Consequences for conservation: population density and genetic effects on reproduction of an endangered lagomorph

Understanding reproduction and mating systems is important for managers tasked with conserving vulnerable species. Genetic tools allow biologists to investigate reproduction and mating systems with high resolution and are particularly useful for species that are otherwise difficult to study in their natural environments. We conducted parentage analyses using 19 nuclear DNA microsatellite loci to assess the influence of population density, genetic diversity, and ancestry on reproduction, and to examine the mating system of pygmy rabbits (Brachylagus idahoensis) bred in large naturalized enclosures for the reintroduction and recovery of the endangered distinct population in central Washington, USA. Reproductive output for females and males decreased as population density and individual homozygosity increased. We identified an interaction indicating that male reproductive output decreased as genetic diversity declined at high population densities, but there was no effect at low densities. ...

明晰繁殖与交配系统，对于负责保护受威胁物种的管理者而言至关重要。遗传工具可帮助生物学家以高分辨率开展繁殖与交配系统相关研究，尤其适用于那些在自然环境中难以开展研究的物种。本研究利用19个核DNA微卫星位点开展亲权分析，旨在评估种群密度、遗传多样性及祖先背景对繁殖的影响，并探究在大型半天然圈舍中繁育的侏兔（Brachylagus idahoensis）的交配系统——该圈养种群服务于美国华盛顿州中部濒危特有种群的再引入与恢复工作。随着种群密度升高与个体纯合度增加，雌性与雄性的繁殖产出均有所下降。本研究发现了一项交互效应：在高种群密度条件下，雄性繁殖产出随遗传多样性降低而下降，但在低密度种群中未观察到该效应。……