Allele dataset of western grasswren for use in VORTEX (PVA analysis)
Data files
Oct 25, 2023 version files 70.91 KB
Abstract
Conservation translocations have become an increasingly popular method to restore or secure vulnerable populations. However, translocations greatly vary in success. The use of population viability analysis (PVA) may increase the likelihood of meeting translocation goals. However, the quality of PVAs to inform translocations is dependent on the availability of ecological data and clear translocation objectives to guide them. Here, we used PVAs to inform the planned conservation translocation of the Western Grasswren (Amytornis textilis textilis) from mainland Shark Bay onto Dirk Hartog Island, Western Australia. A range of translocation scenarios was modelled and scored against success criteria as determined by translocation objectives. Simulations of 20-year outcomes found that a minimum founder population of 112 individuals meets all success criteria. PVA supported sourcing individuals from two subpopulations to maximise genetic diversity. No impact to source populations was detected for the proposed harvest quantities despite conservative estimates of initial source population sizes. Here we demonstrate that creating clear, measurable objectives alongside a PVA lessens ambiguity about which translocation scenarios could be viable. In doing so, we have identified the minimum translocation sizes needed to maintain genetic diversity and population growth, thus increasing the likelihood of translocation success without impacting the source population.
README
Description of the 'WGW allele freq_Vortex1000_v0.1.txt' file.
This is an input file compatible with the program VORTEX to model genetic population mixing. Formatting is as such:
1st Row: number of loci (1000)
2nd Row: number of alleles per loci
Rows 3 to 2002: The allele frequencies at each loci, where the first 1000 of these rows represents frequencies at a subpopulation called Hamelin, and the following 1000 rows represents the allele frequencies at a subpopulation called Peron.
Methods
Allele dataset was generated through next generation SNP sequencing of blood samples from Western Grasswren (Amytornis textilis textilis). After filtering SNPs in the methods described in Gibson Vega et al. 2023, a subset of 1000 neutral loci were extracted for use in the program VORTEX to model population genetic mixing.
Gibson Vega, A., Hall, M. L., Ridley, A., Cowen, S. J., Slender, A. L., Burbidge, A. H., Louter, M., and Kennington, W. J. (2023). Population genetic structure associated with a landscape barrier in the Western Grasswren (Amytornis textilis textilis). Ibis.