| 1. |
- Liu, Shanlin, et al.
(author)
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Ancient and modem genomes unravel the evolutionary history of the rhinoceros family
- 2021
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In: Cell. - : Elsevier. - 0092-8674 .- 1097-4172. ; 184:19, s. 4874-4885.e16
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Only five species of the once-diverse Rhinocerotidae remain, making the reconstruction of their evolutionary history a challenge to biologists since Darwin. We sequenced genomes from five rhinoceros species (three extinct and two living), which we compared to existing data from the remaining three living species and a range of outgroups. We identify an early divergence between extant African and Eurasian lineages, resolving a key debate regarding the phylogeny of extant rhinoceroses. This early Miocene (similar to 16 million years ago [mya]) split post-dates the land bridge formation between the Afro-Arabian and Eurasian landmasses. Our analyses also show that while rhinoceros genomes in general exhibit low levels of genome-wide diversity, heterozygosity is lowest and inbreeding is highest in the modern species. These results suggest that while low genetic diversity is a long-term feature of the family, it has been particularly exacerbated recently, likely reflecting recent anthropogenic-driven population declines.
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| 2. |
- Andersson, Linda, 1973, et al.
(author)
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Deficiency in perilipin 5 reduces mitochondrial function and membrane depolarization in mouse hearts.
- 2017
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In: The international journal of biochemistry & cell biology. - : Elsevier BV. - 1878-5875 .- 1357-2725. ; 91:Pt A, s. 9-13
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Myocardial triglycerides stored in lipid droplets are important in regulating the intracellular delivery of fatty acids for energy generation in mitochondria, for membrane biosynthesis, and as agonists for intracellular signaling. Previously, we showed that deficiency in the lipid droplet protein perilipin 5 (Plin5) markedly reduces triglyceride storage in cardiomyocytes and increases the flux of fatty acids into phospholipids. Here, we investigated whether Plin5 deficiency in cardiomyocytes alters mitochondrial function. We found that Plin5 deficiency reduced mitochondrial oxidative capacity. Furthermore, in mitochondria from Plin5((-/)(-)) hearts, the fatty acyl composition of phospholipids in mitochondrial membranes was altered and mitochondrial membrane depolarization was markedly compromised. These findings suggest that mitochondria isolated from hearts deficient in Plin5, have specific functional defects.
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| 3. |
- Bokhorst, Stef Frederik, et al.
(author)
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Variable temperature effects of Open Top Chambers at polar and alpine sites explained by irradiance and snow depth
- 2013
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In: Global Change Biology. - : Wiley. - 1354-1013 .- 1365-2486. ; 19:1, s. 64-74
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Environmental manipulation studies are integral to determining biological consequences of climate warming. Open Top Chambers (OTCs) have been widely used to assess summer warming effects on terrestrial biota, with their effects during other seasons normally being given less attention even though chambers are often deployed year-round. In addition, their effects on temperature extremes and freeze-thaw events are poorly documented. To provide robust documentation of the microclimatic influences of OTCs throughout the year, we analysed temperature data from 20 studies distributed across polar and alpine regions. The effects of OTCs on mean temperature showed a large range (-0.9 to 2.1 degrees C) throughout the year, but did not differ significantly between studies. Increases in mean monthly and diurnal temperature were strongly related (R-2 = 0.70) with irradiance, indicating that PAR can be used to predict the mean warming effect of OTCs. Deeper snow trapped in OTCs also induced higher temperatures at soil/vegetation level. OTC-induced changes in the frequency of freeze-thaw events included an increase in autumn and decreases in spring and summer. Frequency of high-temperature events in OTCs increased in spring, summer and autumn compared with non-manipulated control plots. Frequency of low-temperature events was reduced by deeper snow accumulation and higher mean temperatures. The strong interactions identified between aspects of ambient environmental conditions and effects of OTCs suggest that a detailed knowledge of snow depth, temperature and irradiance levels enables us to predict how OTCs will modify the microclimate at a particular site and season. Such predictive power allows a better mechanistic understanding of observed biotic response to experimental warming studies and for more informed design of future experiments. However, a need remains to quantify OTC effects on water availability and wind speed (affecting, for example, drying rates and water stress) in combination with microclimate measurements at organism level.
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| 4. |
- Cornelissen, Johannes H C, et al.
(author)
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Global negative vegetation feedback to climate warming responses of leaf litter decomposition rates in cold biomes
- 2007
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In: Ecology Letters. - : Wiley. - 1461-023X .- 1461-0248. ; 10:7, s. 619-627
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Whether climate change will turn cold biomes from large long-term carbon sinks into sources is hotly debated because of the great potential for ecosystem-mediated feedbacks to global climate. Critical are the direction, magnitude and generality of climate responses of plant litter decomposition. Here, we present the first quantitative analysis of the major climate-change-related drivers of litter decomposition rates in cold northern biomes worldwide.Leaf litters collected from the predominant species in 33 global change manipulation experiments in circum-arctic-alpine ecosystems were incubated simultaneously in two contrasting arctic life zones. We demonstrate that longer-term, large-scale changes to leaf litter decomposition will be driven primarily by both direct warming effects and concomitant shifts in plant growth form composition, with a much smaller role for changes in litter quality within species. Specifically, the ongoing warming-induced expansion of shrubs with recalcitrant leaf litter across cold biomes would constitute a negative feedback to global warming. Depending on the strength of other (previously reported) positive feedbacks of shrub expansion on soil carbon turnover, this may partly counteract direct warming enhancement of litter decomposition.
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| 5. |
- Dalen, Lars Kristian, et al.
(author)
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ActiveYou I - a new web-based measure of activity preferences among children with disabilities
- 2021
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In: Scandinavian Journal of Occupational Therapy. - : TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD. - 1103-8128 .- 1651-2014. ; 28:8, s. 598-608
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background Children's preferences for activities are one of the most important predictors for participation. Currently no web-based measure of activity preferences exists for children with disabilities. Aim To develop and investigate feasibility and internal consistency of a new web-based measure of activity preferences, ActiveYou I for children with disabilities. Materials and methods The ActiveYou I was developed in three steps using a mixed-methods design. A review of the preferred goal activities of 149 children with disabilities was used to identify relevant activities. A pilot version of ActiveYou I was tested with 341 children with disabilities. Semi-structured group interviews and cognitive interviews were conducted with therapists and children with disabilities. Results Nineteen physical activities were included in the pilot version. The pilot trial resulted in two activities being excluded, and one activity added, leaving the instrument with eighteen activities. Internal consistency was acceptable (Cronbach's alpha >= 0.77). Interviews with therapists and children showed that ActiveYou I included relevant activities and was easy to answer. Conclusion ActiveYou I proves to be a valid and feasible, web-based instrument for mapping activity preferences in children and adolescents with disabilities. Significance Preferences are an important mediator for participation; consequently it is essential to seek activities that match the children's preferences.
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| 6. |
- Drevinge, Christina, 1983, et al.
(author)
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Perilipin 5 is protective in the ischemic heart
- 2016
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In: International Journal of Cardiology. - : Elsevier BV. - 0167-5273 .- 1874-1754. ; 219, s. 446-454
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Myocardial ischemia is associated with alterations in cardiac metabolism, resulting in decreased fatty acid oxidation and increased lipid accumulation. Here we investigate how myocardial lipid content and dynamics affect the function of the ischemic heart, and focus on the role of the lipid droplet protein perilipin 5 (Plin5) in the pathophysiology of myocardial ischemia. Methods and results: We generated Plin5(-/-) mice and found that Plin5 deficiency dramatically reduced the triglyceride content in the heart. Under normal conditions, Plin5(-/-) mice maintained a close to normal heart function by decreasing fatty acid uptake and increasing glucose uptake, thus preserving the energy balance. However, during stress or myocardial ischemia, Plin5 deficiency resulted in myocardial reduced substrate availability, severely reduced heart function and increased mortality. Importantly, analysis of a human cohort with suspected coronary artery disease showed that a common noncoding polymorphism, rs884164, decreases the cardiac expression of PLIN5 and is associated with reduced heart function following myocardial ischemia, indicating a role for Plin5 in cardiac dysfunction. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that Plin5 deficiency alters cardiac lipid metabolism and associates with reduced survival following myocardial ischemia, suggesting that Plin5 plays a beneficial role in the heart following ischemia. (C) 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd.
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| 7. |
- Dussex, Nicolas, et al.
(author)
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Moose genomes reveal past glacial demography and the origin of modern lineages
- 2020
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In: BMC Genomics. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1471-2164. ; 21:1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Numerous megafauna species from northern latitudes went extinct during the Pleistocene/Holocene transition as a result of climate-induced habitat changes. However, several ungulate species managed to successfully track their habitats during this period to eventually flourish and recolonise the holarctic regions. So far, the genomic impacts of these climate fluctuations on ungulates from high latitudes have been little explored. Here, we assemble a de-novo genome for the European moose (Alces alces) and analyse it together with re-sequenced nuclear genomes and ancient and modern mitogenomes from across the moose range in Eurasia and North America.Results: We found that moose demographic history was greatly influenced by glacial cycles, with demographic responses to the Pleistocene/Holocene transition similar to other temperate ungulates. Our results further support that modern moose lineages trace their origin back to populations that inhabited distinct glacial refugia during the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM). Finally, we found that present day moose in Europe and North America show low to moderate inbreeding levels resulting from post-glacial bottlenecks and founder effects, but no evidence for recent inbreeding resulting from human-induced population declines.Conclusions: Taken together, our results highlight the dynamic recent evolutionary history of the moose and provide an important resource for further genomic studies.
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| 8. |
- Dussex, Nicolas, et al.
(author)
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Range-wide and temporal genomic analyses reveal the consequences of near-extinction in Swedish moose
- 2023
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In: Communications Biology. - 2399-3642. ; 6:1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Ungulate species have experienced severe declines over the past centuries through overharvesting and habitat loss. Even if many game species have recovered thanks to strict hunting regulation, the genome-wide impacts of overharvesting are still unclear. Here, we examine the temporal and geographical differences in genome-wide diversity in moose (Alces alces) over its whole range in Sweden by sequencing 87 modern and historical genomes. We found limited impact of the 1900s near-extinction event but local variation in inbreeding and load in modern populations, as well as suggestion of a risk of future reduction in genetic diversity and gene flow. Furthermore, we found candidate genes for local adaptation, and rapid temporal allele frequency shifts involving coding genes since the 1980s, possibly due to selective harvesting. Our results highlight that genomic changes potentially impacting fitness can occur over short time scales and underline the need to track both deleterious and selectively advantageous genomic variation.
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| 9. |
- Hofgaard, Annika, et al.
(author)
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Comparing warming and grazing effects on birch growth in an alpine environment : a 10-year experiment
- 2010
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In: Plant Ecology & Diversity. - : Informa UK Limited. - 1755-0874 .- 1755-1668. ; 3:1, s. 19-27
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background : Tree encroachment of arctic tundra and alpine vegetation is a generally predicted response to climate warming. However, herbivory plays an important role in structuring these ecosystems and their responses to warming. Aims : To experimentally test how grazing and increased growing season temperature influence growth, physiognomy and stature of birch in the alpine zone. Methods: Trait responses of naturally regenerated birch saplings to warming (open-top chambers), and changed grazing regime (exclosures) were compared with those growing in unmanipulated conditions over a 10-year period (1999–2008). The effect of treatment over time and differences between treatments were analysed with repeated measures GLM (Generalised Linear Model) and simple contrasts in GLM. Results: Warming alone had no major effect on trait responses, however, significantly smaller leaves and an increased number of short shoots indicated warming-related growth constraints. Grazing showed a strong controlling effect on most traits, conserving low stature sapling stage characterised by fewer shoots and larger leaves, compared with non-grazed treatments. Conclusions: Although derived from one experimental site, the results point to a grazing-controlled response to environmental change, with climate (warming) as a secondary driver. This herbivore-driven masking of expected climate-driven tree expansion emphasises the necessity to consider changes in grazing regimes along with climate change, in order to avoid misleading interpretations regarding climate-driven tundra encroachment.
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| 10. |
- Hofgaard, Annika, et al.
(author)
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Tree recruitment above the treeline and potential for climate-driven treeline change
- 2009
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In: Journal of Vegetation Science. - : Wiley. - 1100-9233 .- 1654-1103. ; 20:6, s. 1133-1144
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Questions How do population structure and recruitment characteristics of Betula saplings beyond the treeline vary among climatic regions, and what is the potential for development into tree-sized individuals with interacting grazing pressure? Location Scandes Mountains. Methods Sapling characteristics of Betula pubescens subsp. tortuosa, their topographic position above the treeline, growth habitat and evidence of recent grazing was investigated in three areas with a long continuous grazing history, along a latitudinal gradient (62-69 degrees N). Results Saplings were common up to 100 m above the treeline in all areas. The northern areas were characterised by small (< 30 cm) and young (mean 14 years old) saplings in exposed micro-topographic locations unfavourable to long-term survival. In the southern area, broad height (2-183 cm) and age (4-95 years; mean 32 years) distributions were found in sheltered locations. Age declined with altitude in all areas. Sapling growth rate varied within and between areas, and the age x height interaction was significant only in the southern area. Growth rates decreased from south to north and indicated a considerable time required to reach tree size under prevailing conditions. Conclusions Regional differences can be attributed to climatic differences, however, interacting biotic and abiotic factors such as micro-topography, climate and herbivory, mutually affect the characteristics of birch saplings. In view of the long time needed to reach tree size, the generally expected evident and fast treeline advance in response to climate warming may not be a likely short-term scenario. The sapling pool in the southern region possesses strongest potential for treeline advance.
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| 11. |
- Laikre, Linda, 1960-, et al.
(author)
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Planned cull endangers Swedish wolf population
- 2022
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In: Science. - : American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). - 0036-8075 .- 1095-9203. ; 377:6602
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- In May, the Swedish Parliament announced a goal to reduce the Swedish wolf population from about 400 to about 200 individuals (1). This action further threatens this highly endangered population, which is genetically isolated and inbred. Scientific advice for improvements has not been implemented (2, 3).The Swedish Parliament proposed this drastic cull at a time when biodiversity is a global focus. The 50-year anniversary of the first UN conference on the environment was celebrated in June, and the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) will soon finalize its global biodiversity framework for 2020 to 2050. Sweden’s actions are inconsistent with the country’s obligations under the CBD and European Union law.Few wild populations are as well studied as the Scandinavian wolf. Genetic monitoring has provided a full pedigree since the population was reestablished in the 1980s after extinction, and the data confirm persisting genetic isolation (4–6). Hunting, conducted both legally and illegally, has prevented population expansion and the influx of genetic variation.Three founders comprised the population’s genetic origin until 2007, and only three more wolves have subsequently contributed genetically to the present population (6). The genetic base is thus extremely narrow, and genomic erosion has been confirmed (7, 8). The average level of inbreeding is similar to the level found in the offspring of two full siblings (6). Inbreeding in this population has been shown to reduce litter size (4). Also, high frequencies of anatomical defects (9) and male reproductive disorders (10) have been observed.To make this population viable, population size and immigration must increase. So far, the population has been too small, and limited immigration followed by inbreeding could lead to extinction, similar to the Isle Royale wolf population (11). The goal should be to recreate a well-connected metapopulation spanning Scandinavia and Finland with a genetically effective population size of over 500, in line with the proposed CBD indicator (12). Considerably more genetic exchange than the current one-migrant-per-generation aim is needed (3).
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| 12. |
- Lokken, Jorn Olav, et al.
(author)
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Grazing and warming effects on shrub growth and plant species composition in subalpine dry tundra : An experimental approach
- 2019
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In: Journal of Vegetation Science. - : Wiley. - 1100-9233 .- 1654-1103. ; 30:4, s. 698-708
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- QuestionsVegetation in the forest–tundra ecotone faces changes in both climate and land‐use. While climate warming is an important driver of vegetation growth and composition, herbivory may have opposing effects. In the present study, we experimentally test how removal of sheep herbivory affects the vegetation in an alpine forest–tundra ecotone, and how responses are manifested at higher temperatures.LocationDovre Mountains, Central Norway.MethodsShrub growth (height and cover) and ground layer composition were analysed each third year over an 18‐year period in a nested, three‐factorial experiment (ambient temperature and herbivory; ambient temperature and no herbivory; increased temperature and no herbivory). Fencing and open‐top‐chambers were used as expedients. Treatment effects and interactions over time were analysed using linear mixed effects models and ordination.ResultsShrub height and cover increased over time due to reduced herbivory, but without additional warming effect. Lichen cover declined in all treatments over time, but more rapidly and earlier under warming treatment (significant after three years). Contrary to expectations, there was no statistically significant increase in woody species due to warming, although evergreen woody species displayed a trend shift after six years, comprising a sharp decline towards year twelve. Litter accumulated in all treatments, but at higher rates under warming (significant after nine years).ConclusionsOur results disclose removal of sheep herbivory as a prominent driver of shrub growth, with warming as a subordinate driver in the studied alpine vegetation. The warming‐driven increased litter abundance may, however, be caused by the decrease of wind inside chambers and the subsequent absence of wind‐driven removal of litter. This chamber effect and the displayed timing differences in vegetation responses call for the critical use of short‐term experimental data in predictions of long‐term consequences of environmental change.
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| 13. |
- Mardani, Ismena, et al.
(author)
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Plin2-deficiency reduces lipophagy and results in increased lipid accumulation in the heart.
- 2019
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In: Scientific reports. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 2045-2322. ; 9:1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Myocardial dysfunction is commonly associated with accumulation of cardiac lipid droplets (LDs). Perilipin 2 (Plin2) is a LD protein that is involved in LD formation, stability and trafficking events within the cell. Even though Plin2 is highly expressed in the heart, little is known about its role in myocardial lipid storage. A recent report shows that cardiac overexpression of Plin2 result in massive myocardial steatosis suggesting that Plin2 stabilizes LDs. In this study, we hypothesized that deficiency in Plin2 would result in reduced myocardial lipid storage. In contrast to our hypothesis, we found increased accumulation of triglycerides in hearts, and specifically in cardiomyocytes, from Plin2-/- mice. Although Plin2-/- mice had markedly enhanced lipid levels in the heart, they had normal heart function under baseline conditions and under mild stress. However, after an induced myocardial infarction, stroke volume and cardiac output were reduced in Plin2-/- mice compared with Plin2+/+ mice. We further demonstrated that the increased triglyceride accumulation in Plin2-deficient hearts was caused by altered lipophagy. Together, our data show that Plin2 is important for proper hydrolysis of LDs.
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| 14. |
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| 15. |
- Nyström, Jesper, et al.
(author)
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Golden Eagles on the Swedish mountain tundra - diet and breeding success in relation to prey fluctuations
- 2006
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In: Ornis Fennica. - 0030-5685. ; 83:4, s. 145-152
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We studied the diet and the relationship between prey density fluctuations and breeding success of a Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) population on the mountain tundra region of northern Sweden. We used a new PCR based method to analyse the DNA in bone fragments from Golden Eagle prey remains. This allowed us to accurately identify the Ptarmigan species that the bone fragments originated from, and hence, establish the proportions of Ptarmigan species in the eagle's diet. We could conclude that Ptarmigan species (Lagopus spp.) are the most important prey category for this Golden Eagle population (63% of all identified prey), and that Willow Ptarmigan (L. lagopus) occurred more frequently in the diet than Rock Ptarmigan (L. mutus) did (Willow Ptarmigan 38%, Rock Ptarmigan 25%). Other important prey included reindeer (Rang fer tarandus), mountain hare (Lepus timidus) and microtine rodents. The Golden Eagles managed to maintain a relatively broad food niche, despite an environment with low prey diversity. Microtine rodents, hare and Ptarmigan populations showed similar population fluctuations in the study area. The breeding success of the Golden Eagles showed a strong relationship to the yearly density index of the most important prey category, the Ptarmigan species.
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| 16. |
- Wennerström, Lovisa, et al.
(author)
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Genetic landscape with sharp discontinuities shaped by complex demographic history in moose (Alces alces)
- 2016
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In: Journal of Mammalogy. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 0022-2372 .- 1545-1542. ; 97:1, s. 1-13
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The moose (Alces alces) is the most intensely managed game species in Fennoscandia; approximately one-third of the population, ca. 160,000 animals, is harvested annually. Despite the species' biological and socioeconomic importance, there are knowledge gaps with respect to its intraspecific diversity and genetic structure. Recent studies of moose in neighboring countries report 2 genetic groups in Finland, 3 in Norway with one of them suggested to be of ancient origin, and no indications of bottlenecks. To delineate the spatial genetic landscape of the Swedish moose, we used allozyme variability from over 20,000 georeferenced moose collected all over Sweden in combination with 12 microsatellites (n = 1,200) and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequences (n = 44). We combined individual-based and traditional statistical approaches with coalescence-based simulations. The results indicate a complex history with bottlenecks and recent expansions that is consistent with historical records. Swedish moose are separated into 2 major genetic groups, a northern and a southern one, where the southern group is further divided into 3 subgroups. The 2 main subpopulations are moderately differentiated (F-ST = 0.1; R-ST = 0.07) and separated by sharp genetic discontinuities occurring over a relatively narrow transition zone in central Sweden that coincides with a similar, previously reported transition zone in Norway. This differentiation is not reflected in mtDNA variation, where no significant divergence was observed. Together with the F-ST andR(ST) similarities, this suggests that the 2 major subpopulations in Sweden reflect divergence shaped after the postglacial recolonization of Scandinavia. Neighborhood size assessments indicate that gene flow is relatively restricted with an estimated average dispersal distance of 3.5-11.1 km, and spatial autocorrelograms suggest that genetic similarity decreases almost linearly over space resulting in continuous genetic clines within major subgroups. Management areas largely coincide with genetic clusters, simplifying the integration of genetic information into management.
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