6 research outputs found
The Multiple Origins of Roe Deer Populations in Western Iberia and Their Relevance for Conservation
The roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) is native and widespread in Europe and its phylogeography has been clarified in the last decades. Southern peninsulas are considered as reservoirs of genetic diversity and the source for the recolonization of Europe after the last glacial maximum. Even though roe deer populations have been genetically characterized, there is a major knowledge gap about the populations at the western edge of its distribution. To fill this caveat, and based on mitochondrial and nuclear DNA data, we aim to: (i) characterize the genetic diversity and structure of roe deer in western Iberia; (ii) clarify the origins and phylogeographical affinities of these populations, namely the relict population from Peneda GerĂŞs National Park (PNPG, Portugal) and the likely allochthonous populations from central and south (CS) Portugal; (iii) discuss the implications of our findings for the management and conservation of the roe deer. Three major genetic clusters were inferred based on nuclear genotypes and were structured in a similar way as the three major mtDNA clades present in Iberia. Patterns inferred with nuclear markers confirmed PNPG as a relict population. Roe deer from CS Portugal share haplotypes with Central Europe rather than with other western Iberian populations, confirming its mainly allochthonous origin. Our results highlight western Iberia as a diversity hotspot for roe deer. We highlight the role of intraspecific genetic diversity as a source of resilience against ongoing global changes; the need for transboundary management and the importance of genetic data to inform management and conservation. When considered, repopulation or translocation measures should follow the IUCN Law of Reintroductions and meticulously conducted in order to preserve the genetic heritage of the species
To eat or not to eat? The diet of the endangered iberian wolf (Canis lupus signatus) in a human- dominated landscape in central Portugal
Livestock predation by large carnivores and their persecution by local communities are
major conservation concerns. In order to prevent speculations and reduce conflicts, it is crucial
to get detailed and accurate data on predatorsâ dietary ecology, which is particularly important
in human dominated landscapes where livestock densities are high. This is the case
of the endangered Iberian wolf in Portugal, an endemic subspecies of the Iberian Peninsula,
which has seen its population distribution and abundance decline throughout the 20th century.
Accordingly, the diet of the Iberian wolf was analyzed, using scat analysis, in a humanized
landscape in central Portugal. From 2011 to 2014, a total of 295 wolf scats were
collected from transects distributed throughout the study area, prospected on a monthly
basis. Scat analysis indicated a high dependence of Iberian wolf on livestock. Domestic
goat predominated the diet (62% of the scats), followed by cow (20%) and sheep (13%); the
only wild ungulate present in the scat analysis was the wild boar (4% of the scats). Our results
show that even though livestock constitute most part of wolves diet, different livestock
species may represent different predation opportunities. We conclude that the high levels
of livestock consumption may be a result of low diversity and density of wild ungulates
that settles livestock as the only abundant prey for wolves. Our findings help on the understanding
of the Iberian wolf feeding ecology and have implications for conflict management
strategies. Finally, management implications are discussed and solutions are
recommended
Prey selectivity (Ivlevâs index D) for sheep <i>Ovis aries</i>, goat <i>Capra hircus</i> and cow <i>Bos taurus</i>, based on scat analysis (n = 295) of three Iberian wolf packs (Arada, Montemuro and CinfĂŁes), in central Portugal, between 2011 and 2014.
<p>The index is based on the frequency of prey species in scats relative to the availability of these species in the area. Species with positive index values are selected while those with negative numbers are avoided.</p
Composition of Iberian wolf diet in terms of frequency of occurrence, based on scat analysis of three Iberian wolf packs in central Portugal, between 2011 and 2014.
<p>Composition of Iberian wolf diet in terms of frequency of occurrence, based on scat analysis of three Iberian wolf packs in central Portugal, between 2011 and 2014.</p
Location of the study area in continental Portugal, highlighting the distribution of the three Iberian wolf packs.
<p>Location of the study area in continental Portugal, highlighting the distribution of the three Iberian wolf packs.</p
Prey species identified in the diet of Iberian wolf in central Portugal, in terms of biomass consumed, from analysis of 295 scats, collected from a human-dominated landscape between 2011 and 2014.
<p>Prey species identified in the diet of Iberian wolf in central Portugal, in terms of biomass consumed, from analysis of 295 scats, collected from a human-dominated landscape between 2011 and 2014.</p