2022)
Transboundary connectivity is a key component when conserving and managing animal species that require large areas to maintain viable population sizes. Wolves Canis lupus recolonized the Scandinavian Peninsula in the early 1980s. The population is geographically isolated and relies on immigration to not lose genetic diversity and to maintain long term viability. In this study we address (1) to what extent the genetic diversity among Scandinavian wolves has recovered during 30 years since its foundation in relation to the source populations in Finland and Russia, (2) if immigration has occurred from both Finland and Russia, two countries with very different wolf management and legislative obligations to ensure long term viability of wolves, and (3) if immigrants can be assumed to be unrelated. Using 26 microsatellite loci we found that although the genetic diversity increased among Scandinavian wolves (n = 143), it has not reached the same levels found in Finland (n = 25) or in Russia (n = 19). Low genetic differentiation between Finnish and Russian wolves, complicated our ability to determine the origin of immigrant wolves (n = 20) with respect to nationality. Nevertheless, based on differences in allelic richness and private allelic richness between the two countries, results supported the occurrence of immigration from both countries. A priori assumptions that immigrants are unrelated is non-advisable, since 5.8% of the pair-wise analyzed immigrants were closely related. To maintain long term viability of wolves in Northern Europe, this study highlights the potential and need for management actions that facilitate transboundary dispersal.

Landscape and stocking effects on population genetics of Tennessee Brook Trout - John S. Hargrove; David C. Kazyak; Barbara A. Lubinski; Karli M. Rogers; Olivia K. Bowers; Kurt A. Fesenmyer; Jim W. Habera; Jason Henegar (Conservation Genetics, 2022)

Population genetic structure of the Natterjack toad (Epidalea calamita) in Ireland: implications for conservation management - Marina Reyne; Kara Dicks; Claire McFarlane; Aurélie Aubry; Mark Emmerson; Ferdia Marnell; Neil Reid; Sarah Helyar (Conservation Genetics, 2022)
Molecular methods can play a crucial role in species management and conservation. Despite the usefulness of genetic approaches, they are often not explicitly included as part of species recovery plans and conservation practises. The Natterjack toad ( Epidalea calamita ) is regionally Red-Listed as Endangered in Ireland. The species is declining and is now present at just seven sites within a highly restricted range. This study used 13 highly polymorphic microsatellite markers to analyse the population genetic diversity and structure. Genetic diversity was high with expected heterozygosity between 0.55 and 0.61 and allelic richness between 4.77 and 5.92. Effective population sizes were small ( N e < 100 individuals), but not abnormal for pond breeding amphibians. However, there was no evidence of historical or contemporary genetic bottlenecks or high levels of inbreeding. We identified a positive relationship between N e and breeding pond surface area, suggesting that environmental factors are a key determinant of population size. Significant genetic structuring was detected throughout the species’ range, and we identified four genetic entities that should be considered in the species’ conservation strategies. Management should focus on preventing further population declines and future loss of genetic diversity overall and within genetic entities while maintaining adequate local effective population size through site-specific protection, human-mediated translocations and head-start programs. The apparent high levels of genetic variation give hope for the conservation of Ireland’s rarest amphibian if appropriately protected and managed.

Variation in the PRNP gene of Pere David’s deer (Elaphurus davidianus) may impact genetic vulnerability to chronic wasting disease - Tolulope I. N. Perrin-Stowe; Yasuko Ishida; Emily E. Terrill; Dan Beetem; Oliver A. Ryder; Jan E. Novakofski; Nohra E. Mateus-Pinilla; Alfred L. Roca (Conservation Genetics, 2022)

Population genomics of Monadenia (Gastropoda: Stylommatophora: Xanthonychidae) land snails reveals structuring but gene-flow across distinct species and morphotypes - Jessica A. Oswald; Barry Roth; Trevor M. Faske; Julie M. Allen; Cathleen Mestre; Darci Rivers-Pankratz; Kelli Van Norman; Robert P. Guralnick (Conservation Genetics, 2022)

Genome-wide assessment of population structure in Florida’s coastal seaside sparrows - Carolyn Enloe; W. Andrew Cox; Akanksha Pandey; Sabrina S. Taylor; Stefan Woltmann; Rebecca T. Kimball (Conservation Genetics, 2022)

Population genetic and genomic analyses of Western Massasauga (Sistrurus tergeminus ssp.): implications for subspecies delimitation and conservation - Rian Bylsma; Danielle K. Walkup; Toby J. Hibbitts; Wade A. Ryberg; Andrew N. Black; J. Andrew DeWoody (Conservation Genetics, 2022)

Genetic and conservation significance of populations at the polar vs. equatorial range limits of the Pacific coastal dune endemic Abronia umbellata (Nyctaginaceae) - Alyson C. Van Natto; Christopher G. Eckert (Conservation Genetics, 2022)

Genome-wide assessment of kokanee salmon stock diversity, population history and hatchery representation at the northern range margin - Christopher Setzke; Carmen Wong; Michael A. Russello (Conservation Genetics, 2022)

New developments in the field of genomic technologies and their relevance to conservation management - Gernot Segelbacher; Mirte Bosse; Pamela Burger; Peter Galbusera; José A. Godoy; Philippe Helsen; Christina Hvilsom; Laura Iacolina; Adla Kahric; Chiara Manfrin; Marina Nonic; Delphine Thizy; et al. (Conservation Genetics, 2022)
Recent technological advances in the field of genomics offer conservation managers and practitioners new tools to explore for conservation applications. Many of these tools are well developed and used by other life science fields, while others are still in development. Considering these technological possibilities, choosing the right tool(s) from the toolbox is crucial and can pose a challenging task. With this in mind, we strive to inspire, inform and illuminate managers and practitioners on how conservation efforts can benefit from the current genomic and biotechnological revolution. With inspirational case studies we show how new technologies can help resolve some of the main conservation challenges, while also informing how implementable the different technologies are. We here focus specifically on small population management, highlight the potential for genetic rescue, and discuss the opportunities in the field of gene editing to help with adaptation to changing environments. In addition, we delineate potential applications of gene drives for controlling invasive species. We illuminate that the genomic toolbox offers added benefit to conservation efforts, but also comes with limitations for the use of these novel emerging techniques.

Correction to: Reviewing the consequences of genetic purging on the success of rescue programs - Noelia Pérez-Pereira; Armando Caballero; Aurora García-Dorado (Conservation Genetics, 2022)

Evaluating the genome-wide impacts of species translocations: the greater prairie-chicken as a case study - Samantha L. R. Capel; Juan L. Bouzat; Julian M. Catchen; Jeff A. Johnson; Peter O. Dunn; Ken N. Paige (Conservation Genetics, 2022)

Neither connectivity nor genetic diversity matter in the conservation of a rare fern and a moss on insular erratic boulders - Daniel Hepenstrick; Niklaus Zemp; Alex Widmer; Rolf Holderegger (Conservation Genetics, 2022)
Erratic boulders provide habitat for rock-dwelling species and contribute to the biodiversity of landscapes. In the calcareous Swiss lowlands, siliceous erratic boulders are exclusive habitat islands for the regionally critically endangered fern Asplenium septentrionale , about 20 bryophyte species and numerous lichens. Focusing on island biogeographical processes, we analysed the conservation genomics of A. septentrionale and the moss Hedwigia ciliata on insular erratic boulders in the Swiss lowlands and the adjacent “mainland” in siliceous mountains. We genotyped both species using double digest restriction associated DNA sequencing (ddRAD). For the tetraploid A. septentrionale , abundant identical multilocus genotypes within populations suggested prevalent intragametophytic selfing, and six out of eight boulder populations consisting of a single multilocus genotype each indicated single spore founder events. The genetic structure of A. septentrionale mainland populations coincided with Pleistocene glacial refugia. Four genetic lineages of H. ciliata were identified, and populations consisting of a single multilocus genotype were less common than in A. septentrionale . For both taxa, multilocus genotype diversity on boulders was lower than in mainland populations. The absence of common genetic groups among boulder populations, and the absence of isolation by distance patterns, suggested colonisation of boulders through independent long-distance dispersal events. Successful boulder colonisation of A. septentrionale seems to be rare, while colonisation by H. ciliata appears to be more frequent. We conclude that pivotal principles of conservation biology, such as connectivity and genetic diversity, are of less importance for the studied cryptogams on insular erratic boulders because of long-distance dispersal, intragametophytic selfing and polyploidy.

Interspecific hybridization in natural sturgeon populations of the Eastern Black Sea: the consequence of drastic population decline? - Tamar Beridze; Elisa Boscari; Fleur Scheele; Tamari Edisherashvili; Cort Anderson; Leonardo Congiu (Conservation Genetics, 2022)
The eastern part of the Black Sea and its tributaries are suitable habitats for several sturgeon species, among which Acipenser gueldenstaedtii , A. stellatus , A. nudiventris , A. persicus , A. sturio , and H. huso are well documented. However, different threats have led these species to a dramatic decline, all of them are currently listed as Critically Endangered , and some Locally Extinct , in that area. We tested 94 wild sturgeon samples from the Black Sea and Rioni River by analyzing the mitochondrial Control Region and nuclear markers for hybrid identification. The data analyses (1) assessed mitochondrial diversity among samples, (2) identified their species, as well as (3) indicated instances of hybridization. The data collected, besides confirming a sharp decrease of catches of Beluga and Stellate sturgeon in recent years, also revealed four juvenile hybrids between Russian and Stellate sturgeon, providing the first evidence of natural interspecific hybridization in the Rioni. The present communication raises concerns about the status of sturgeon species in this area and underlines the urgent need for conservation programs to restore self-sustaining populations.

Conservation genetics of a wide-ranged temperate snake: same species, different locations, and different behaviour - Jean-Pierre Vacher; Eric Graitson; Julie Cauwenbergh; Sylvain Ursenbacher (Conservation Genetics, 2022)

Genetic structure, diversity and distribution of a threatened lizard affected by widespread habitat fragmentation - Anna F. Senior; Nick Clemann; Michael G. Gardner; Katherine A. Harrisson; Geoffrey M. While; David G. Chapple (Conservation Genetics, 2022)

Low neutral and immunogenetic diversity in northern fringe populations of the green toad Bufotes viridis: implications for conservation - Jacob Höglund; Lucas Bolender; Maria Cortazar-Chinarro; Sara Meurling; Anssi Laurila; Adam Hermaniuk; Christophe Dufresnes (Conservation Genetics, 2022)
Genetic variation is often lower at high latitudes, which may compromise the adaptability and hence survival of organisms. Here we show that genetic variability is negatively correlated with northern latitude in European green toads ( Bufotes viridis ). The result holds true for both putatively neutral microsatellite variation and supposedly adaptive MHC Class IIB variation. In particular, our findings have bearing on the conservation status of this species in Sweden, on the northern limit of its distribution where local populations are small and fragmented. These genetically impoverished populations are closely related to other populations found around the Baltic Sea basin. The low neutral and adaptive variation in these fringe populations compared to population at central ranges confirms a pattern shared across all other amphibians so far studied. In Sweden, the situation of green toads is of concern as the remaining populations may not have the evolutionary potential to cope with present and future environmental challenges.

Reviewing the consequences of genetic purging on the success of rescue programs - Noelia Pérez-Pereira; Armando Caballero; Aurora García-Dorado (Conservation Genetics, 2022)
Genetic rescue is increasingly considered a promising and underused conservation strategy to reduce inbreeding depression and restore genetic diversity in endangered populations, but the empirical evidence supporting its application is limited to a few generations. Here we discuss on the light of theory the role of inbreeding depression arising from partially recessive deleterious mutations and of genetic purging as main determinants of the medium to long-term success of rescue programs. This role depends on two main predictions: (1) The inbreeding load hidden in populations with a long stable demography increases with the effective population size; and (2) After a population shrinks, purging tends to remove its (partially) recessive deleterious alleles, a process that is slower but more efficient for large populations than for small ones. We also carry out computer simulations to investigate the impact of genetic purging on the medium to long term success of genetic rescue programs. For some scenarios, it is found that hybrid vigor followed by purging will lead to sustained successful rescue. However, there may be specific situations where the recipient population is so small that it cannot purge the inbreeding load introduced by migrants, which would lead to increased fitness inbreeding depression and extinction risk in the medium to long term. In such cases, the risk is expected to be higher if migrants came from a large non-purged population with high inbreeding load, particularly after the accumulation of the stochastic effects ascribed to repeated occasional migration events. Therefore, under the specific deleterious recessive mutation model considered, we conclude that additional caution should be taken in rescue programs. Unless the endangered population harbors some distinctive genetic singularity whose conservation is a main concern, restoration by continuous stable gene flow should be considered, whenever feasible, as it reduces the extinction risk compared to repeated occasional migration and can also allow recolonization events.

Historic DNA reveals genetic consequences of fragmentation in an endangered, endemic mustard - Sarah Macneil Swope; Tatyana Yazmine Soto; Nia Rahman-Khan Arana (Conservation Genetics, 2022)

Genome-wide SNP analysis of three moose subspecies at the southern range limit in the contiguous United States - Jason A. Ferrante; Chase H. Smith; Laura M. Thompson; Margaret E. Hunter (Conservation Genetics, 2022)
Genome-wide evaluations of genetic diversity and population structure are important for informing management and conservation of trailing-edge populations. North American moose ( Alces alces ) are declining along portions of the southern edge of their range due to disease, species interactions, and marginal habitat, all of which may be exacerbated by climate change. We employed a genotyping by sequencing (GBS) approach in an effort to collect baseline information on the genetic variation of moose inhabiting the species’ southern range periphery in the contiguous United States. We identified 1920 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from 155 moose representing three subspecies from five states: A. a. americana (New Hampshire), A. a. andersoni (Minnesota), and A. a. shirasi (Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming). Molecular analyses supported three geographically isolated clusters, congruent with currently recognized subspecies. Additionally, while moderately low genetic diversity was observed, there was little evidence of inbreeding. Results also indicated > 20% shared ancestry proportions between A. a. shirasi samples from northern Montana and A. a. andersoni samples from Minnesota, indicating a putative hybrid zone warranting further investigation. GBS has proven to be a simple and effective method for genome-wide SNP discovery in moose and provides robust data for informing herd management and conservation priorities. With increasing disease, predation, and climate related pressure on range edge moose populations in the United States, the use of SNP data to identify gene flow between subspecies may prove a powerful tool for moose management and recovery, particularly if hybrid moose are more able to adapt.

New insights into the past and recent evolutionary history of the Corsican mouflon (Ovis gmelini musimon) to inform its conservation - Elodie Portanier; Pascale Chevret; Pauline Gélin; Pierre Benedetti; Frédéric Sanchis; Filippo Barbanera; Cécile Kaerle; Guillaume Queney; Gilles Bourgoin; Sébastien Devillard; Mathieu Garel (Conservation Genetics, 2022)

Genome-wide markers reveal differentiation between and within the cryptic sister species, sunset and vermilion rockfish - Gary C. Longo; John Harms; John R. Hyde; Matthew T. Craig; Ana Ramón-Laca; Krista M. Nichols (Conservation Genetics, 2022)
The vermilion rockfish complex, which consists of the cryptic sister species vermilion and sunset rockfish, is one of the most valuable recreational fisheries on the U.S. West Coast. These species are currently managed as a single complex, and because of uncertainty surrounding the relative contribution of each species within existing data sources, the stock status of each species is not fully known. A reliable and cost-effective method is needed to disentangle these species that will allow for the development of abundance indices, life history profiles, and catch histories that may potentially support species-specific stock assessments. Using restriction-site associated DNA sequence (RADseq) markers we generated 10,003 polymorphic loci to characterize the vermilion rockfish complex. PCA and Bayesian clustering approaches based on these loci clearly distinguished between sunset and vermilion rockfishes and identified hybrid individuals. These loci included 203 highly differentiated (F ST ≥ 0.99) single nucleotide polymorphisms, which we consider candidates in the planned development of a diagnostic assay capable of distinguishing between these cryptic species. In addition to clearly delineating to species, subsets of the interspecific markers allowed for insight into intraspecific differentiation in both species. Population genetic analyses for sunset rockfish identified two weakly divergent genetic groups with similar levels of genetic diversity. Vermilion rockfish, however, were characterized by three distinct genetic groups with much stronger signals of differentiation and significantly different genetic diversities. Collectively, these data will contribute to well-informed, species-specific management strategies to protect this valuable species complex.

Genetic diversity of natural populations of Taxus mairei - Qianqian Luo; Fengqing Li; Longhua Yu; Liyun Wang; Gangbiao Xu; Zhichun Zhou (Conservation Genetics, 2022)

Small localized breeding populations in a widely distributed coastal shark species - B. D. Postaire; K. A. Feldheim; G. M. Clementi; J. Quinlan; M. P. M. van Zinnicq Bergmann; E. J. Brooks; R. D. Grubbs; T. L. Guttridge; A. C. Henderson; R. Tavares; D. D. Chapman (Conservation Genetics, 2022)

Conservation genetics of two critically endangered island dwarf carnivores - Alejandro Flores-Manzanero; David Valenzuela-Galván; Alfredo D. Cuarón; Ella Vázquez-Domínguez (Conservation Genetics, 2022)

Connectivity, diversity, and hybridization between two endemic fish species (Percilia spp.) in a complex temperate landscape - Francisca Valenzuela-Aguayo; Gregory R. McCracken; Gustavo Diaz; Aliro Manosalva; Evelyn Habit; Daniel E. Ruzzante (Conservation Genetics, 2022)

Effect of the landscape on functional and spatial connectivity in Magnolia cubensis (Magnoliaceae) in two mountain massifs of Cuba - Majela Hernández Rodríguez; Ernesto Testé; Emily Veltjen; Jhonny Quintana Delgado; Alejandro Palmarola Bejerano; Marlyn Valdés de la Cruz; Pieter Asselman; Isabel Larridon; Marie-Stéphanie Samain; Luis Roberto González Torres (Conservation Genetics, 2021)

Genetic structure of endangered species Adenophora liliifolia and footprints of postglacial recolonisation in Central Europe - Lucie Vaculná; Ľuboš Majeský; Tahir Ali; Alexey P. Seregin; Romana Prausová; Adam Kapler; Dmytro Iakushenko; Marco Thines; Miloslav Kitner (Conservation Genetics, 2021)

Demographic modeling informs functional connectivity and management interventions in Graham’s beardtongue - Matthew R. Jones; Daniel E. Winkler; Rob Massatti (Conservation Genetics, 2021)
Functional connectivity (i.e., the movement of individuals across a landscape) is essential for the maintenance of genetic variation and persistence of rare species. However, illuminating the processes influencing functional connectivity and ultimately translating this knowledge into management practice remains a fundamental challenge. Here, we combine various population structure analyses with pairwise, population-specific demographic modeling to investigate historical functional connectivity in Graham’s beardtongue ( Penstemon grahamii ), a rare plant narrowly distributed across a dryland region of the western US. While principal component and population structure analyses indicated an isolation-by-distance pattern of differentiation across the species’ range, spatial inferences of effective migration exposed an abrupt shift in population ancestry near the range center. To understand these seemingly conflicting patterns, we tested various models of historical gene flow and found evidence for recent admixture (~ 3400 generations ago) between populations near the range center. This historical perspective reconciles population structure patterns and suggests management efforts should focus on maintaining connectivity between these previously isolated lineages to promote the ongoing transfer of genetic variation. Beyond providing species-specific knowledge to inform management options, our study highlights how understanding demographic history may be critical to guide conservation efforts when interpreting population genetic patterns and inferring functional connectivity.

Population genetics informs the management of a controversial Australian waterbird - Skye Davis; Kate J. Brandis; Adam J. Stow (Conservation Genetics, 2021)

RNA-Seq reveals adaptive genetic potential of the rare Torrey pine (Pinus torreyana) in the face of Ips bark beetle outbreaks - Stephanie E. Steele; Oliver A. Ryder; Joyce Maschinski (Conservation Genetics, 2021)

Post-delisting genetic monitoring reveals population subdivision along river and reservoir localities of the endemic Concho water snake (Nerodia harteri paucimaculata) - Mary J. Janecka; Jan E. Janecka; Aaron M. Haines; Alexa Michaels; Charles D. Criscione (Conservation Genetics, 2021)

Establishment of a microsatellite genetic baseline for North American Atlantic sturgeon (Acipenser o. oxyrhinchus) and range-wide analysis of population genetics - Shannon L. White; David C. Kazyak; Tanya L. Darden; Daniel J. Farrae; Barbara A. Lubinski; Robin L. Johnson; Michael S. Eackles; Matthew T. Balazik; Harold M. Brundage; Adam G. Fox; Dewayne A. Fox; Christian H. Hager; et al. (Conservation Genetics, 2021)

A first genetic assessment of the newly introduced Isle Royale gray wolves (Canis lupus) - Samuel D. Hervey; Linda Y. Rutledge; Brent R. Patterson; Mark C. Romanski; John A. Vucetich; Jerrold L. Belant; Dean E. Beyer; Seth A. Moore; Kristin E. Brzeski (Conservation Genetics, 2021)

Population genetics and geometric morphometrics of the freshwater snail Segmentina nitida reveal cryptic sympatric species of conservation value in Europe - Christopher S. Hobbs; Rodrigo Vega; Farzana Rahman; Gavin J. Horsburgh; Deborah A. Dawson; Christopher D. Harvey (Conservation Genetics, 2021)
Segmentina nitida Müller 1774 is a rare European freshwater snail of drainage ditches and marshland, which has seen a marked decrease in range (~ 80%) over the last 100 years in the UK. This has been attributed to over-dredging of drainage ditches for land management, conversion of grazing marshes to arable farmland, as well as eutrophication. Segmentina nitida is identified as a priority species in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan (UKBAP) that recommends further research to inform reintroduction and translocation for its conservation. We used nuclear markers (microsatellites and ITS2) and a mitochondrial (COI) marker to investigate population structure in S. nitida individuals sampled from Poland, Germany, Sweden, and the UK to identify differences within and between populations. Data based on 2D landmark-based geometric morphometrics of S. nitida shells was used to determine if phenotypic variation followed genetic differentiation. Two distinct genetic lineages of S. nitida were identified in ITS and COI phylogenies as well as cluster analysis of microsatellite markers, one of these lineages was present in eastern Europe (Poland, Sweden- Lineage 2), and one in western Europe (UK, Germany- Lineage 1), with lineages co-occurring in German populations. No genetic admixture was observed in German populations containing both lineages. These two lineages were also distinct in shape, with lineage 2 individuals having significantly wider shells and taller and wider apertures than those in Lineage 1. ~ 85% of shells assigned to the predicted lineage in a discriminant analysis of Procrustes shape coordinates. We infer that S. nitida includes at least one sympatric cryptic species. We discuss the implications of these findings on the conservation status of S. nitida in the UK and Europe.

Genomic drivers of early-life fitness in Picea rubens - Thibaut Capblancq; Helena Munson; John R. Butnor; Stephen R. Keller (Conservation Genetics, 2021)

Still time for action: genetic conservation of imperiled South Canadian River fishes, Arkansas River Shiner (Notropis girardi), Peppered Chub (Macrhybopsis tetranema) and Plains Minnow (Hybognathus placitus) - Megan J. Osborne; Joanna L. Hatt; Eliza I. Gilbert; Stephen R. Davenport (Conservation Genetics, 2021)

Contrasting effects of local environment and grazing pressure on the genetic diversity and structure of Artemisia frigida - Khurelpurev Oyundelger; Veit Herklotz; Dörte Harpke; Batlai Oyuntsetseg; Karsten Wesche; Christiane M. Ritz (Conservation Genetics, 2021)
Drylands count among the most globally extensive biomes, and while many desert and dry rangeland ecosystems are under threat, genetic structures of dryland species are still rarely studied. Artemisia frigida is one of the most widely distributed plant species in the temperate rangelands of Eurasia and North America, and it also dominates in many habitats of Mongolia due to its tolerance to low temperatures, drought and disturbance. Local environmental conditions and grazing pressure can influence species performance and affect spatial patterns of genetic diversity in contrasting ways, and our study set out to evaluate such effects on the genetic diversity and structure of A. frigida . We first developed new species-specific Simple Sequence Repeats (SSRs) markers using whole genome sequencing. We then analysed 11 populations of A. frigida that had been sampled along a large climatic gradient in Mongolia, which were sub-structured according to three levels of grazing intensity. Estimates of genetic diversity at the population level were high (H O = 0.56, H E = 0.73) and tended to increase with higher precipitation and soil nutrient availability. Grazing had no effect on genetic diversity, however, a high number of grazing-specific indicator alleles was found at grazed sites. Genetic differentiation among populations was extremely low (global G ST = 0.034). Analysis of Molecular Variance revealed 5% variance between populations along the climatic gradient, with 3% of the variance being partitioned among different grazing intensity levels. We found no relationship between geographic and genetic distances, and thus no isolation by distance in this widely distributed species. The relatively low genetic structuring suggests that considerable gene flow exists among A. frigida populations across the rangelands of Mongolia, in spite of the pervasive grazing in the region.

Reproductive success of captive-reared Allegheny Woodrats (Neotoma magister) released into genetically depauperate populations - Miracle M. Davis; Timothy J. Smyser; Scott A. Johnson; Joseph Duchamp; Jeffery L. Larkin; Robert K. Swihart; Jacqueline M. Doyle (Conservation Genetics, 2021)

Genomic distinctness despite shared color patterns among threatened populations of a tiger beetle - Rowan L. K. French; Aaron J. Bell; Kiara S. Calladine; John H. Acorn; Felix A. H. Sperling (Conservation Genetics, 2021)

Assessing genetic diversity and connectivity in a tule elk (Cervus canadensis nannodes) metapopulation in Northern California - Thomas J. Batter; Joshua P. Bush; Benjamin N. Sacks (Conservation Genetics, 2021)
The tule elk ( Cervus canadensis nannodes ) is a California endemic subspecies that experienced an extreme bottleneck (potentially two individuals) in the mid-1800s. Through active management, including reintroductions, the subspecies has grown to approximately 6000 individuals spread across 22 recognized populations. The populations tend to be localized and separated by unoccupied intervening habitat, prompting targeted translocations to ensure gene flow. However, little is known about the genetic status or connectivity among adjacent populations in the absence of active translocations. We used 19 microsatellites and a sex marker to obtain baseline data on the genetic effective population sizes and functional genetic connectivity of four of these populations, three of which were established since the 1980s and one of which was established ~ 100 years ago. A Bayesian assignment approach suggested the presence of 5 discrete genetic clusters, which corresponded to the four primary populations and two subpopulations within the oldest of them. Effective population sizes ranged from 15 (95% CI 10–22) to 51 (95% CI 32–88). We detected little or no evidence of gene flow among most populations. Exceptions were a signature of unidirectional gene flow to one population founded by emigrants of the other 30 years earlier, and bidirectional gene flow between subpopulations within the oldest population. We propose that social cohesion more than landscape characteristics explained population structure, which developed over many generations corresponding to population expansion. Whether or which populations can grow and reach sufficient effective population sizes on their own or require translocations to maintain genetic diversity and population growth is unclear. In the future, we recommend pairing genetic with demographic monitoring of these and other reintroduced elk populations, including targeted monitoring following translocations to evaluate their effects and necessity.

Developing a monitoring program of genetic diversity: what do stakeholders say? - Rea Pärli; Eva Lieberherr; Rolf Holderegger; Felix Gugerli; Alex Widmer; Martin C. Fischer (Conservation Genetics, 2021)
Genetic diversity is a fundamental component of biological diversity, and its conservation is considered key to ensure the long-term survival of natural populations and species. National and international legislation increasingly mandates a monitoring of genetic diversity. Examples are the United Nation’s Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) Aichi target 13 and the current post-2020 negotiations to specify a new target for maintaining genetic diversity. To date, only a few pilot projects have been launched that systematically monitor genetic diversity over time in natural populations of a broad variety of wild species. The Swiss Federal Office for the Environment mandated a feasibility study in 2019 for implementing a national monitoring of genetic diversity in natural populations. To obtain information on whether stakeholders are interested in such a systematic monitoring, what they would expect from such a monitoring and where they see respective caveats, we conducted an online survey, which 138 (42% of those surveyed) Swiss stakeholders answered. We find that Swiss stakeholders are generally aware of the lacking evidence regarding the status of genetic diversity in wild populations and species. Accordingly, most stakeholders are interested in a monitoring of genetic diversity and see opportunities for the application of its results in their work. Nevertheless, stakeholders also expressed concerns regarding financial resources and that the results of a genetic diversity monitoring program would not benefit conservation practice. Our findings highlight the importance of stakeholder engagement and demonstrate the value of a detailed stakeholder analysis prior to developing and implementing a genetic diversity monitoring program. A powerful tool for examining the constellation and interactions of the different stakeholders are social network analyses (SNAs). Finally, it is particularly important to communicate transparently about the possibilities and limitations of a genetic diversity monitoring program as well as to closely involve stakeholders from the beginning to increase the acceptance of genetic diversity monitoring and facilitate its implementation.

Conservation genomics of the ‘Endangered’ long-nosed bandicoot (Perameles nasuta) population at North Head, Sydney, Australia - Holly V. Nelson; Greta J. Frankham; Viyanna Leo; Jennifer R. Anson; Mark D. B. Eldridge; Mark de Bruyn (Conservation Genetics, 2021)

Mapping our knowledge on birds of prey population genetics - Marianne Gousy-Leblanc; Glenn Yannic; Jean-François Therrien; Nicolas Lecomte (Conservation Genetics, 2021)

Isolation-by-distance and male-biased dispersal at a fine spatial scale: a study of the common European adder (Vipera berus) in a rural landscape - Donatien François; Sylvain Ursenbacher; Alexandre Boissinot; Frédéric Ysnel; Olivier Lourdais (Conservation Genetics, 2021)

Population genetic diversity and conservation priority of prince’s pine Chimaphila umbellata populations around the south margin of their distribution - Ai Kikuchi; Ryuta Kyan; Masayuki Maki (Conservation Genetics, 2021)

Geographic patterns of genomic variation in the threatened Salado salamander, Eurycea chisholmensis - Chris C. Nice; James A. Fordyce; V. Alex Sotola; Justin Crow; Peter H. Diaz (Conservation Genetics, 2021)

Stock composition of Atlantic sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrinchus oxyrinchus) encountered in marine and estuarine environments on the U.S. Atlantic Coast - David C. Kazyak; Shannon L. White; Barbara A. Lubinski; Robin Johnson; Michael Eackles (Conservation Genetics, 2021)

Long-distance Eurasian lynx dispersal – a prospect for connecting native and reintroduced populations in Central Europe - Barbora Gajdárová; Elisa Belotti; Luděk Bufka; Martin Duľa; Oddmund Kleven; Miroslav Kutal; Jānis Ozoliņš; Carsten Nowak; Tobias E. Reiners; Branislav Tám; Josefa Volfová; Jarmila Krojerová-Prokešová (Conservation Genetics, 2021)

Conservation genetics of an island-endemic lizard: low Ne and the critical role of intermediate temperatures for genetic connectivity - Daryl R. Trumbo; W. Chris Funk; Gregory B. Pauly; Jeanne M. Robertson (Conservation Genetics, 2021)

Population genomics and conservation of Gila Trout (Oncorhynchus gilae) - David T. Camak; Megan J. Osborne; Thomas F. Turner (Conservation Genetics, 2021)

Cryptic speciation and population differentiation in the yellow-nosed albatross species complex - Dilini K. Abeyrama; Zach W. Dempsey; Peter G. Ryan; Theresa M. Burg (Conservation Genetics, 2021)

Do anthropogenic matrix and life-history traits structure small mammal populations? A meta-analytical approach - Suzy Emidio Ribeiro; Juliana M. de Almeida-Rocha; Marcelo M. Weber; Maja Kajin; Maria Lucia Lorini; Rui Cerqueira (Conservation Genetics, 2021)

Conservation genetics of critically endangered Crepidiastrum grandicollum (Asteraceae) and two closely related woody species of the Bonin Islands, Japan - Ayu Narita; Naoyuki Nakahama; Ayako Izuno; Kayo Hayama; Yoshiteru Komaki; Takefumi Tanaka; Jin Murata; Yuji Isagi (Conservation Genetics, 2021)

Correction to: Genetic variation of litter meadow species reflects gene flow by hay transfer and mowing with agricultural machines - Theresa Anna Lehmair; Ellen Pagel; Peter Poschlod; Christoph Reisch (Conservation Genetics, 2021)

Authors’ Reply to Letter to the Editor: Neutral genetic diversity as a useful tool for conservation biology - João C. Teixeira; Christian D. Huber (Conservation Genetics, 2021)

Neutral genetic diversity as a useful tool for conservation biology - Aurora García-Dorado; Armando Caballero (Conservation Genetics, 2021)

Species status evaluation of Lirceus usdagalan, L. culveri, and L. hargeri populations (Isopoda; Asellidae) based on a large scale next-generation sequence data set - Daniel W. Fong; William Orndorff; David B. Carlini (Conservation Genetics, 2021)

Population genetics and species distribution modeling highlight conservation needs of the endemic trout from the Northern Sierra Madre Occidental - A. Abadía-Cardoso; R. Hernández-Guzmán; A. Varela-Romero; J. C. Garza; F. J. García-De León (Conservation Genetics, 2021)

Correction to: Genetic differentiation and overexploitation history of the critically endangered Lehmann’s Poison Frog: Oophaga lehmanni - Mileidy Betancourth-Cundar; Pablo Palacios-Rodríguez; Daniel Mejía-Vargas; Andrea Paz; Adolfo Amézquita (Conservation Genetics, 2021)

Discovery of out-of-basin introgression in Pettit Lake Sockeye Salmon: management implications for native genetics - Kendra R. Eaton; Kurt A. Tardy; Shawn R. Narum; John H. Powell; Craig A. Steele (Conservation Genetics, 2021)

Genetic structure and population history in two critically endangered Kaua‘i honeycreepers - Loren Cassin-Sackett; Michael G. Campana; Nancy Rotzel McInerney; Haw Chuan Lim; Natalia A. S. Przelomska; Bryce Masuda; R. Terry Chesser; Eben H. Paxton; Jeffrey T. Foster; Lisa H. Crampton; Robert C. Fleischer (Conservation Genetics, 2021)

Wildlife conservation in a fragmented landscape: the Eurasian red squirrel on the Isle of Wight - Emilie A. Hardouin; Helen Butler; Marin Cvitanović; Rainer G. Ulrich; Vanessa Schulze; Anna-Katarina Schilling; Peter W. W. Lurz; Anna Meredith; Kathy H. Hodder (Conservation Genetics, 2021)
Island populations may have a higher extinction risk due to reduced genetic diversity and need to be managed effectively in order to reduce the risk of biodiversity loss. The Eurasian red squirrels ( Sciurus vulgaris ) in the south of England only survive on three islands (the Isle of Wight, Brownsea and Furzey islands), with the Isle of Wight harbouring the largest population in the region. Fourteen microsatellites were used to determine the genetic structure of red squirrel populations on the Isle of Wight, as well as their relatedness to other populations of the species. Our results demonstrated that squirrels on these islands were less genetically diverse than those in Continental mainland populations, as would be expected. It also confirmed previous results from mitochondrial DNA which indicated that the squirrels on the Isle of Wight were relatively closely related to Brownsea island squirrels in the south of England. Importantly, our findings showed that genetic mixing between squirrels in the east and west of the Isle of Wight was very limited. Given the potential deleterious effects of small population size on genetic health, landscape management to encourage dispersal of squirrels between these populations should be a priority.

Connectivity of Alpine newt populations (Ichthyosaura alpestris) exacerbates the risk of Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans outbreaks in European fire salamanders (Salamandra salamandra) - Joscha Beninde; Florian Keltsch; Michael Veith; Axel Hochkirch; Norman Wagner (Conservation Genetics, 2021)
The pathogenic chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans ( Bsal ) was introduced from Asia to Europe, most likely via the pet trade. It is currently causing a severe local decline in populations of the European fire salamanders ( Salamandra salamandra ). Laboratory tests confirmed that all infected individuals succumbed to the disease within two weeks. Furthermore, mass mortality events in the wild were observed in Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands. Some newt species, including the Alpine newt ( Ichthyosaura alpestris ), can also become infected with Bsal . However, they seem to be ‘tolerant’ and can often survive the disease, but maintain an infectious load, which they could spread among connected populations. It is, therefore, hypothesized that this species functions as a vector of the disease and threatens syntopic populations of susceptible species such as the European fire salamander. To assess the risk of Alpine newts as vectors for Bsal , we sampled 233 individuals from 50 sites in 2017 and performed a genetic population connectivity analysis using microsatellites. The results showed that populations of Alpine newts are not spatially structured, suggesting high gene flow across the study area. Tests for Bsal of all Alpine newts and 150 individuals of two other newt species confirmed five infected individuals. Infected newts can thus function as reservoirs and vectors of Bsal and spread it through dispersal. As a result, the risk of European fire salamander declines in this region is further exacerbated by the connectivity of syntopic Alpine newt populations.

High genetic differentiation in the endemic and endangered freshwater fish Achondrostoma salmantinum Doadrio and Elvira, 2007 from Spain, as revealed by mitochondrial and SNP markers - Andrea Corral-Lou; Silvia Perea; Ignacio Doadrio (Conservation Genetics, 2021)

Correction to: Authors’ Reply to Letter to the Editor: Continued improvement to genetic diversity indicator for CBD - Linda Laikre; Paul A. Hohenlohe; Fred W. Allendorf; Laura D. Bertola; Martin F. Breed; Michael W. Bruford; W. Chris Funk; Gonzalo Gajardo; Antonio González-Rodríguez; Catherine E. Grueber; Philip W. Hedrick; Myriam Heuertz; et al. (Conservation Genetics, 2021)
A correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10592-021-01376-9

Correction to: Metapopulation genetics of endangered reticulated flatwoods salamanders (Ambystoma bishopi) in a dynamic and fragmented landscape - Alexander Wendt; Carola A. Haas; Thomas Gorman; James H. Roberts (Conservation Genetics, 2021)

Authors’ Reply to Letter to the Editor: Continued improvement to genetic diversity indicator for CBD - Linda Laikre; Paul A. Hohenlohe; Fred W. Allendorf; Laura D. Bertola; Martin F. Breed; Michael W. Bruford; W. Chris Funk; Gonzalo Gajardo; Antonio González-Rodríguez; Catherine E. Grueber; Philip W. Hedrick; Myriam Heuertz; et al. (Conservation Genetics, 2021)

Suggested improvements to proposed genetic indicator for CBD - Richard Frankham (Conservation Genetics, 2021)

Metapopulation genetics of endangered reticulated flatwoods salamanders (Ambystoma bishopi) in a dynamic and fragmented landscape - Alexander Wendt; Carola A. Haas; Thomas Gorman; James H. Roberts (Conservation Genetics, 2021)

Identification of the type locality of the South Island Brown Kiwi Apteryx australis - R. P. Scofield; J. R. Wood; L. de Nascimento; H. A. Robertson; R. M. Colbourne; V. L. De Pietri; J. Innes; J. T. Weir (Conservation Genetics, 2021)

Conservation genetics of the yellow-bellied toad (Bombina variegata): population structure, genetic diversity and landscape effects in an endangered amphibian - Heike Pröhl; Jana Auffarth; Tjard Bergmann; Holger Buschmann; Niko Balkenhol (Conservation Genetics, 2021)
Revealing patterns of genetic diversity and barriers for gene flow are key points for successful conservation in endangered species. Methods based on molecular markers are also often used to delineate conservation units such as evolutionary significant units and management units. Here we combine phylo-geographic analyses (based on mt DNA) with population and landscape genetic analyses (based on microsatellites) for the endangered yellow-bellied toad Bombina variegata over a wide distribution range in Germany. Our analyses show that two genetic clusters are present in the study area, a northern and a southern/central one, but that these clusters are not deeply divergent. The genetic data suggest high fragmentation among toad occurrences and consequently low genetic diversity. Genetic diversity and genetic connectivity showed a negative relationship with road densities and urban areas surrounding toad occurrences, indicating that these landscape features act as barriers to gene flow. To preserve a maximum of genetic diversity, we recommend considering both genetic clusters as management units, and to increase gene flow among toad occurrences with the aim of restoring and protecting functional meta-populations within each of the clusters. Several isolated populations with especially low genetic diversity and signs of inbreeding need particular short-term conservation attention to avoid extinction. We also recommend to allow natural gene flow between both clusters but not to use individuals from one cluster for translocation or reintroduction into the other. Our results underscore the utility of molecular tools for species conservation, highlight outcomes of habitat fragmentation onto the genetic structure of an endangered amphibian and reveal particularly threatened populations in need for urgent conservation efforts.

Genomics for conservation: a case study of behavioral genes in the Tasmanian devil - Luke W. Silver; Carolyn J. Hogg; Belinda R. Wright; Catherine E. Grueber (Conservation Genetics, 2021)

Genetic diversity of Horvath’s Rock Lizard meets current environmental restrictions - Walter Cocca; Anamarija Žagar; Neftalí Sillero; Michael J. Jowers; Miha Krofel; Martina Lužnik; Martina Podnar; Nikola Tvrtković; Miguel A. Carretero; Angelica Crottini (Conservation Genetics, 2021)

Phylogeography and genetic diversity of the commercially-collected Caribbean blue-legged hermit crab (Clibanarius tricolor) - Tiara E. Stark; Nuno Simoes; Marymegan Daly (Conservation Genetics, 2021)

Reconciling direct and indirect estimates of functional connectivity in a Mediterranean pond-breeding amphibian - Iñaki Fernández de Larrea; Gregorio Sánchez-Montes; Jorge Gutiérrez-Rodríguez; Íñigo Martínez-Solano (Conservation Genetics, 2021)

Genetic variation and structure in natural and reintroduced populations of the endangered legume, Pyne’s ground plum (Astragalus bibullatus) - Ashley B. Morris; Kevin Trostel; Cassandra Scalf; Austin Burleyson; Geoff Call; Matthew A. Albrecht (Conservation Genetics, 2021)

“More than meets the eye”: phylogeographic inferences and remarkable cryptic diversity and in endemic catfish Parotocinclus (Loricariidae: Hypoptopomatinae) from neglected and impacted basins in South America - João Leno Pereira de Sousa; Jamille de Araújo Bitencourt; Iracilda Sampaio; Horacio Schneider; Paulo Roberto Antunes de Mello Affonso (Conservation Genetics, 2021)

Genetic structure and effective population size of Sydney rock oysters in eastern Australia - Jessica A. O’Hare; Paolo Momigliano; David A. Raftos; Adam J. Stow (Conservation Genetics, 2021)

Large-scale and fine-grain population structure and genetic diversity of snow leopards (Panthera uncia Schreber, 1776) from the northern and western parts of the range with an emphasis on the Russian population - Miroslav P. Korablev; Andrey D. Poyarkov; Alexander S. Karnaukhov; Elena Yu. Zvychaynaya; Alexander N. Kuksin; Sergey V. Malykh; Sergey V. Istomov; Sergey V. Spitsyn; Dmitry Yu. Aleksandrov; Jose A. Hernandez-Blanco; Bariushaa Munkhtsog; Ochirjav Munkhtogtokh; et al. (Conservation Genetics, 2021)

High gene flow through pollen partially compensates spatial limited gene flow by seeds for a Neotropical tree in forest conservation and restoration areas - Patricia Sanae Sujii; Evandro Vagner Tambarussi; Carolina Grando; Ellida de Aguiar Silvestre; João Paulo Gomes Viana; Pedro H. S. Brancalion; Maria Imaculada Zucchi (Conservation Genetics, 2021)

River drying influences genetic variation and population structure in an Arctic freshwater fish - Heidi E. Golden; Kent E. Holsinger; Linda A. Deegan; Cameron J. A. MacKenzie; Mark C. Urban (Conservation Genetics, 2021)

Past, present, future: tracking and simulating genetic differentiation over time in a closed metapopulation system - Florian Kunz; Annette Kohnen; Ursula Nopp-Mayr; Joy Coppes (Conservation Genetics, 2021)
Genetic differentiation plays an essential role in the assessment of metapopulation systems of conservation concern. Migration rates affect the degree of genetic differentiation between subpopulations, with increasing genetic differentiation leading to increasing extinction risk. Analyses of genetic differentiation repeated over time together with projections into the future are therefore important to inform conservation. We investigated genetic differentiation in a closed metapopulation system of an obligate forest grouse, the Western capercaillie Tetrao urogallus , by comparing microsatellite population structure between a historic and a recent time period. We found an increase in genetic differentiation over a period of approximately 15 years. Making use of forward simulations accounting for population dynamics and genetics from both time periods, we explored future genetic differentiation by implementing scenarios of differing migration rates. Using migration rates derived from the recent dataset, simulations predicted further increase of genetic differentiation by 2050. We then examined effects of two realistic yet hypothetical migration scenarios on genetic differentiation. While isolation of a subpopulation led to overall increased genetic differentiation, the re-establishment of connectivity between two subpopulations maintained genetic differentiation at recent levels. Our results emphasize the importance of maintaining connectivity between subpopulations in order to prevent further genetic differentiation and loss of genetic variation. The simulation set-up we developed is highly adaptable and will aid researchers and conservationists alike in anticipating consequences of conservation strategies for metapopulation systems.

Prioritising source populations for supplementing genetic diversity of reintroduced southern brown bandicoots Isoodon obesulus obesulus - Natasha M. Robinson; Chloe Rhoades; Jennifer Pierson; David B. Lindenmayer; Sam C. Banks (Conservation Genetics, 2021)

Transcriptomic and genomic variants between koala populations reveals underlying genetic components to disorders in a bottlenecked population - R. E. Tarlinton; J. Fabijan; F. Hemmatzadeh; J. Meers; H. Owen; N. Sarker; J. M. Seddon; G. Simmons; N. Speight; D. J. Trott; L. Woolford; R. D. Emes (Conservation Genetics, 2021)
Historical hunting pressures on koalas in the southern part of their range in Australia have led to a marked genetic bottleneck when compared with their northern counterparts. There are a range of suspected genetic disorders such as testicular abnormalities, oxalate nephrosis and microcephaly reported at higher prevalence in these genetically restricted southern animals. This paper reports analysis of differential expression of genes from RNAseq of lymph nodes, SNPs present in genes and the fixation index (population differentiation due to genetic structure) of these SNPs from two populations, one in south east Queensland, representative of the northern genotype and one in the Mount Lofty Ranges South Australia, representative of the southern genotype. SNPs that differ between these two populations were significantly enriched in genes associated with brain diseases. Genes which were differentially expressed between the two populations included many associated with brain development or disease, and in addition a number associated with testicular development, including the androgen receptor. Finally, one of the 8 genes both differentially expressed and with a statistical difference in SNP frequency between populations was SLC26A6 (solute carrier family 26 member 6), an anion transporter that was upregulated in SA koalas and is associated with oxalate transport and calcium oxalate uroliths in humans. Together the differences in SNPs and gene expression described in this paper suggest an underlying genetic basis for several disorders commonly seen in southern Australian koalas, supporting the need for further research into the genetic basis of these conditions, and highlighting that genetic selection in managed populations may need to be considered in the future.

The conservation utility of mitochondrial genetic diversity in macrogenetic research - Chloé Schmidt; Colin J. Garroway (Conservation Genetics, 2021)

The palaeoendemic conifer Pherosphaera hookeriana (Podocarpaceae) exhibits high genetic diversity despite Quaternary range contraction and post glacial bottlenecking - James R. P. Worth; James R. Marthick; Peter A. Harrison; Shota Sakaguchi; Gregory J. Jordan (Conservation Genetics, 2021)

Prey partitioning between sympatric wild carnivores revealed by DNA metabarcoding: a case study on wolf (Canis lupus) and coyote (Canis latrans) in northeastern Washington - Yue Shi; Yves Hoareau; Ellen M. Reese; Samuel K. Wasser (Conservation Genetics, 2021)

Conservation genetics of relict tropical species of Magnolia (section Macrophylla) - Angélica Chávez-Cortázar; Ken Oyama; Maried Ochoa-Zavala; Martín Mata-Rosas; Emily Veltjen; Marie-Stéphanie Samain; Mauricio Quesada (Conservation Genetics, 2021)
Special conservation efforts should be made for relict species, as they usually have small population sizes and restricted distributions, placing them in critical extinction risk. To achieve conservation, information about genetic diversity distribution is needed. Here, using nine nuclear microsatellites, we analyzed 23 populations of five recently described species of Magnolia distributed in Mexico, which were previously assigned to Magnolia dealbata . We aimed to determine the level of genetic diversity and the distribution of genetic variation and proposed conservation measures. Compared to other endemic and relict species, we found a moderate level of genetic diversity in most populations; however, we identified two populations with no genetic variation. Additionally, we found evidence of positive values of inbreeding likely due to geitonogamy. We found a strong population structure, low effective population size, and no evidence of bottlenecks. Patterns of genetic differentiation did not support the morphological distinction of five species, so we hypothesized that the gene pools may instead represent well-differentiated populations of a single species. We argue that the pattern of genetic differentiation is explained by the natural fragmentation of the cloud forests after glaciation events, and the effects of genetic drift in small populations poorly connected by gene flow. Despite the moderate levels of genetic diversity, special attention is needed to guarantee conservation, with emphasis on the populations in the central region of the country as well as the valuable populations identified in the southwestern region.

Fine scale genetic structure in fire salamanders (Salamandra salamandra) along a rural-to-urban gradient - G. Yannic; V. Helfer; R. Sermier; B. R. Schmidt; L. Fumagalli (Conservation Genetics, 2021)

Conservation genomics reveals low genetic diversity and multiple parentage in the threatened freshwater mussel, Margaritifera hembeli - Nicole L. Garrison; Paul D. Johnson; Nathan V. Whelan (Conservation Genetics, 2021)

Moving far, staying close: red fox dispersal patterns revealed by SNP genotyping - Zea Walton; Mari Hagenlund; Kjartan Østbye; Gustaf Samelius; Morten Odden; Anita Norman; Tomas Willebrand; Göran Spong (Conservation Genetics, 2021)
The genetic structure of a population can provide important insights into animal movements at varying geographical scales. Individual and social behaviors, such as philopatry and dispersal, affect patterns of relatedness, age and sex structure, shaping the local genetic structure of populations. However, these fine scale patterns may not be detected within broader population genetic structure. Using SNP genotyping for pairwise relatedness estimates, we investigated the spatial and genetic structuring of 141 red foxes within south-central Sweden at two scales. First, we looked at broad scale population structuring among red foxes at the regional level. We then estimated pairwise relatedness values to evaluate the spatial and genetic structure of male, female and mixed sex pairs for patterns of philopatry and dispersal at a more localized scale. We found limited genetic differentiation at the regional scale. However, local investigations revealed patterns of female philopatry and male biased dispersal. There were significant differences in pairwise geographic distances between highly related same sex pairs with the average distance between related males, 37.8 km, being six times farther than that of related females, averaging 6.3 km. In summary, the low levels of genetic differentiation found in this study illustrates the mobility and dispersal ability of red foxes across scales. However, relatedness plays a strong role in the spatial organization of red foxes locally, ultimately contributing to male biased dispersal patterns.

Beyond the comfort zone: amphibian diversity and distribution in the West Sahara-Sahel using mtDNA and nuDNA barcoding and spatial modelling - Marta Sampaio; Guillermo Velo-Antón; Fernando Martínez-Freiría; Alberto Sánchez-Vialas; Juan Manuel Pleguezuelos; Philippe Geniez; Pierre-André Crochet; José Carlos Brito (Conservation Genetics, 2021)

Do We Need to Identify Adaptive Genetic Variation When Prioritizing Populations for Conservation? - Philippe Fernandez-Fournier; Jayme M. M. Lewthwaite; Arne Ø. Mooers (Conservation Genetics, 2021)

High genomic diversity maintained by populations of Carex scirpoidea subsp. convoluta, a paraphyletic Great Lakes ecotype - Nicholas W. Bard; Christopher S. Miller; Leo P. Bruederle (Conservation Genetics, 2021)

Under the radar: genetic assessment of Rio Grande Shiner (Notropis jemezanus) and Speckled Chub (Macrhybopsis aestivalis), two Rio Grande basin endemic cyprinids that have experienced recent range contractions - Megan J. Osborne; David S. Portnoy; Andrew T. Fields; Megan G. Bean; Christopher W. Hoagstrom; Kevin W. Conway (Conservation Genetics, 2021)

Conservation in the face of hybridisation: genome-wide study to evaluate taxonomic delimitation and conservation status of a threatened orchid species - Natascha D. Wagner; Mark A. Clements; Lalita Simpson; Katharina Nargar (Conservation Genetics, 2021)

Conservation genetics of regionally extinct peregrine falcons (Falco peregrinus) and unassisted recovery without genetic bottleneck in southern England - Angela Weaving; Hazel A. Jackson; Michael K. Nicholls; Jon Franklin; Rodrigo Vega (Conservation Genetics, 2021)

Genetic interactions among native and introduced stocks of Oncorhynchus mykiss in the upper Willamette River, Oregon - Marc A. Johnson; Thomas A. Friesen; Donald M. VanDoornik; David J. Teel; James M. Myers (Conservation Genetics, 2021)

Population genetic pattern of the freshwater fish Amur sleeper (Perccottus glenii) across its native distribution area in China - Yuyong Zhang; Jiaxin Sun; Lianyu Shi; Hongxian Yu; Zhiying Jia (Conservation Genetics, 2021)

Genome-wide SNPs reveal complex fine scale population structure in the California market squid fishery (Doryteuthis opalescens) - Samantha H. Cheng; Mark Gold; Nichole Rodriguez; Paul H. Barber (Conservation Genetics, 2021)

Effects of urbanization on population genetic structure of western gray squirrels - Christopher DeMarco; Daniel S. Cooper; Elizabeth Torres; Alan Muchlinski; Andres Aguilar (Conservation Genetics, 2021)

Conservation genetics of yellow-bellied toads (Bombina variegata): a matter of geographical scale and isolation - Alena Marcella Hantzschmann; Ulrich Sinsch; Christa Göttlicher; Heike Pröhl (Conservation Genetics, 2021)
Amphibian populations world-wide are threatened by declines and extinctions mainly due to habitat loss and fragmentation. Habitat fragmentation threatens the yellow-bellied toad Bombina variegata in the northern and western regions of its distribution where it is strictly protected. We studied the genetic structure and diversity of populations at three geographical scales using microsatellite loci to detect potential threats for population persistence. At the local scale, we sampled four neighbouring localities at 1–2.6 km distance to detect effects of short-term (decades) fragmentation on connectivity. At the regional scale, five additional localities in the mountains of the Westerwald (Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany) were studied at up to 50.1 km distance to analyse genetic diversity and population structure. At the continental scale, we included data from regions in the northern distribution with fragmented populations (Hesse and Lower Saxony, Germany) and more continuous populations in the South (Alsace, France; Geneva, Switzerland; Trentino, Italy) to evaluate variation of genetic diversity. At the local scale, short-term fragmentation caused significant genetic differentiation between breeding assemblages only 1.4 km apart from each other. At the regional scale, we found notable genetic distance among localities. At the continental scale, we identified Alsace, Trentino and Geneva in the South as regions with low genetic structuring and high allelic richness, and the northern remaining regions in Germany as deeply structured with reduced allelic richness. We suggest that reduced genetic diversity and habitat fragmentation in northern regions makes these populations particularly vulnerable to decline. In conclusion, informed conservation management of B. variegata should focus on measures maintaining or improving connectivity among neighbouring populations.

A large wild salmon stock shows genetic and life history differentiation within, but not between, rivers - Antti Miettinen; Stefan Palm; Johan Dannewitz; Emma Lind; Craig R. Primmer; Atso Romakkaniemi; Johan Östergren; Victoria L. Pritchard (Conservation Genetics, 2021)
Anadromous salmonid fishes frequently exhibit strong geographic population structuring. However, population genetic differentiation of Atlantic salmon ( Salmo salar ) at fine geographic scales differs across equivalent spatial extents in different regions. So far, fine-scale genetic differentiation has not been assessed in rivers of the Baltic Sea, a region that contains an evolutionarily distinct Atlantic salmon lineage. Thus, Baltic salmon are currently managed on the river level, without focus on potential genetic structure and diversity within rivers. Here, we used microsatellites to characterize the genetic structure of wild juvenile salmon sampled throughout the interconnected, northern Baltic Tornio and Kalix Rivers. We found genetic differentiation within the two rivers, but not between them: salmon in the upper reaches differed from individuals in the lower reaches, regardless of river system. Further, examining smolts migrating from the river to the sea and adults returning from the sea to spawn, we found an association between the genetic structure and seasonal migration timing. Out-migrating smolts genetically assigned to upper river reaches were older and tended to reach the sea later in the season than smolts from the lower reaches. In contrast, mature adults originating from the upper reaches returned to the river early in the season. Our observation of genetic population structuring between downstream and upstream reaches of the large Tornio and Kalix rivers, and its association with migration timing, implies that careful temporal management of the northern Baltic fisheries would help to preserve the diversity and sustainability of the wild salmon stocks of these rivers.

Transcribing molecular and climatic data into conservation management for the Himalayan endangered species, Taxus contorta (Griff.) - Aasim Majeed; Amandeep Singh; Pankaj Bhardwaj (Conservation Genetics, 2021)

No outbreeding depression in a trial of targeted gene flow in an endangered Australian marsupial - Ella Kelly; Chris J. Jolly; Naomi Indigo; Adam Smart; Jonathan Webb; Ben Phillips (Conservation Genetics, 2021)

Population structure of a nest parasite of Darwin’s finches within its native and invasive ranges - Jennifer A. H. Koop; Charlotte E. Causton; Mariana Bulgarella; Elizabeth Cooper; George E. Heimpel (Conservation Genetics, 2021)

Riparian areas potentially provide crucial corridors through fragmented landscape for black-capped vireo (Vireo atricapilla) source-sink system - Samantha S. Hauser; Paul L. Leberg (Conservation Genetics, 2021)

Correction to: Assessing species number and genetic diversity of the Mountainsnails (Oreohelicidae) - T. Mason Linscott; Kathleen Weaver; Vanessa Morales; Christine E. Parent (Conservation Genetics, 2020)

Low adaptive and neutral genetic diversity in the endangered Antioquia wren (Thryophilus sernai) - Danny Zapata; Hector F. Rivera-Gutierrez; Juan Luis Parra; Catalina Gonzalez-Quevedo (Conservation Genetics, 2020)

Correction to: Novel hybrid finds a peri-urban niche: Allen’s Hummingbirds in southern California - Braden L. Godwin; Melanie E. F. LaCava; Beth Mendelsohn; Roderick B. Gagne; Kyle D. Gustafson; Sierra M. Love Stowell; Andrew Engilis; Lisa A. Tell; Holly B. Ernest (Conservation Genetics, 2020)

Environmental DNA metabarcoding reveals the presence of a small, quick-moving, nocturnal water shrew in a forest stream - Satoru Yonezawa; Masayuki Ushio; Hiroki Yamanaka; Masaki Miya; Atsushi Takayanagi; Yuji Isagi (Conservation Genetics, 2020)

Genetic structure and diversity in the freshwater gastropod Chilina dombeiana in the Biobío River, Chile - Jéssica Bórquez; Claudio Valdovinos; Antonio Brante (Conservation Genetics, 2020)

Using genomic tools to inform management of the Atlantic northern fulmar - Lila Colston-Nepali; Jennifer F. Provencher; Mark L. Mallory; Ryan P. Franckowiak; Zhengxin Sun; Gregory J. Robertson; Vicki L. Friesen (Conservation Genetics, 2020)

Novel hybrid finds a peri-urban niche: Allen’s Hummingbirds in southern California - Braden L. Godwin; Melanie E. F. LaCava; Beth Mendelsohn; Roderick B. Gagne; Kyle D. Gustafson; Sierra M. Love Stowell; Andrew Engilis; Lisa A. Tell; Holly B. Ernest (Conservation Genetics, 2020)

Detecting genomic variation underlying phenotypic characteristics of reintroduced Coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) - Rebekah L. Horn; Cory Kamphaus; Keely Murdoch; Shawn R. Narum (Conservation Genetics, 2020)

Assessing species number and genetic diversity of the Mountainsnails (Oreohelicidae) - T. Mason Linscott; Kathleen Weaver; Vanessa Morales; Christine E. Parent (Conservation Genetics, 2020)

Microbial diversity of the glass sponge Vazella pourtalesii in response to anthropogenic activities - Kathrin Busch; Lindsay Beazley; Ellen Kenchington; Frederick Whoriskey; Beate M. Slaby; Ute Hentschel (Conservation Genetics, 2020)
Establishment of adequate conservation areas represents a challenging but crucial task in the conservation of genetic diversity and biological variability. Anthropogenic pressures on marine ecosystems and organisms are steadily increasing. Whether and to what extent these pressures influence marine genetic biodiversity is only starting to be revealed. Using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing, we analysed the microbial community structure of 33 individuals of the habitat-forming glass sponge Vazella pourtalesii , as well as reference seawater, sediment, and biofilm samples. We assessed how two anthropogenic impacts, i.e. habitat destruction by trawling and artificial substrate provision (moorings made of composite plastic), correspond with in situ V. pourtalesii microbiome variability. In addition, we evaluated the role of two bottom fishery closures in preserving sponge-associated microbial diversity on the Scotian Shelf, Canada. Our results illustrate that V. pourtalesii sponges collected from protected sites within fishery closures contained distinct and taxonomically largely novel microbial communities. At the trawled site we recorded significant quantitative differences in distinct microbial phyla, such as a reduction in Nitrospinae in the four sponges from this site and the environmental references. Individuals of V. pourtalesii growing on the mooring were significantly enriched in Bacteroidetes, Verrucomicrobia and Cyanobacteria in comparison to sponge individuals growing on the natural seabed. Due to a concomitant enrichment of these taxa in the mooring biofilm, we propose that biofilms on artificial substrates may ‘prime’ sponge-associated microbial communities when small sponges settle on such substrates. These observations likely have relevant management implications when considering the increase of artificial substrates in the marine environment, e.g., marine litter, off-shore wind parks, and petroleum platforms.

Evidence of hybridisation between the common Indonesian banded pig (Sus scrofa vitattus) and the endangered Java warty pig (Sus verrucosus) - Frank Drygala; Johanna Rode-Margono; Gono Semiadi; Wirdateti; Alain C. Frantz (Conservation Genetics, 2020)

Longevity can mask low Nb if only Ne of mixed-age samples is estimated in threatened and mobile species - Ann-Kathrin V. Schlesselmann; Bruce C. Robertson (Conservation Genetics, 2020)

IUCN Red List and the value of integrating genetics - Brittany A. Garner; Sean Hoban; Gordon Luikart (Conservation Genetics, 2020)
Many species on endangered species lists such as the IUCN Red List (RL) are categorized using demographic factors such as numbers of mature individuals. Genetic factors are not currently used in the RL even though their explicit consideration, including effective population size ( N e ) and expected heterozygosity-loss ( H -loss), could improve the assessment of extinction risk. Here, we consider the estimation of N e and H -loss in the context of RL species. First, we investigate the reporting of number of mature individuals for RL Endangered species, which is needed to estimate N e and H -loss. We found 77% of species assessments studied here did not report methods used to estimate the number of mature adults, and that these assessments rarely report other important determinants of N e (e.g., sex ratio, variance in family size). We therefore applied common rules of thumb to estimate N e , and found that N e was likely < 50 for at least 25% of the 170 RL Endangered species studied here. We also estimated mean expected H -loss for these species over the next 100 years, and found it to be 9–29%. These estimates of high H -loss and low N e suggest that some species listed as Endangered likely warrant listing as Critically Endangered if genetic considerations were included. We recommend that RL and other assessment frameworks (i) report methods used for estimating the number of mature adults, (ii) include standardized information on species traits that influence N e to facilitate N e estimation, and (iii) consider using concepts like N e and heterozygosity-loss in risk assessments.

Correction to: Complex patterns of genetic and morphological differentiation in the Smallmouth Bass subspecies (Micropterus dolomieu dolomieu and M. d. velox) of the Central Interior Highlands - Joe C. Gunn; Leah K. Berkman; Jeff Koppelman; Andrew T. Taylor; Shannon Brewer; James M. Long; Lori S. Eggert (Conservation Genetics, 2020)

Comparative population genetics of the federally endangered Relict Darter, and its sister taxon the Clarks Darter (Teleostei: Percidae) - Jerry Kattawar; Kyle R. Piller (Conservation Genetics, 2020)

Next-generation technologies applied to age-old challenges in Madagascar - Marina B. Blanco; Lydia K. Greene; Fidisoa Rasambainarivo; Elizabeth Toomey; Rachel C. Williams; Lanto Andrianandrasana; Peter A. Larsen; Anne D. Yoder (Conservation Genetics, 2020)
Madagascar is a biodiversity hotspot that is facing rapid rates of deforestation, habitat destruction, and poverty. Urgent action is required to document the status of biodiversity to facilitate efficacious conservation plans. With the recent advent of portable and affordable genetic technologies, it is now possible to take genomic approaches out of the lab and into the field. Mobile genetics labs can produce scientifically reproducible data under field conditions, dramatically minimizing the time between sample collection and data analysis. Here, we show “proof of concept” by deploying miniPCR bio’s miniaturized thermal cycler alongside Oxford Nanopore’s MinION DNA sequencer in Madagascar. Specifically, we deployed this technology at Anjajavy, northwestern Madagascar for rapid biodiversity assessment. We successfully extracted mouse lemur DNA, amplified and sequenced a phylogenetically informative mitochondrial gene (cytochrome-b; cytb), and thereby confirmed the presence of Danfoss’ mouse lemur ( M. danfossi ) within the Anjajavy Reserve. We show that a mobile genetics lab can provide expeditious results, and allow scientists to conduct genetic analyses, potentially allowing for rapid interventions under emergency conditions in situ. Additionally, mobile labs offer powerful training opportunities for in-country scientists for whom training opportunities were previously confined to ex-situ locations. By bringing genomic technologies to Madagascar and other economically challenged and biodiverse regions of the world, the next generation of scientists and conservationists can more fully implement their leadership roles. Local laboratory and training facilities are changing the polarity of research programs in Madagascar and empowering national researchers to take charge of environmental stewardship.

Genetic monitoring of the greater stick-nest rat meta-population for strategic supplementation planning - Lauren C. White; Vicki A. Thomson; Rebecca West; Laura Ruykys; Kym Ottewell; John Kanowski; Katherine E. Moseby; Margaret Byrne; Stephen C. Donnellan; Peter Copley; Jeremy J. Austin (Conservation Genetics, 2020)
Translocation is an increasingly common component of species conservation efforts. However, translocated populations often suffer from loss of genetic diversity and increased inbreeding, and thus may require active management to establish gene flow across isolated populations. Assisted gene flow can be laborious and costly, so recipient and source populations should be carefully chosen to maximise genetic diversity outcomes. The greater stick-nest rat (GSNR, Leporillus conditor ), a threatened Australian rodent, has been the focus of a translocation program since 1985, resulting in five extant translocated populations (St Peter Island, Reevesby Island, Arid Recovery, Salutation Island and Mt Gibson), all derived from a remnant wild population on the East and West Franklin Islands. We evaluated the genetic diversity in all extant GSNR populations using a large single nucleotide polymorphism dataset with the explicit purpose of informing future translocation planning. Our results show varying levels of genetic divergence, inbreeding and loss of genetic diversity in all translocated populations relative to the remnant source on the Franklin Islands. All translocated populations would benefit from supplementation to increase genetic diversity, but two—Salutation Island and Mt Gibson—are of highest priority. We recommend a targeted admixture approach, in which animals for supplementation are sourced from populations that have low relatedness to the recipient population. Subject to assessment of contemporary genetic diversity, St Peter Island and Arid Recovery are the most appropriate source populations for genetic supplementation. Our study demonstrates an effective use of genetic surveys for data-driven management of threatened species.

Geographic hierarchical population genetic structuring in British European whitefish (Coregonus lavaretus) and its implications for conservation - M. Crotti; C. E. Adams; E. C. Etheridge; C. W. Bean; A. R. D. Gowans; R. Knudsen; A. A. Lyle; P. S. Maitland; I. J. Winfield; K. R. Elmer; K. Præbel (Conservation Genetics, 2020)
The European whitefish Coregonus lavaretus complex represents one of the most diverse radiations within salmonids, with extreme morphological and genetic differentiation across its range. Such variation has led to the assignment of many populations to separate species. In Great Britain, the seven native populations of C. lavaretus (two in Scotland, four in England, one in Wales) were previously classified into three species, and recent taxonomic revision resurrected the previous nomenclature. Here we used a dataset of 15 microsatellites to: (1) investigate the genetic diversity of British populations, (2) assess the level of population structure and the relationships between British populations. Genetic diversity was highest in Welsh (H O = 0.50, A R = 5.29), intermediate in English (H O = 0.41–0.50, A R = 2.83–3.88), and lowest in Scottish populations (H O = 0.28–0.35, A R = 2.56–3.04). Population structure analyses indicated high genetic differentiation (global F ST = 0.388) between all populations but for the two Scottish populations (F ST = 0.063) and two English populations (F ST = 0.038). Principal component analysis and molecular ANOVA revealed separation between Scottish, English, and Welsh populations, with the Scottish populations being the most diverged. We argue that the data presented here are not sufficient to support a separation of the British European whitefish populations into three separate species, but support the delineation of different ESUs for these populations.

Genotyping-by-sequencing reveals the effects of riverscape, climate and interspecific introgression on the genetic diversity and local adaptation of the endangered Mexican golden trout (Oncorhynchus chrysogaster) - Marco A. Escalante; Charles Perrier; Francisco J. García-De León; Arturo Ruiz-Luna; Enrique Ortega-Abboud; Stéphanie Manel (Conservation Genetics, 2020)

Complex patterns of genetic and morphological differentiation in the Smallmouth Bass subspecies (Micropterus dolomieu dolomieu and M. d. velox) of the Central Interior Highlands - Joe C. Gunn; Leah K. Berkman; Jeff Koppelman; Andrew T. Taylor; Shannon Brewer; James M. Long; Lori S. Eggert (Conservation Genetics, 2020)

Correction to: Patterns of genetic partitioning and gene flow in the endangered San Bernardino kangaroo rat (Dipodomys merriami parvus) and implications for conservation management - Sarah Hendricks; Asako Y. Navarro; Thea Wang; Aryn Wilder; Oliver A. Ryder; Debra M. Shier (Conservation Genetics, 2020)

Genetic variation of litter meadow species reflects gene flow by hay transfer and mowing with agricultural machines - Theresa Anna Lehmair; Ellen Pagel; Peter Poschlod; Christoph Reisch (Conservation Genetics, 2020)
Litter meadows, historically established for litter production, are species-rich and diverse ecosystems. These meadows drastically declined during the last decades along with decreasing litter use in modern livestock housing. The aim of our study was to identify the drivers of genetic variation in litter meadow species. Therefore, we tested whether genetic diversity and differentiation depend on habitat age, landscape structure, habitat quality, and/or population size. We analysed 892 individuals of Angelica sylvestris , Filipendula ulmaria , and Succisa pratensis from 20 litter meadows across the Allgäu in Baden-Württemberg (Germany) using AFLP analyses. All study species showed moderate levels of genetic diversity, while genetic differentiation among populations was low. Neither genetic diversity nor differentiation were clearly driven by habitat age. However, landscape structure, habitat quality as well as population size revealed different impacts on the genetic diversity of our study species. Past and present landscape structures shaped the genetic diversity patterns of A. sylvestris and F. ulmaria . The genetic diversity of F. ulmaria populations was, moreover, influenced by the local habitat quality. S. pratensis populations seemed to be affected only by population size. All explanatory variables represent past as well as present gene flow patterns by anthropogenic land use. Therefore, we assume that genetic diversity and differentiation were shaped by both historical creation of litter meadows via hay transfer and present mowing with agricultural machines. These land use practices caused and still cause gene flow among populations in the declining habitats.

Variable clonality and genetic structure among disjunct populations of Banksia mimica - Melissa A. Millar; Margaret Byrne (Conservation Genetics, 2020)

Genetic impacts of conservation management actions in a critically endangered parrot species - Caitlin E. Morrison; Rebecca N. Johnson; Catherine E. Grueber; Carolyn J. Hogg (Conservation Genetics, 2020)

Spatial genetic structure of a keystone long-lived semiarid shrub: historical effects prevail but do not cancel the impact of recent severe habitat loss on genetic diversity - Ana González-Robles; Antonio J. Manzaneda; Teresa Salido; Francisco Valera; Cristina García; Ana M. Fernández-Ocaña; Pedro J. Rey (Conservation Genetics, 2020)

Genetic structure of Rhinoceros Rock Iguanas, Cyclura cornuta, in the Dominican Republic, with insights into the impact of captive facilities and the taxonomic status of Cyclura on Mona Island - Stesha A. Pasachnik; Giuliano Colosimo; Rosanna Carreras-De León; Glenn Gerber (Conservation Genetics, 2020)

Patterns of genetic partitioning and gene flow in the endangered San Bernardino kangaroo rat (Dipodomys merriami parvus) and implications for conservation management - Sarah Hendricks; Asako Y. Navarro; Thea Wang; Aryn Wilder; Oliver A. Ryder; Debra M. Shier (Conservation Genetics, 2020)

Hawaiian hawksbills: a distinct and isolated nesting colony in the Central North Pacific Ocean revealed by mitochondrial DNA - Alexander R. Gaos; Erin L. LaCasella; Lauren Kurpita; George Balazs; Stacy Hargrove; Cheryl King; Hannah Bernard; T. Todd Jones; Peter H. Dutton (Conservation Genetics, 2020)

Morphological and molecular evidence of population divergence in a widespread shorebird across its southern mainland Australian distribution - Michael A. Weston; Kylea Clarke; Grainne S. Maguire; Joanna Sumner (Conservation Genetics, 2020)

Population genetics of a rare wetland species, the Tennessee yellow-eyed grass (Xyris tennesseensis, Xyridaceae) - Kala M. Downey; Carol J. Baskauf (Conservation Genetics, 2020)

Subtle genetic clustering among South Australian colonies of little penguins (Eudyptula minor) - Diane Colombelli-Négrel; Amy Slender; Tessa Bradford; Terry Bertozzi; Scarlett S. Graf; Michael G. Gardner (Conservation Genetics, 2020)

Estimating genetic and demographic parameters relevant for the conservation of the Neotropical otter, Lontra longicaudis, in Mexico - María Camila Latorre-Cardenas; Carla Gutiérrez-Rodríguez; Yessica Rico (Conservation Genetics, 2020)

Predicting the geographic origin of Spanish Cedar (Cedrela odorata L.) based on DNA variation - Kristen N. Finch; Richard C. Cronn; Marianella C. Ayala Richter; Céline Blanc-Jolivet; Mónica C. Correa Guerrero; Luis De Stefano Beltrán; Carmen R. García-Dávila; Eurídice N. Honorio Coronado; Sonia Palacios-Ramos; Kathelyn Paredes-Villanueva; F. Andrew Jones (Conservation Genetics, 2020)
The legality of wood products often depends on their origin, creating a need for forensic tools that verify claims of provenance for wood products. The neotropical tree species Cedrela odorata (Spanish cedar) is economically valuable for its wood and faces threats of overexploitation. We developed a 140 SNP assay for geographic localization of C. odorata specimens. Target capture and short-read sequencing of 46 C. odorata specimens allowed us to identify 140 spatially informative SNPs that differentiate C. odorata specimens by latitude, temperature, and precipitation. We assessed the broad applicability of these SNPs on 356 specimens from eight Cedrela species, three tissue types, and a range of DNA mass inputs. Origin prediction error was evaluated with discrete and continuous spatial assignment methods focusing on C. odorata specimens. Discrete classification with random forests readily differentiated specimens originating in Central America versus South America (5.8% error), while uncertainty increased as specimens were divided into smaller regions. Continuous spatial prediction with SPASIBA showed a median prediction error of 188.7 km. Our results demonstrate that array SNPs and resulting genotypes accurately validate C. odorata geographic origin at the continental scale and show promise for country-level verification, but that finer-scale assignment likely requires denser spatial sampling. Our study underscores the important role of herbaria for developing genomic resources, and joins a growing list of studies that highlight the role of genomic tools for conservation of threatened species.

Population genomic diversity and structure at the discontinuous southern range of the Great Gray Owl in North America - Beth Mendelsohn; Bryan Bedrosian; Sierra M. Love Stowell; Roderick B. Gagne; Melanie E. F. LaCava; Braden L. Godwin; Joshua M. Hull; Holly B. Ernest (Conservation Genetics, 2020)

Conserving on the edge: genetic variation and structure in northern populations of the endangered plant Dracocephalum ruyschiana L. (Lamiaceae) - Magni Olsen Kyrkjeeide; Kristine Bakke Westergaard; Oddmund Kleven; Marianne Evju; Anders Endrestøl; Marie Kristine Brandrud; Odd Stabbetorp (Conservation Genetics, 2020)
Loss of biodiversity is accelerating, including the loss of genetic diversity. Conservation of small, isolated populations may be important, as they can provide valuable contributions to overall genetic variation and long-term viability of species. Furthermore, such populations may play an essential role in adaptation to new environments following changes in e.g. land-use and climate. Dracocephalum ruyschiana is a threatened plant species throughout its European distribution, but 25% of the European populations are situated within Norway. Therefore, the species has its own action plan in Norway, which includes demographic monitoring. However, this monitoring does not cover genetic variation nor is the selection of monitored populations based on genetic differentiation, therefore this fundamental level of biodiversity is overlooked. We analyzed 43 sites using 96 SNPs developed for D. ruyschiana , to investigate whether the monitored populations cover the genetic variation and differentiation found within the Norwegian distribution. The results show structuring and differentiation between populations and indicate that there are at least four distinct genetic groups, of which only two are covered extensively by current demographic monitoring. We suggest that two sites representing the two other genetic groups should be included in the national monitoring program to better conserve the genetic variation found in the Norwegian population of D . ruyschiana . Overall, our results highlight the importance of an integrated, interdisciplinary framework to better monitor and conserve biodiversity at several levels.

Conservation genetics of the critically endangered Siamese rosewood (Dalbergia cochinchinensis): recommendations for management and sustainable use - Ida Hartvig; Thea So; Suchitra Changtragoon; Hoa Thi Tran; Somsanith Bouamanivong; Rob Ogden; Helen Senn; Filipe Garrett Vieira; Frances Turner; Richard Talbot; Ida Theilade; Lene Rostgaard Nielsen; et al. (Conservation Genetics, 2020)

Investigating inbreeding in a free-ranging, captive population of an Australian marsupial - Samantha R. Mulvena; Jennifer C. Pierson; Katherine A. Farquharson; Elspeth A. McLennan; Carolyn J. Hogg; Catherine E. Grueber (Conservation Genetics, 2020)

Anthropogenic movement results in hybridisation in impala in southern Africa - Susan M. Miller; Carl-Heinz Moeller; Cindy K. Harper; Paulette Bloomer (Conservation Genetics, 2020)

A ddRAD-based population genetics and phylogenetics of an endangered freshwater fish from Japan - Tetsumi Takahashi; Atsushi J. Nagano; Lina Kawaguchi; Norio Onikura; Jun Nakajima; Takuya Miyake; Noriyasu Suzuki; Yoshihiko Kanoh; Tetsuya Tsuruta; Takuya Tanimoto; Yukio Yasui; Noriyuki Oshima; et al. (Conservation Genetics, 2020)

Panmictic population genetic structure of northern British Columbia mountain goats (Oreamnos americanus) has implications for harvest management - J. F. Wolf; K. D. Kriss; K. M. MacAulay; A. B. A. Shafer (Conservation Genetics, 2020)

Multi-generational genetic consequences of reinforcement in a bird metapopulation - Peter S. Ranke; Sigrun Skjelseth; Ingerid Julie Hagen; Anna Maria Billing; Åsa Alexandra Borg Pedersen; Henrik Pärn; Thor Harald Ringsby; Bernt-Erik Sæther; Henrik Jensen (Conservation Genetics, 2020)
Translocation of conspecific individuals to reduce extinction risk of small, isolated populations and prevent genetic depletion is a powerful tool in conservation biology. An important question is how the translocated individuals influence the long-term genetic composition of the recipient population. Here, we experimentally reinforced a house sparrow ( Passer domesticus ) population, and examined the impact of this translocation on allele frequencies, levels of heterozygosity and genetic differentiation over six cohorts. We found no permanent increase in the mean number of alleles across loci or levels of observed heterozygosity, but a few alleles private to the translocated individuals remained in the population and we found a short-term increase in heterozygosity. Consequently, genetic differentiation of the recipient population compared to the genetic composition prior to reinforcement was small. The limited genetic impact was due to combined effects of a small probability of establishment and low mating success for the translocated individuals, together with increased genetic drift in the recipient population. Our findings emphasize the importance of selection and genetic drift as forces that may decrease the genetic contribution of reinforcement, especially in small populations. Conservation managers should aim to improve habitat quality in the recipient population to reduce genetic drift following translocation and thereby avoid the need for continued reinforcement. Furthermore, by facilitating establishment success and selecting individuals expected to have high mating success, possibly indicated by sexually selected traits, genetic contribution of released individuals is increased which in turn will decrease reproductive skew and genetic drift.

The rise of a large carnivore population in Central Europe: genetic evaluation of lynx reintroduction in the Harz Mountains - Sarah Ashley Mueller; Tobias Erik Reiners; Tomma Lilli Middelhoff; Ole Anders; Anna Kasperkiewicz; Carsten Nowak (Conservation Genetics, 2020)
Large carnivores have made a successful comeback across human-dominated landscapes in Central Europe. The Eurasian lynx, for instance, has been actively reintroduced in different regions. Genetic diversity is quickly eroding in these isolated, small populations, questioning the long-term success of lynx reintroductions. To track population development and genetic diversity in a reintroduced lynx population, we used microsatellite analysis and mtDNA haplotyping based on 379 samples collected during the initial 15 year period of lynx reintroduction in the Harz mountains National Park, Germany. The Harz lynx population shows higher genetic diversity relative to other lynx reintroductions, due to initial cross-breeding of divergent captive source lineages and a comparably high founder size. While the population shows significant population growth and spread into adjacent regions, genetic diversity is continiously declining. Expected heterozygosity values dropped from 0.63 after reintroduction (2006/2007) to 0.55 within a 10 year period. Despite this, the Harz lynx population is currently a viable component to an envisioned lynx metapopulation spanning across Central Europe. The ongoing genetic erosion in the Harz population along with a lack of geneflow from adjacent populations indicates that such connectivity is urgently needed to ensure long-term population persistence.

Fitness costs associated with ancestry to isolated populations of an endangered species - Aryn P. Wilder; Asako Y. Navarro; Shauna N. D. King; William B. Miller; Steven M. Thomas; Cynthia C. Steiner; Oliver A. Ryder; Debra M. Shier (Conservation Genetics, 2020)

Recently lost connectivity in the Western Palaearctic steppes: the case of a scarce specialist butterfly - Alena Sucháčková Bartoňová; Martin Konvička; Jana Marešová; Zdravko Kolev; Niklas Wahlberg; Zdeněk Faltýnek Fric (Conservation Genetics, 2020)

High-throughput sequencing reveals distinct regional genetic structure among remaining populations of an endangered salt marsh plant in California - Elizabeth R. Milano; Margaret R. Mulligan; Jon P. Rebman; Amy G. Vandergast (Conservation Genetics, 2020)

Landscape genetics of northern crested newt Triturus cristatus populations in a contrasting natural and human-impacted boreal forest - Hanne Haugen; Arne Linløkken; Kjartan Østbye; Jan Heggenes (Conservation Genetics, 2020)
Among vertebrates, amphibians currently have the highest proportion of threatened species worldwide, mainly through loss of habitat, leading to increased population isolation. Smaller amphibian populations may lose more genetic diversity, and become more dependent on immigration for survival. Investigations of landscape factors and patterns mediating migration and population genetic differentiation are fundamental for knowledge-based conservation. The pond-breeding northern crested newt ( Triturus cristatus ) populations are decreasing throughout Europe, and are a conservation concern. Using microsatellites, we studied the genetic structure of the northern crested newt in a boreal forest ecosystem containing two contrasting landscapes, one subject to recent change and habitat loss by clear-cutting and roadbuilding, and one with little anthropogenic disturbance. Newts from 12 breeding ponds were analyzed for 13 microsatellites and 7 landscape and spatial variables. With a Maximum-likelihood population-effects model we investigated important landscape factors potentially explaining genetic patterns. Results indicate that intervening landscape factors between breeding ponds, explain the genetic differentiation in addition to an isolation-by-distance effect. Geographic distance, gravel roads, and south/south-west facing slopes reduced landscape permeability and increased genetic differentiation for these newts. The effect was opposite for streams, presumably being more favorable for newt dispersal. Populations within or bordering on old growth forest had a higher allelic richness than populations in managed forest outside these areas. Old growth forest areas may be important source habitats in the conservation of northern crested newt populations.

Genetic structure of regional water vole populations and footprints of reintroductions: a case study from southeast England - Rowenna J. Baker; Dawn M. Scott; Peter J. King; Andrew D. J. Overall (Conservation Genetics, 2020)

Species delimitation in the African tree genus Lophira (Ochnaceae) reveals cryptic genetic variation - Eben-Ezer Baba Kayode Ewédjè; Simon Jansen; Guillaume Kouame Koffi; Adrien Staquet; Rosalia Piñeiro; Rodolphe Abessole Essaba; Nestor Laurier Engone Obiang; Kasso Daïnou; Achille Bernand Biwolé; Jean-Louis Doucet; Olivier J. Hardy (Conservation Genetics, 2020)

Population genetics of the wolverine in Finland: the road to recovery? - Gerhardus M. J. Lansink; Rodrigo Esparza-Salas; Maija Joensuu; Anni Koskela; Dominika Bujnáková; Oddmund Kleven; Øystein Flagstad; Tuomo Ollila; Ilpo Kojola; Jouni Aspi; Laura Kvist (Conservation Genetics, 2020)
After decades, even centuries of persecution, large carnivore populations are widely recovering in Europe. Considering the recent recovery of the wolverine ( Gulo gulo ) in Finland, our aim was to evaluate genetic variation using 14 microsatellites and mtDNA control region (579 bp) in order (1) to determine whether the species is represented by a single genetic population within Finland, (2) to quantify the genetic diversity, and (3) to estimate the effective population size. We found two major genetic clusters divided between eastern and northern Finland based on microsatellites ( F ST = 0.100) but also a significant pattern of isolation by distance. Wolverines in western Finland had a genetic signature similar to the northern cluster, which can be explained by former translocations of wolverines from northern to western Finland. For both main clusters, most estimates of the effective population size N e were below 50. Nevertheless, the genetic diversity was higher in the eastern cluster ( H E = 0.57, A R = 4.0, A P = 0.3) than in the northern cluster ( H E = 0.49, A R = 3.7, A P = 0.1). Migration between the clusters was low. Two mtDNA haplotypes were found: one common and identical to Scandinavian wolverines; the other rare and not previously detected. The rare haplotype was more prominent in the eastern genetic cluster. Combining all available data, we infer that the genetic population structure within Finland is shaped by a recent bottleneck, isolation by distance, human-aided translocations and postglacial recolonization routes.

Taxonomic identification of Madagascar’s free-ranging “forest cats” - M. L. Sauther; F. Bertolini; L. J. Dollar; J. Pomerantz; P. C. Alves; B. Gandolfi; J. D. Kurushima; F. Mattucci; E. Randi; M. F. Rothschild; F. P. Cuozzo; R. S. Larsen; et al. (Conservation Genetics, 2020)

Spatiotemporal population dynamics of the Caddo Madtom (Noturus taylori), a narrow-range endemic of the Ouachita Highlands - Brittany L. McCall; Brook L. Fluker (Conservation Genetics, 2020)

Population differentiation and historical demography of the threatened snowy plover Charadrius nivosus (Cassin, 1858) - Josephine D’Urban Jackson; Michael W. Bruford; Tamás Székely; Jeffrey M. DaCosta; Michael D. Sorenson; Isa-Rita M. Russo; Kathryn H. Maher; Medardo Cruz-López; Daniel Galindo-Espinosa; Eduardo Palacios; Atahualpa Eduardo De Sucre-Medrano; John Cavitt; et al. (Conservation Genetics, 2020)
Delineating conservation units is a complex and often controversial process that is particularly challenging for highly vagile species. Here, we reassess population genetic structure and identify those populations of highest conservation value in the threatened snowy plover ( Charadrius nivosus, Cassin, 1858), a partial migrant shorebird endemic to the Americas. We use four categories of genetic data—mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), microsatellites, Z-linked and autosomal single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs)—to: (1) assess subspecies delineation and examine population structure (2) compare the sensitivity of the different types of genetic data to detect spatial genetic patterns, and (3) reconstruct demographic history of the populations analysed. Delineation of two traditionally recognised subspecies was broadly supported by all data. In addition, microsatellite and SNPs but not mtDNA supported the recognition of Caribbean snowy plovers ( C. n. tenuirostris ) and Floridian populations (eastern C. n. nivosus ) as distinct genetic lineage and deme, respectively. Low migration rates estimated from autosomal SNPs ( m < 0.03) reflect a general paucity of exchange between genetic lineages. In contrast, we detected strong unidirectional migration ( m = 0.26) from the western into the eastern nivosus deme. Within western nivosus, we found no genetic differentiation between coastal Pacific and inland populations. The correlation between geographic and genetic distances was weak but significant for all genetic data sets. All demes showed signatures of bottlenecks occurring during the past 1000 years. We conclude that at least four snowy plover conservation units are warranted: in addition to subspecies nivosus and occidentalis, a third unit comprises the Caribbean tenuirostris lineage and a fourth unit the distinct eastern nivosus deme.

Missing the mark(er): pseudogenes identified through whole mitochondrial genome sequencing provide new insight into invasive lionfish genetics - Justine M. Whitaker; Alexis M. Janosik (Conservation Genetics, 2020)

Genetic differentiation and overexploitation history of the critically endangered Lehmann’s Poison Frog: Oophaga lehmanni - Mileidy Betancourth-Cundar; Pablo Palacios-Rodríguez; Daniel Mejía-Vargas; Andrea Paz; Adolfo Amézquita (Conservation Genetics, 2020)

Genetic structure and diversity of Australian freshwater crocodiles (Crocodylus johnstoni) from the Kimberley, Western Australia - Rui Cao; Ruchira Somaweera; Katherine Brittain; Nancy N. FitzSimmons; Arthur Georges; Jaime Gongora (Conservation Genetics, 2020)

Testing for hybridisation of the Critically Endangered Iguana delicatissima on Anguilla to inform conservation efforts - Kieran C. Pounder; F. Mukhida; R. P. Brown; D. Carter; J. C. Daltry; T. Fleming; M. Goetz; L. G. Halsey; G. Hughes; K. Questel; I. J. Saccheri; R. Williams; et al. (Conservation Genetics, 2020)
The Caribbean Island of Anguilla in the north-eastern Lesser Antilles is home to one of the last populations of the Critically Endangered Lesser Antillean iguana Iguana delicatissima . This population is highly threatened primarily because of hybridisation with non-native Iguana iguana . This study assesses the degree of hybridisation between Anguilla’s Iguana species firstly using morphological characteristics and then genetic analysis to validate the genetic integrity of morphologically identified I. delicatissima . We also examined the genetic diversity of Anguilla’s I. delicatissima population, and that of a population on the nearby island of Îlet Fourchue, St Barthélemy. Forty-five iguanas were captured in Anguilla and 10 in St Barthélemy, and sequences from 3 nuclear and 1 mtDNA genes were obtained for each. Of the 45 iguanas captured in Anguilla, 22 were morphologically identified as I. delicatissima , 12 as I. iguana and the remainder were identified as hybrids. Morphological assignments were all confirmed by genetic analyses except for one I. iguana and one hybrid individual. These two individuals appeared likely to have originated following ancestral hybridisation events several generations ago. A significant paucity of genetic diversity was found within Anguillan and St Barthélemy I. delicatissima populations, with a single haplotype being identified for each of the three nuclear genes and the mtDNA sequence. This study highlights the urgency for immediate action to conserve Anguilla’s remnant I. delicatissima population. Protection from hybridisation will require translocation to I. iguana -free offshore cays, with supplementary individuals being sourced from neighbouring islands to enhance the genetic diversity of the population.

Genetic analysis of red deer (Cervus elaphus) administrative management units in a human-dominated landscape - Hendrik Edelhoff; Frank E. Zachos; Jörns Fickel; Clinton W. Epps; Niko Balkenhol (Conservation Genetics, 2020)
Red deer ( Cervus elaphus ) throughout central Europe are influenced by different anthropogenic activities including habitat fragmentation, selective hunting and translocations. This has substantial impacts on genetic diversity and the long-term conservation of local populations of this species. Here we use genetic samples from 480 red deer individuals to assess genetic diversity and differentiation of the 12 administrative management units located in Schleswig Holstein, the northernmost federal state in Germany. We applied multiple analytical approaches and show that the history of local populations (i.e., translocations, culling of individuals outside of designated red deer zones, anthropogenic infrastructures) potentially has led to low levels of genetic diversity. Mean expected heterozygosity was below 0.6 and we observed on average 4.2 alleles across 12 microsatellite loci. Effective population sizes below the recommended level of 50 were estimated for multiple local populations. Our estimates of genetic structure and gene flow show that red deer in northern Germany are best described as a complex network of asymmetrically connected subpopulations, with high genetic exchange among some local populations and reduced connectivity of others. Genetic diversity was also correlated with population densities of neighboring management units. Based on these findings, we suggest that connectivity among existing management units should be considered in the practical management of the species, which means that some administrative management units should be managed together, while the effective isolation of other units needs to be mitigated.

Population genetic characterization of the black-veined white, Aporia crataegi (Lepidoptera: Pieridae), using novel microsatellite markers and mitochondrial DNA gene sequences - Min Jee Kim; Youngho Cho; Ah Rha Wang; Sung-Soo Kim; Sei-Woong Choi; Iksoo Kim (Conservation Genetics, 2020)

Wolbachia and Cardinium infection found in threatened unionid species: a new concern for conservation of freshwater mussels? - Monika Mioduchowska; Zając Katarzyna; Zając Tadeusz; Sell Jerzy (Conservation Genetics, 2020)
Endosymbiotic bacterial species that manipulate host biology, reproduction and mitochondrial genetic diversity have been identified in many metazoans, especially terrestrial arthropods. Until now, the hypothesis that Wolbachia or other bacterial endosymbiont might be absent in mollusks has remained unexplored. We present here preliminary data on bacterial communities in a freshwater mussel Unio crassus —species with doubly uniparental inheritance of mtDNA (DUI). Next generation sequencing of 16S rRNA bacterial gene fragment allowed to identify endosymbiotic Cardinium and sequences that were classified to the order Rickettsiales. Finally, we discovered Wolbachia and confirmed Cardinium infection of Unio crassus using bacterial species-specific primers. Discovering Wolbachia and Cardinium infections in Unio crassus opens new opportunities of further investigations in the second largest animal phylum on Earth, very diversified phylogenetically, widespread geographically and inhabiting many environs, including freshwater, inhabited by the most threatened molluscan species. Considering the problems caused by endosymbionts identified in arthropods, the presence of endosymbiotic factor implies possibility of their influence on taxonomy of threatened unionids, on the results of studies of genetic diversity and proper conservation planning.

Conserve the eco-evolutionary dynamic, not the subspecies: phenological divergence and gene flow between temporal cohorts of Euphilotes ancilla endemic to southern Nevada - Daniel B. Thompson; Kevin McKelvey; Paul van Els; Gretchen Andrew; Paula Jacoby-Garrett; Matt Glenn; Corey Kallstrom; Kristine L. Pilgrim; Paul A. Opler (Conservation Genetics, 2020)

Genes in space: what Mojave desert tortoise genetics can tell us about landscape connectivity - Kirsten E. Dutcher; Amy G. Vandergast; Todd C. Esque; Anna Mitelberg; Marjorie D. Matocq; Jill S. Heaton; Ken E. Nussear (Conservation Genetics, 2020)

Genetic differentiation in Sichuan jay (Perisoreus internigrans) and its sibling species Siberian jay (P. infaustus) - Kai Song; Peter Halvarsson; Yun Fang; Jonathan Barnaby; Nickolai Germogenov; Yuehua Sun; Jacob Höglund (Conservation Genetics, 2020)
The Pleistocene ice age and recent forest fragmentation have both played a significant role in shaping the population genetic variation of boreal coniferous species in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP) and Eurasian coniferous forests. The Sichuan jay is one of the least know endemic bird species in QTP coniferous forests in western China while its sibling species, the Siberian Jay, is widespread within the coniferous forests in northern Eurasia. Here we used 11 microsatellite markers to assay genetic diversity across 58 Sichuan jay samples from China and 205 Siberian jay samples from Sweden and Russia. Results showed three distinct genetic clusters from the Sichuan jay sampling. Furthermore, the pair-wise F ST values indicated high genetic differentiation not only among the two species but also between Swedish and Russian Siberian jay populations. What is more, a pattern of isolation by distance was found among the analyzed populations. Our study suggests that targeted habitat restoration in fragmented forests and more genetic work is urgently needed for conservation of the Sichuan jay.

Genetic diversity and biogeographic determinants of population structure in Araucaria angustifolia (Bert.) O. Ktze - Valderês Aparecida de Sousa; Patrick A. Reeves; Ann Reilley; Ananda Virginia de Aguiar; Valdir Marcos Stefenon; Christopher M. Richards (Conservation Genetics, 2020)
Araucaria ( Araucaria angustifolia (Bert.) O. Ktze) is a primarily dioecious species threatened with extinction that plays an important social and economic role especially in the southern region of Brazil. The aim of this work is to investigate the diversity and likely determinants of genetic lineages in this species for conservation management. For this, a collection of 30-year-old Araucaria was used. Accessions collected from 12 sites across the species range were analyzed, with ten individuals per site. The SSR genotyping was conducted with 15 loci and the data were analyzed using several complementary approaches. Descriptive statistics among sampling sites were used and diversity was partitioned non-hierarchically to estimate the size and composition of genetic clusters using a Bayesian assignment method. To explore possible biological implications of differences between Niche Models and habitat suitability, a series of statistical procedures were used, and tests were carried out using the software ENM Tools and Maxent. Populations from the southernmost zone showed higher genetic variation and a lower inbreeding coefficient compared to the northernmost zone, which may correlate with their isolation. A positive relation between genetic differentiation and geographic distance was observed. Two genetic groups (southernmost and northernmost zones) were evident. The Niche modelling showed separate ranges for each genetic lineage suggesting that differences in selection pressure may be playing a role in the apparent differentiation and may be adaptive. Finally, an evident correlation was observed between genetic data and habitat suitability. The two distinct groups observed must be considered as independent units for conservation and hybridization in breeding programs.

Temporal landscape genetic data indicate an ongoing disruption of gene flow in a relict bird species - Peter Klinga; Martin Mikoláš; Ivan V. Delegan; Gabriel Dănilă; Peter Urban; Ladislav Paule; Peter Kaňuch (Conservation Genetics, 2020)

The effects of pollen dispersal and mating pattern on inbreeding depression and hybrid vigor in Balfourodendron riedelianum (Engl.) Engl. (Rutaceae) - Bruna I. Aguiar; Miguel L. M. Freitas; Antonio S. Zannato; Evandro V. Tambarussi; Mario L. T. Moraes; Marcelo N. Ambrosano; Lya C. S. M. Pereira; Flávio B. Gandara; Paulo Y. Kageyama; Alexandre M. Sebbenn (Conservation Genetics, 2020)

Range-wide patterns of human-mediated hybridisation in European wildcats - Annika Tiesmeyer; Luana Ramos; José Manuel Lucas; Katharina Steyer; Paulo C. Alves; Christos Astaras; Mareike Brix; Margherita Cragnolini; Csaba Domokos; Zsolt Hegyeli; René Janssen; Andrew C. Kitchener; et al. (Conservation Genetics, 2020)
Hybridisation between wild taxa and their domestic congeners is a significant conservation issue. Domestic species frequently outnumber their wild relatives in population size and distribution and may therefore genetically swamp the native species. The European wildcat ( Felis silvestris ) has been shown to hybridise with domestic cats ( Felis catus ). Previously suggested spatially divergent introgression levels have not been confirmed on a European scale due to significant differences in the applied methods to assess hybridisation of the European wildcat. We analysed 926 Felis spp. samples from 13 European countries, using a set of 86 selected ancestry-informative SNPs, 14 microsatellites, and ten mitochondrial and Y-chromosome markers to study regional hybridisation and introgression patterns and population differentiation. We detected 51 hybrids (four F1 and 47 F2 or backcrosses) and 521 pure wildcats throughout Europe. The abundance of hybrids varied considerably among studied populations. All samples from Scotland were identified as F2 hybrids or backcrosses, supporting previous findings that the genetic integrity of that wildcat population has been seriously compromised. In other European populations, low to moderate levels of hybridisation were found, with the lowest levels being in Central and Southeast Europe. The occurrence of distinct maternal and paternal markers between wildcat and domestic cat suggests that there were no severe hybridisation episodes in the past. The overall low (< 1%) prevalence of F1 hybrids suggests a low risk of hybridisation for the long-term genetic integrity of the wildcat in most of Europe. However, regionally elevated introgression rates confirm that hybridisation poses a potential threat. We propose regional in-depth monitoring of hybridisation rates to identify factors driving hybridisation so as to develop effective strategies for conservation.

Adaptive genetic management: assessing the benefits of translocations - Ellen M. Weise; Nicholas M. Sard; Andrew Nehfer; Kim T. Scribner (Conservation Genetics, 2020)

Historical decline of genetic diversity in a range-periphery population of Spruce Grouse (Falcipennis canadensis) inhabiting the Adirondack Mountains - Jeremy J. Kirchman; Angelena M. Ross; Glenn Johnson (Conservation Genetics, 2020)

Low genetic differentiation despite high fragmentation in the endemic serpentinophyte Minuartia smejkalii (M. verna agg., Caryophyllaceae) revealed by RADSeq SNP markers - Bojana Stojanova; Maria Šurinová; Vojtěch Zeisek; Zuzana Münzbergová; Hana Pánková (Conservation Genetics, 2020)

Not a marginal loss: genetic diversity of the endangered freshwater snail Melanopsis etrusca (Brot, 1862) from thermal springs in Tuscany, Italy - Marco T. Neiber; Simone Cianfanelli; Fabrizio Bartolini; Matthias Glaubrecht (Conservation Genetics, 2020)

The influence of fire and silvicultural practices on the landscape-scale genetic structure of an Australian foundation tree species - Brenton von Takach Dukai; Rod Peakall; David B. Lindenmayer; Sam C. Banks (Conservation Genetics, 2020)

Genetic relationships and hybridization among three western Atlantic sparid species: sheepshead (Archosargus probatocephalus), sea bream (A. rhomboidalis) and pinfish (Lagodon rhomboides) - Seifu Seyoum; Douglas H. Adams; Richard E. Matheson; James A. Whittington; Alicia C. Alvarez; Nancy E. Sheridan; Kaitlin Panzner; Cecilia Puchulutegui (Conservation Genetics, 2020)
Three species of sparids in the western Atlantic, sheepshead ( Archosargus probatocephalus ), sea bream ( A. rhomboidalis ), and pinfish ( Lagodon rhomboides ), share overlapping habitats, spawning seasons, and spawning grounds, providing opportunities for interaction among these species. Three regions of mitochondrial DNA and three nuclear DNA intron sequences were used to construct the genetic relationships among these species. The results showed that these species are closely related, suggesting the presence of soft polytomy with sheepshead and western Atlantic sea bream as sister species. However, western Atlantic sea bream and pinfish are equally divergent from sheepshead. We used a suite of 18 microsatellite markers to verify the occurrence of hybridization, identify the parental types, and evaluate the filial-generation status of 36 individuals morphologically identified as hybrids from the Indian River Lagoon system, in Florida. The 36 putative hybrids were analyzed with a reference group of 172 western Atlantic sea bream, 232 pinfish, and 157 sheepsheads and were all genetically determined to be F 1 of sheepshead and western Atlantic sea bream with very little indication or no introgressive hybridization among the 172 reference specimens of western Atlantic sea bream. Hybridization was asymmetric, with western Atlantic sea bream males crossing with sheepshead females. Hybrids were first observed in the Indian River Lagoon in 2005, after the western Atlantic sea bream had become common there, in the 1990s. Their occurrence could be associated with unique features of the Indian River Lagoon that bring the two species together or with recent anthropogenic changes in this system. Further study is needed to determine the causes and long-term effects of the recurrent production of F 1 hybrids and the degree of their sterility in the Indian River Lagoon.

Patterns of reproductive success among reintroduced Atlantic salmon in two Lake Champlain tributaries - Ashlee Danielle Prévost; Nicole Lynn Hill; James William Angus Grant; William Rundle Ardren; Dylan John Fraser (Conservation Genetics, 2020)

Geographic hot spots of dingo genetic ancestry in southeastern Australia despite hybridisation with domestic dogs - Kylie M. Cairns; Bradley J. Nesbitt; Shawn W. Laffan; Mike Letnic; Mathew S. Crowther (Conservation Genetics, 2020)

Population genetics of the Cichlid Oreochromis shiranus in Malawi - Thomson Sanudi; Daniel Brink; Clint Rhode; Rouvay Roodt-Wilding (Conservation Genetics, 2020)

Body size, inbreeding, and lifespan in domestic dogs - Jennifer Yordy; Cornelia Kraus; Jessica J. Hayward; Michelle E. White; Laura M. Shannon; Kate E. Creevy; Daniel E. L. Promislow; Adam R. Boyko (Conservation Genetics, 2020)

Population and landscape genetic analysis of the Malayan sun bear Helarctos malayanus - Miriam N. Kunde; Renata F. Martins; Joe Premier; Joerns Fickel; Daniel W. Förster (Conservation Genetics, 2020)
Conservation genetics can provide data needed by conservation practitioners for their decisions regarding the management of vulnerable or endangered species, such as the sun bear Helarctos malayanus . Throughout its range, the sun bear is threatened by loss and fragmentation of its habitat and the illegal trade of both live bears and bear parts. Sharply declining population numbers and population sizes, and a lack of natural dispersal between populations all threaten the genetic diversity of the remaining populations of this species. In this first population genetics study of sun bears using microsatellite markers, we analyzed 68 sun bear samples from Cambodia to investigate population structure and genetic diversity. We found evidence for two genetically distinct populations in the West and East of Cambodia. Ongoing or recent gene flow between these populations does not appear sufficient to alleviate loss of diversity in these populations, one of which (West Cambodia) is characterized by significant inbreeding. We were able to assign 85% of sun bears of unknown origin to one of the two populations with high confidence (assignment probability ≥ 85%), providing valuable information for future bear reintroduction programs. Further, our results suggest that developed land (mostly agricultural mosaics) acts as a barrier to gene flow for sun bears in Cambodia. We highlight that regional sun bear conservation action plans should consider promoting population connectivity and enforcing wildlife protection of this threatened species.

Conservation genetics of Madagascar’s critically endangered ploughshare tortoise (Astrochelys yniphora) - Angelo R. Mandimbihasina; Cynthia L. Frasier; Ryan A. Hagenson; Brittani A. D. Robertson; Shannon E. Engberg; Richard E. Lewis; Lance G. Woolaver; Emilienne Razafimahatratra; Lydia L. Rabetafika; Edward E. Louis (Conservation Genetics, 2020)

Genetic composition and conservation status of coastal cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarki clarki) in the San Juan Islands, Washington - Jamie Glasgow; Jennifer D. De Groot; Maureen P. Small (Conservation Genetics, 2020)
Understanding the conservation status of native fish populations is increasingly important because they are put at risk by mounting anthropogenic pressures, including climate change. Conventional approaches to assess fish populations can be logistically challenging and cost-prohibitive. As a result, resource managers often make assumptions about the status of fish populations based on limited information. The watersheds of Washington’s San Juan Islands were considered too small to support wild salmonid populations. Many streams flow only seasonally, and all have been subjected to varying degrees of anthropogenic impacts affecting their ecological integrity. Nonetheless, we found that at least five watersheds in the archipelago support populations of coastal cutthroat trout ( Oncorhynchus clarki clarki ). To better understand the conservation status of coastal cutthroat trout populations there, we genotyped approximately fifty trout in each of three watersheds: Cascade and Doe Bay creeks on Orcas Island and Garrison Creek on San Juan Island. Results suggest that two watersheds support native populations and one supports naturalized hatchery fish. The likely native coastal cutthroat trout diversity documented in the two watersheds contributes to the overall diversity of the species, demonstrates that species’ resiliency, and provides justification for conservation measures. Effective management and conservation planning in data-limited situations requires the use of a precautionary approach. Population genetics provide a useful tool for identifying vulnerable fish populations and understanding their relationships with other conspecific populations. This information can inform restoration goals and help identify and prioritize restoration and protection measures.

Temporal variation in genetic structure within the threatened spectacled eider - Sarah Sonsthagen; Christy Haughey; Matthew Sexson; Diana Solovyeva; Margaret Petersen; Abby Powell (Conservation Genetics, 2020)

A 50K SNP array reveals genetic structure for bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) - Megan E. Judkins; Brian M. Couger; Wesley C. Warren; Ronald A. Van Den Bussche (Conservation Genetics, 2020)

Interpopulational and intrapopulational genetic diversity of the endangered Itasenpara bitterling (Acheilognathus longipinnis) with reference to its demographic history - Yuji Yamazaki; Kazuhiko Uehara; Koki Ikeya; Masaki Nishio (Conservation Genetics, 2020)

Genetic rescue of an isolated African lion population - Susan M. Miller; Dave J. Druce; Desiré L. Dalton; Cindy K. Harper; Antoinette Kotze; Craig Packer; Rob Slotow; Paulette Bloomer (Conservation Genetics, 2020)

Ongoing recovery of a brown bear population from a century-old severe bottleneck: insights from population genetic and spatially explicit analyses - Peeter Anijalg; Jaanus Remm; Egle Tammeleht; Marju Keis; Harri Valdmann; Urmas Saarma (Conservation Genetics, 2020)

Detecting inter- and intra-island genetic diversity: population structure of the endangered crocodile newt, Echinotriton andersoni, in the Ryukyus - Takeshi Igawa; Hirotaka Sugawara; Masanao Honda; Atsushi Tominaga; Shohei Oumi; Seiki Katsuren; Hidetoshi Ota; Masafumi Matsui; Masayuki Sumida (Conservation Genetics, 2020)

Molecular and morphological evidence for hybrid origin and matroclinal inheritance of an endangered wild rose, Rosa × pseudobanksiae (Rosaceae) from China - Cheng Zhang; Shi-Qi Li; Yu Zhang; Zhang-Ming Zhu; Jian-Quan Liu; Xin-Fen Gao (Conservation Genetics, 2020)

Limited fine-scale larval dispersal of the threatened brooding corals Heliopora spp. as evidenced by population genetics and numerical simulation - Hiroki Taninaka; Lawrence Patrick C. Bernardo; Yuta Saito; Satoshi Nagai; Mitsuhiro Ueno; Yuko F. Kitano; Takashi Nakamura; Nina Yasuda (Conservation Genetics, 2019)