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Link to original content: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10592-012-0319-0
Genetic consequences of intensive conservation management for the Mauritius parakeet | Conservation Genetics Skip to main content

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Genetic consequences of intensive conservation management for the Mauritius parakeet

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Abstract

For conservation managers tasked with recovering threatened species, genetic structure can exacerbate the rate of loss of genetic diversity because alleles unique to a sub-population are more likely to be lost by the effects of random genetic drift than if a population is panmictic. Given that intensive management techniques commonly used to recover threatened species frequently involve movement of individuals within and between populations, managers need to be aware not only of pre-existing levels of genetic structure but also of the potential effects that intensive management might have on these patterns. The Mauritius parakeet (Psittacula echo) has been the subject of an intensive conservation programme, involving translocation and reintroduction that has recovered the population from less than 20 individuals in 1987 to approximately 500 in 2010. Analysis of genotype data derived from 18 microsatellite markers developed for this species reveals a clear signal of structure in the population before intensive management began, but which subsequently disappears following management intervention. This study illustrates the impacts that conservation management can have on the genetic structure of an island endemic population and demonstrates how translocations or reintroductions can benefit populations of endangered species by reducing the risk of loss of genetic diversity.

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Acknowledgments

This work was funded by a NERC PhD studentship award to JG with CASE partner Wildlife Vets International. The laboratory work was performed at the NERC Biomolecular Analysis Facility at the University of Sheffield and we would particularly like to thank Deborah Dawson and Andy Krupa for their assistance. We also thank all the staff of the National Parks and Conservation Service of the Government of Mauritius and the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation for support with fieldwork.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent, CT2 7NR, UK

    Claire Raisin & Jim J. Groombridge

  2. NERC Biomolecular Analysis Facility, Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK

    Claire Raisin & Alain C. Frantz

  3. Division of Infection and Immunity, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK

    Samit Kundu

  4. International Zoo Veterinary Group, Station House, Parkwood Street, Keighley, West Yorkshire, BD21 4NQ, UK

    Andrew G. Greenwood

  5. Mauritian Wildlife Foundation, Grannum Road, Vacoas, Mauritius

    Claire Raisin, Carl G. Jones & Nicolas Zuel

  6. Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, Les Augres Manor, Trinity, Jersey, JE3 5BP, UK

    Carl G. Jones

Authors
  1. Claire Raisin
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  2. Alain C. Frantz
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  3. Samit Kundu
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  4. Andrew G. Greenwood
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  5. Carl G. Jones
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  6. Nicolas Zuel
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  7. Jim J. Groombridge
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Correspondence to Claire Raisin.

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Raisin, C., Frantz, A.C., Kundu, S. et al. Genetic consequences of intensive conservation management for the Mauritius parakeet. Conserv Genet 13, 707–715 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10592-012-0319-0

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