Ready-to-use workflows for the implementation of genetic tools in conservation management
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Ready-to-use workflows for the implementation of genetic tools in conservation management Rolf Holderegger1,2 · Benedikt R. Schmidt3,4 · Christoph Grünig5 · Robert Meier6 · Daniela Csencsics1 · Martin Gassner6 · Christian Rellstab1 · André Stapfer7 Received: 3 December 2019 / Accepted: 4 August 2020 © The Author(s) 2020
Abstract We present a conservation genetics tool kit, which offers two ready-to-use workflows for the routine application of genetic methods in conservation management. The workflows were optimized for work load and costs and are accompanied by an easy-to-read and richly illustrated manual with guidelines regarding sampling design, sampling of genetic material, necessary permits, laboratory methods, statistical analyses and documentation of results in a practice-oriented way. The manual also provides a detailed interpretation help for the implementation of the results in conservation management. One workflow deals with the identification of pond-breeding amphibians based on metabarcoding and environmental DNA (eDNA) from water samples. This workflow also discriminates the morphologically similar water frogs (Pelophylax sp.) and other closely related species (e.g. Triturus cristatus and T. carnifex). The second workflow studies connectivity among populations using microsatellite markers. Its statistical analyses encompass the detection of genetic groups and historical, recent and current dispersal and gene flow. Using the two workflows does not involve academic research institutes; they can be applied by environmental consultancies, laboratories from the private sector, governmental agencies or non-governmental organisations. These and additional conservation genetic workflows will hopefully foster the routine use of genetic methods in conservation management. Keywords Amphibians · Application · Conservation genetics · Conservation practice · eDNA metabarcoding · Gene flow
* Rolf Holderegger [email protected]
1
WSL Swiss Federal Research Institute, Zürcherstrasse 111, CH‑8903 Birmensdorf, Switzerland
Benedikt R. Schmidt [email protected]
2
Department of Environmental Systems Science, ETH Zurich, CH‑8092 Zurich, Switzerland
Christoph Grünig [email protected]
3
Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies, University of Zurich, CH‑8057 Zurich, Switzerland
Robert Meier [email protected]
4
info fauna-karch, CH‑2000 Neuchâtel, Switzerland
5
Microsynth Ecogenics GmbH, CH‑9436 Balgach, Switzerland
6
ARNAL AG, CH‑9100 Herisau, Switzerland
7
HSR High School of Applied Sciences Rapperswil, CH‑8640 Rapperswil‑Jona, Switzerland
Daniela Csencsics [email protected] Martin Gassner [email protected] Christian Rellstab [email protected] André Stapfer [email protected]
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Introduction Conservation genetics has an inherent practical goal, i.e., to use genetic theory and methods to conserve species and safeguard biodiversity (Frankham 1995). However,
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