Evaluating effective population size and genetic diversity of a declining kit fox population using contemporary and historical specimens

Loss of genetic diversity has serious conservation consequences (e.g., loss of adaptive potential, reduced population viability), but is difficult to evaluate without developing long-term, multigenerational datasets. Alternatively, historical samples can provide insights into changes in genetic diversity and effective population size (Ne). Kit foxes (Vulpes macrotis) are a species of conservation concern across much of their range. In western Utah, kit fox abundance has declined precipitously from historical levels, causing concern about population persistence. We analyzed genetic samples from museum specimens and contemporary scats to evaluate temporal changes in (i) genetic diversity and (ii) Ne for kit foxes in western Utah, and (iii) discuss our findings with respect to population risk and conservation. The Ne of kit foxes in western Utah has decreased substantially. When compared to established conservation thresholds for Ne (e.g., the 50/500 rule), observed levels suggest the popu...

遗传多样性丧失会引发严重的保护生物学后果（如适应潜力流失、种群生存能力降低），但若无长期多代数据集支撑，此类影响往往难以评估。相较而言，历史标本可用于解析遗传多样性与有效种群大小（effective population size, Ne）的动态变化。敏狐（Vulpes macrotis）在其大部分分布范围内均为需重点关注的保护物种。在美国犹他州西部，敏狐的种群丰度已较历史水平大幅下降，引发了学界对其种群存续的担忧。本研究通过分析博物馆标本与当代粪样的遗传样本，评估犹他州西部敏狐的（1）遗传多样性、（2）有效种群大小（Ne）的时间变化，并（3）结合种群风险与保护议题讨论本研究结果。犹他州西部敏狐的有效种群大小（Ne）已出现显著下降。若参照已确立的有效种群大小保护阈值（如50/500法则），观测到的种群水平显示该种群...