Prevalence of the pathogenic chytrid fungus, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, in an endangered population of northern leopard frogs, Rana pipiens

Background Emerging infectious diseases threaten naïve host populations with extinction. Chytridiomycosis, an emerging infectious disease of amphibians, is caused by the pathogenic fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) and has been linked to global declines in amphibians. Results We monitored the prevalence of Bd for four years in the Northern leopard frog, Rana pipiens, which is critically imperiled in British Columbia (BC), Canada. The prevalence of Bd initially increased and then remained constant over the last three years of the study. Young of the year emerging from breeding ponds in summer were rarely infected with Bd. Some individuals cleared their Bd infections and the return rate between infected and uninfected individuals was not significantly different. Conclusions The BC population of R. pipiens appears to have evolved a level of resistance that allows it to co-exist with Bd. However, this small population of R. pipiens remains vulnerable to extinction

Matrix model investigation of invasive species control: bullfrogs on Vancouver Island. Ecological Applications 15:2161–2170

Abstract. Invasive species control is now a conservation priority in many parts of the world. Demographic modeling using population matrix models is a useful tool in the design of these control efforts as it identifies the life stages with the strongest influence on population dynamics. As a case in point, American bullfrogs (Rana catesbeiana) have been introduced around the world and have negative effects on native fauna. We studied demography of four populations on southern Vancouver Island, Canada, using field observations and capture-mark-recapture methods to estimate survival, growth, and fecundity. The life cycle of these introduced bullfrogs progressed in yearly increments through the following stages: eggs/small tadpoles, first-year tadpoles, second-year tadpoles, metamorphs/juveniles, and adults. Some bullfrog tadpoles were able to skip the second-year tadpole stage and metamorphosed one year after hatching. With tadpole survival estimates from the literature and field estimates of the remaining parameters we constructed a matrix population model. Prospective demographic perturbation analysis showed that bullfrog population growth rate () was most influenced by the proportion of tadpoles metamorphosing early (tadpole development rate), and by early postmetamorphic survival rates. Most current control efforts for bullfrogs have focused on removing tadpoles and breeding adults, and our modeling suggests that these efforts may not be optimal. Partial removal of tadpoles may lead to higher tadpole survival and development rates and higher postmetamorphic survival due to decreased density-dependent competition. Removal of adults leads to higher survival of early metamorphic stages through reduced cannibalism. Our modeling suggests that culling of metamorphs in fall is the most effective method of decreasing bullfrog population growth rate. Our study shows how demographic information can be used to maximize the efficacy of control efforts, and our results are likely directly applicable to other invasive species with complex life cycles

Best management practices for bats in British Columbia : mine developments and inactive mine habitats

British Columbia has the highest diversity of bat species in Canada (16 of 19 species). Many are of conservation concern due to threats from urban, agricultural, and industrial development; and the emerging threat of White-nose Syndrome, which has recently arrived in western North America. Mines are an important habitat feature for bats in the province, used by bats for hibernating in winter, roosting in summer, and reproductive swarming in autumn. Although closing or re-opening inactive mines can kill bats or degrade habitat, properly managed mines can maintain suitable habitat, which supports bat conservation and population recovery initiatives. Best management practices (BMPs) play an important role in the joint stewardship model of natural resource management. In April 2016, the B.C. Ministry of Environment, in consultation with the Ministry of Energy and Mines, posted best management practices for bats and bat habitats (http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/wld/BMP/bmpintro.html#second). The chapter on mining provides guidance on surveys, seasonal timing windows, buffers, and closure techniques to help minimize and mitigate the effects of mining activities on bats and their habitats. This paper provides an overview of some of the recommendations in the chapter, focusing on procedures when closing or re-opening mines.Non UBCUnreviewedOthe

GTseq_311_41

vcf file containing genotypic data for 41 Western rattlesnakes at 311 SNPs generated via GT-se

RADseq_9568_41

vcf file containing genotypic data for 41 Western rattlesnakes at 9568 SNPs generated via RADse

Further comments strengthen evidence for Myotis evotis/keenii reflecting population substructure not species delineation.

Morales et al. (2021) provided no new evidence to alter the conclusions of Lausen et al. (2019). We present background information, relevant comparisons and clarification of analyses, to further strengthen our conclusions. The genesis of the original ‘evotis-keenii’ study in British Columbia was to differentiate Myotis keenii (Merriam, 1895) with one of the smallest North American bat distributions, from sympatric M. evotis (H. Allen, 1864), using something other than the suggested post-mortem skull size comparison, but no differentiating trait could be found, leading to the molecular genetics examination of Lausen et al. (2019). We present cumulative data that rejects the 1979 hypothesis of M. keenii as a distinct species. Morales et al.(2020) inaccurately portray Lausen et al.’s question and results; present inaccurate morphological and outdated distribution data; overstate the impact of homoplasy without supporting evidence; and misinterpret evidence of population structure.The accepted manuscript in pdf format is listed with the files at the bottom of this page. The presentation of the authors' names and (or) special characters in the title of the manuscript may differ slightly between what is listed on this page and what is listed in the pdf file of the accepted manuscript; that in the pdf file of the accepted manuscript is what was submitted by the author

Population genetics reveal Myotis keenii (Keen’s myotis) and Myotis evotis (long-eared myotis) to be a single species

Recognizing delineations of gene flow among groups of animals can be challenging, but necessary for conservation and management. Of particular importance is the identification of species boundaries. Several physical and genetic traits have been used with mixed success to distinguish Myotis keenii (Merriam, 1895) (Keenâ s myotis) and Myotis evotis (H. Allen, 1864) (long-eared myotis), but it is unclear whether species distinction is biologically warranted. We generated 12-14 microsatellite loci genotypes for 275 long-eared Myotis representing 4 species -- M. keenii, M. evotis, Myotis septentrionalis (Trouessart, 1897) (northern myotis), and Myotis thysanodes Miller, 1897 (fringed myotis) -- from across northwestern North America, and 23 Myotis lucifugus (Le Conte, 1831) (little brown myotis) as outgroup. Population genetics analyses revealed four well defined groups (species): M. septentrionalis, M. thysanodes, M. lucifugus and a single group comprising M. keenii and M. evotis. We document high rates of gene flow within M. evotis/keenii. Cytochrome b gene (mtDNA) sequencing failed to resolve morphologically identifiable species. We highlight the importance of geographically thorough investigation of genetic connectivity (nuclear markers) when assessing taxonomic status of closely related groups. We document a morphometric cline within M. evotis/keenii that may in part explain earlier analyses that led to the description of the smaller-bodied M. keenii (type locality Haida Gwaii). We conclude that M. keenii does not qualify as a genetic or biological species.The accepted manuscript in pdf format is listed with the files at the bottom of this page. The presentation of the authors' names and (or) special characters in the title of the manuscript may differ slightly between what is listed on this page and what is listed in the pdf file of the accepted manuscript; that in the pdf file of the accepted manuscript is what was submitted by the author