Genetic consequences of population decline in Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) populations in the Czech and Slovak Republics

0370951 - ÚBO 2012 IT eng A - Abstrakt
Gettová, Lenka - Hájková, Petra
Genetic consequences of population decline in Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) populations in the Czech and Slovak Republics.
Hystrix. Supp., - (2011), s. 102. ISSN 0394-1914. E-ISSN 1825-5272.
[International Otter Colloquium /11./. 30.08.2011-04.09.2011, Pavia]
Grant CEP: GA AV ČR KJB600930804
Výzkumný záměr: CEZ:AV0Z60930519
Klíčová slova: Eurasian otter * population size
Kód oboru RIV: EG - Zoologie
http://www.internationalottercolloquium2010.eu/files/proceedings_iucn_xi_ioc_2011.pdf

During the last century, human-caused habitat fragmentation contributed significantly to the reduction in population size of many species, including the Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra). In the Czech and Slovak Republics, the Eurasian otter was common in the past, but declined during the last century, the most significant population bottleneck occurring in the late 20th century. Small population size and isolation caused by population bottlenecks can result in substantial loss of genetic variability, which is important for the species viability. The aim of our study was to compare the genetic variability and structure of contemporary populations with those of historical populations. Recent population bottlenecks can mask the signs of ancient bottlenecks, as found out in some other European populations, therefore we tried to infer the demographic history of both contemporary and historical populations using nuclear markers. Overall 19 microsatellite loci were analysed and DNA was extracted from museum specimens from the 1970s, representing historical populations, and carcasses from 1996 to 2010. Preliminary results show slightly higher values of genetic variability in both Czech and Slovak historical samples in comparison with contemporary populations. A relatively high level of genetic differentiation between Czech and Slovak populations has been found in contemporary populations (Fst = 0.147, P < 0.05). A low but statistically significant level of genetic differentiation has also been found in historical populations (Fst = 0.066, P < 0.05). Evidence of a recent bottleneck has been detected in contemporary populations. A bottleneck has been detected even in historical populations, corresponding to the first half of the 20th century. Lack of samples originating from the period before this bottleneck did not allow us to outline possible older bottlenecks. According to genetic analyses, contemporary Czech and Slovak populations, which were separated at the turn of this century, have reconnected. Nonetheless, the Eurasian otter in the Czech and Slovak Republics must still be considered a vulnerable species. Although the conflict between the otter and the fishermen is growing nowadays, it is still necessary to protect this species as to favour the natural reconnection of fragmented populations. The project is supported through grant no. KJB600930804 of the Grant Agency of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic.
Trvalý link: http://hdl.handle.net/11104/0204620