Conservation genetic insights from governmental monitoring data: a case study on two grouse species

Le résumé fourni par la source

Biodiversity loss is increasing worldwide due to climate change, land-use change, and other anthropogenic impacts, increasing the importance of conservation measures. In Europe, government-led monitoring programs under directives regularly monitor certain species to resolve conservation plans. However, the focus is primarily on population size estimation, while genetic monitoring is sparse. Birds are among the most frequently monitored groups, including two grouse species, Tetrao urogallus (western capercaillie) and Lyrurus tetrix (black grouse), for which non-invasive samples (feces/feathers) are well established for genetic analysis. In this study, we analyzed non-invasive genetic samples from T. urogallus and L. tetrix collected in Tyrol, Austria, between 2011 and 2019, within the framework of a governmental monitoring program, for extensive population genetics and parentage and sibship analysis. Overall, 526 T. urogallus genotypes and 960 L. tetrix genotypes were identified. In both species, we found high heterozygosity and allelic richness, as well as good connectivity, across populations. Furthermore, parentage and sibship analysis suggested a female-biased dispersal in both species. We showed that the populations of T. urogallus and L. tetrix are overall genetically diverse and connected, which adds important information to the estimated population sizes for further conservation measures. Furthermore, the results provide valuable insights for the early detection of connectivity loss and the potential onset of inbreeding, essential for proactive management strategies. This study emphasizes the importance of integrating genetic monitoring into conservation efforts and demonstrates the importance of collaboration between academia and conservation to improve both species conservation and ecological understanding.

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