Comparative evaluation of potential indicators and temporal sampling protocols for monitoring genetic erosion

• DOI: 10.1111/eva.12197
• Publication Date: 2014-08-15T15:49:58Z
• Authors: Sean Hoban; Jan A. Arntzen; Michael W. Bruford; José A. Godoy; A. Rus Hoelzel; Gernot Segelbacher; Carles Vilà; Giorgio Bertorelle
• Keywords: Genetic monitoring; Conservation Genetics; Genetic erosion; SNP genotyping

Abstract Genetic biodiversity contributes to individual fitness, species' evolutionary potential, and ecosystem stability. Temporal monitoring of the genetic status trends wild populations' diversity can provide vital data inform policy decisions management actions. However, there is a lack knowledge regarding which metrics, temporal sampling protocols, markers are sufficiently sensitive robust, on conservation‐relevant timescales. Here, we tested six metrics various protocols (number arrangement samples) for erosion following demographic decline. To do so, utilized individual‐based simulations featuring an array different initial population sizes, types severity decline, DNA [single nucleotide polymorphisms ( SNP s) microsatellites] as well decline followed by recovery. Number alleles markedly outperformed other indicators across all situations. The type strongly affected power, while number samples had small effect. Sampling 50 individuals at few two time points with 20 microsatellites performed (good power), could detect 80–90% remained. This genotyping effort should often be affordable. Power increased substantially more or markers, observe that power 2500 s was nearly equivalent 250 microsatellites, result theoretical practical interest. Our results suggest high potential using historic collections in programs, demonstrate need monitor levels biodiversity.