| 1. |
- Champagnon, Jocelyn, et al.
(författare)
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Assessing the genetic impact of massive restocking on wild mallard
- 2013
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Ingår i: Animal Conservation. - : Wiley: 12 months. - 1367-9430 .- 1469-1795. ; 16:3, s. 295-305
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Captive-bred mallards Anas platyrhynchos have been released for hunting purposes at a very large scale in Europe since the mid-1970s. In spite of a potential genetic impact, the actual contribution of restocked mallards to the genome of the target population has received little attention. The genetic structure of modern wild mallards in the Camargue, Southern France, was assessed from two samples: one originating from shot birds in hunting bags and one from presumed wild ducks captured alive in a hunting-free reserve. Reference samples originated from five mallard farms, as well as from museum samples collected before the mid-1970s (i.e. before massive mallard releases started). Our results revealed that the genetic signature of wild wintering mallards has not changed significantly because museum and presumed wild samples from the Camargue hunting-free nature reserve were genetically similar, and clearly differentiated from the farm mallards. This suggests that mallard releases in the Camargue or elsewhere in France, although massive, have not actually translated into complete admixture of wild and captive genomes, most likely due to low survival of released birds once in the wild. Nevertheless, although genetic introgression of the wild population by captive-bred was contained, we found significant rates of hybridization between wild and captive-bred mallards in modern samples. This result suggests that long-term releases of captive-bred mallards, if carried on at such large scale, could compromise irreversibly the genetic structure and composition of European mallards. This work contributes to fill in the gap on the monitoring of the genetic consequences of large-scale game releases for exploitation.
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| 2. |
- Champagnon, Jocelyn, et al.
(författare)
-
Assessing the genetic impact of massive restocking on wild mallard
- 2013
-
Ingår i: Animal Conservation. - : Wiley-Blackwell. - 1367-9430 .- 1469-1795. ; 16:3, s. 295-305
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Captive-bred mallards Anas platyrhynchos have been released for hunting purposes at a very large scale in Europe since the mid-1970s. In spite of a potential genetic impact, the actual contribution of restocked mallards to the genome of the target population has received little attention. The genetic structure of modern wild mallards in the Camargue, Southern France, was assessed from two samples: one originating from shot birds in hunting bags and one from presumed wild ducks captured alive in a hunting-free reserve. Reference samples originated from five mallard farms, as well as from museum samples collected before the mid-1970s (i.e. before massive mallard releases started). Our results revealed that the genetic signature of wild wintering mallards has not changed significantly because museum and presumed wild samples from the Camargue hunting-free nature reserve were genetically similar, and clearly differentiated from the farm mallards. This suggests that mallard releases in the Camargue or elsewhere inFrance, although massive, have not actually translated into complete admixture of wild and captive genomes, most likely due to low survival of released birds once in the wild. Nevertheless, although genetic introgression of the wild population by captive-bred was contained, we found significant rates of hybridization between wild and captive-bred mallards in modern samples. This result suggests that long-term releases of captive-bred mallards, if carried on at such large scale, could compromise irreversibly the genetic structure and composition of European mallards. This work contributes to fill in the gap on the monitoring of the genetic consequences of large-scale game releases for exploitation.
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| 3. |
- Champagnon, Jocelyn, et al.
(författare)
-
Changes in Mallard Anas platyrhynchos bill morphology after 30 years of supplemental stocking
- 2010
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Ingår i: Bird Study. - 0006-3657 .- 1944-6705. ; 57:3, s. 344-351
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Capsule Massive releases of captive-reared Mallard for hunting purposes have been practiced for 30 years. During this period the number of lamellae per centimetre of bill length in wild Mallard populations has decreased. Aims Every year since the 1970s, several million captive Mallard have been released in Europe. This may lead to a spread of unnatural phenotypes into the wild. Nevertheless, the consequences of such introductions have not been examined. Methods Two widespread and common migratory ducks were studied: Mallard Anas platyrhynchos and Teal A. crecca. Mallard is the only duck species for which stocking programmes occur, and Teal served as a control. In a 'before-after' design, we compared duck bill lamellar density over the last 30 years. Results Lamellar density in Mallard, but not Teal, decreased. The observed 10% decrease occurred in the first (proximate) centimetre of the bill, the most crucial in terms of food filtration. Conclusions We hypothesize that the change in bill morphology was because of the propagation of captive Mallard into the wild: captive Mallard eat mainly large items, relaxing the natural selection pressure maintaining high lamellar density for sieving small prey in wild ducks.
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| 4. |
- Champagnon, Jocelyn, et al.
(författare)
-
Changes in Mallard Anas platyrhynchos bill morphology after 30 years of supplemental stocking
- 2010
-
Ingår i: Bird Study. - : Taylor and Francis Ltd.. - 0006-3657 .- 1944-6705. ; 57:3, s. 344-351
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Capsule Massive releases of captive-reared Mallard for hunting purposes have been practiced for 30 years. During this period the number of lamellae per centimetre of bill length in wild Mallard populations has decreased. Aims Every year since the 1970s, several million captive Mallard have been released in Europe. This may lead to a spread of unnatural phenotypes into the wild. Nevertheless, the consequences of such introductions have not been examined. Methods Two widespread and common migratory ducks were studied: Mallard Anas platyrhynchos and Teal A. crecca. Mallard is the only duck species for which stocking programmes occur, and Teal served as a control. In a 'before-after' design, we compared duck bill lamellar density over the last 30 years. Results Lamellar density in Mallard, but not Teal, decreased. The observed 10% decrease occurred in the first (proximate) centimetre of the bill, the most crucial in terms of food filtration. Conclusions We hypothesize that the change in bill morphology was because of the propagation of captive Mallard into the wild: captive Mallard eat mainly large items, relaxing the natural selection pressure maintaining high lamellar density for sieving small prey in wild ducks.
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| 5. |
- Champagnon, Jocelyn, et al.
(författare)
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Conspecifics can be aliens too : a review of effects of restocking practices in vertebrates
- 2012
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Ingår i: Journal for Nature Conservation. - 1617-1381 .- 1618-1093. ; 20:4, s. 231-241
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- We review the indexed scientific literature (233 papers) dealing with ‘restocking’ of vertebrates, i.e. reinforcement of wild populations by release of individuals of the same species. We found evidence that restocking may have desired beneficial effects such as: increased genetic diversity and mitigation of Allee effects in small populations; increased size or even salvation of threatened populations; increased harvest opportunities; and, redirection of harvest pressure from wild to captive-bred individuals. However, restocking may also have negative effects like changes in behaviour, morphology, and demography in recipient populations, as well as enhancement of pathogen spread. Negative genetic effects on recipient populations include homogenisation, introduction of non-native genes, and loss of local adaptation. Research thus far is strongly biased towards birds and mammals, and geographically to Europe and North America. Restocking for conservation purposes has been studied more than that for harvest management, while the latter may be of far greater importance in terms of number of released individuals. Demographic and genetic effects have been studied more than effects on behaviour, which in turn have received more attention than effects on morphology and pathogen spread. There is a general tendency for research on restocking to be fragmented taxonomically and by biological sub-disciplines. Our review demonstrates that restocking practices may and do cause significant disruptions of natural patterns in wild recipient populations. It also highlights the diversity, frequency and extent of these activities, leading us to argue that restocking is an emerging conservation and ecosystem resilience issue of global significance. Based on this review we outline monitoring and research needs for the future. We also provide guidelines to practitioners in conservation, game management, fisheries, epidemiology and other fields involved in restocking of vertebrates, who are likely to benefit from merging their perspectives and adopting a more cross-taxonomical and interdisciplinary attitude when laying out future agendas for evaluation and policy-making in this field.
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| 6. |
- Champagnon, Jocelyn, et al.
(författare)
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Conspecifics can be aliens too : a review of effects of restocking practices in vertebrates
- 2012
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Ingår i: Journal for Nature Conservation. - : Urban und Fischer Verlag GmbH und Co. KG. - 1617-1381. ; 20:4, s. 231-241
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- We review the indexed scientific literature (233 papers) dealing with ‘restocking’ of vertebrates, i.e. reinforcement of wild populations by release of individuals of the same species. We found evidence that restocking may have desired beneficial effects such as: increased genetic diversity and mitigation of Allee effects in small populations; increased size or even salvation of threatened populations; increased harvest opportunities; and, redirection of harvest pressure from wild to captive-bred individuals. However, restocking may also have negative effects like changes in behaviour, morphology, and demography in recipient populations, as well as enhancement of pathogen spread. Negative genetic effects on recipient populations include homogenisation, introduction of non-native genes, and loss of local adaptation. Research thus far is strongly biased towards birds and mammals, and geographically to Europe and North America. Restocking for conservation purposes has been studied more than that for harvest management, while the latter may be of far greater importance in terms of number of released individuals. Demographic and genetic effects have been studied more than effects on behaviour, which in turn have received more attention than effects on morphology and pathogen spread. There is a general tendency for research on restocking to be fragmented taxonomically and by biological sub-disciplines. Our review demonstrates that restocking practices may and do cause significant disruptions of natural patterns in wild recipient populations. It also highlights the diversity, frequency and extent of these activities, leading us to argue that restocking is an emerging conservation and ecosystem resilience issue of global significance. Based on this review we outline monitoring and research needs for the future. We also provide guidelines to practitioners in conservation, game management, fisheries, epidemiology and other fields involved in restocking of vertebrates, who are likely to benefit from merging their perspectives and adopting a more cross-taxonomical and interdisciplinary attitude when laying out future agendas for evaluation and policy-making in this field.
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| 7. |
- Champagnon, Jocelyn, et al.
(författare)
-
Do stocking programs result in maladapted populations? : mallard bill morphology after 30 years of massive releases
- 2011
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Ingår i: Abstracts. ; , s. 31-
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Konferensbidrag (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Every year since the 1970s, several million captive Mallard have been released in Europe for hunting purposes. This may lead to a spread of unnatural phenotypes into the wild. Two widespread and common migratory ducks were studied: Mallard Anas platyrhynchos and Teal A. crecca. Mallard is the only duck species for which large-scale stocking programs occur in the region, and Teal hence serves as a control. In a « before-after » design, we compared duck bill lamellar density over the last thirty years. Lamellar density in Mallard, but not Teal, decreased. The observed 10 % decrease occurred in the first (proximate) centimetre of the bill, the most crucial in terms of food filtration. We hypothesize the observed change in bill morphology was due to the propagation of captive Mallard into the wild: captive Mallard mainly eat large items, relaxing the natural selection pressure maintaining high lamellar density for sieving small preys in wild ducks.
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| 8. |
- Champagnon, Jocelyn, et al.
(författare)
-
Do stocking programs result in maladapted populations? : mallard bill morphology after 30 years of massive releases
- 2011
-
Konferensbidrag (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Every year since the 1970s, several million captive Mallard have been released in Europe for hunting purposes. This may lead to a spread of unnatural phenotypes into the wild. Two widespread and common migratory ducks were studied: Mallard Anas platyrhynchos and Teal A. crecca. Mallard is the only duck species for which large-scale stocking programs occur in the region, and Teal hence serves as a control. In a « before-after » design, we compared duck bill lamellar density over the last thirty years. Lamellar density in Mallard, but not Teal, decreased. The observed 10 % decrease occurred in the first (proximate) centimetre of the bill, the most crucial in terms of food filtration. We hypothesize the observed change in bill morphology was due to the propagation of captive Mallard into the wild: captive Mallard mainly eat large items, relaxing the natural selection pressure maintaining high lamellar density for sieving small preys in wild ducks.
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| 9. |
- Champagnon, Jocelyn, et al.
(författare)
-
Low survival after release into the wild : assessing “the burden of captivity” on Mallard physiology and behaviour
- 2012
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Ingår i: European Journal of Wildlife Research. - 1612-4642 .- 1439-0574. ; 58:1, s. 255-267
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Captive-reared animals used in reinforcement programs are generally less likely to survive than wild conspecifics. Digestion efficiency and naive behaviour are two likely reasons for this pattern. The Mallard is a species with high adaptability to its environment and in which massive reinforcement programs are carried out. We studied physiological and behavioural factors potentially affecting body condition and survival of captive-reared Mallards after being released. Digestive system morphology and an index of body condition were compared among three groups: captive-reared birds remaining in a farm (control), captive-reared birds released into the wild as juveniles (released) and wild-born birds (wild). We also compared behaviour and diet of released vs. wild Mallards. Finally, we conducted a 1-year survival analysis of captive-reared birds after release in a hunting-free area. Gizzard weight was lower in control Mallards, but the size of other organs did not differ between controls and wild birds. The difference in gizzard weight between released and wild birds disappeared after some time in the wild. Diet analyses suggest that released Mallards show a greater preference than wild for anthropogenic food (waste grain, bait). Despite similar time-budgets, released Mallards never attained the body condition of wild birds. As a consequence, survival probability in released Mallards was low, especially when food provisioning was stopped and during harsh winter periods. We argue that the low survival of released Mallards likely has a physiological rather than a behavioural (foraging) origin. In any case, extremely few released birds live long enough to potentially enter the breeding population, even without hunting. In the context of massive releases presently carried out for hunting purposes, our study indicates a low likelihood for genetic introgression by captive-reared birds into the wild population.
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| 10. |
- Champagnon, Jocelyn, et al.
(författare)
-
Low survival after release into the wild : assessing “the burden of captivity” on Mallard physiology and behaviour
- 2012
-
Ingår i: European Journal of Wildlife Research. - : Springer Verlag. - 1612-4642 .- 1439-0574. ; 58:1, s. 255-267
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Captive-reared animals used in reinforcement programs are generally less likely to survive than wild conspecifics. Digestion efficiency and naive behaviour are two likely reasons for this pattern. The Mallard is a species with high adaptability to its environment and in which massive reinforcement programs are carried out. We studied physiological and behavioural factors potentially affecting body condition and survival of captive-reared Mallards after being released. Digestive system morphology and an index of body condition were compared among three groups: captive-reared birds remaining in a farm (control), captive-reared birds released into the wild as juveniles (released) and wild-born birds (wild). We also compared behaviour and diet of released vs. wild Mallards. Finally, we conducted a 1-year survival analysis of captive-reared birds after release in a hunting-free area. Gizzard weight was lower in control Mallards, but the size of other organs did not differ between controls and wild birds. The difference in gizzard weight between released and wild birds disappeared after some time in the wild. Diet analyses suggest that released Mallards show a greater preference than wild for anthropogenic food (waste grain, bait). Despite similar time-budgets, released Mallards never attained the body condition of wild birds. As a consequence, survival probability in released Mallards was low, especially when food provisioning was stopped and during harsh winter periods. We argue that the low survival of released Mallards likely has a physiological rather than a behavioural (foraging) origin. In any case, extremely few released birds live long enough to potentially enter the breeding population, even without hunting. In the context of massive releases presently carried out for hunting purposes, our study indicates a low likelihood for genetic introgression by captive-reared birds into the wild population.
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