Integrating genetic and habitat assessments for natterjack toad conservation
The natterjack toad (Epidalea calamita) is endemic in Europe and is listed as a red-listed endangered species in Flanders, northern Belgium. To address this conservation concern, a species protection program has been implemented with the aim of fulfilling regional Conservation Objectives (G-IHD) through a comprehensive action plan. However, significant knowledge gaps remain, particularly regarding the genetic makeup of natterjack toad populations in Flanders.
In this study, we conducted genetic assessments of several natterjack toad populations, building upon previous investigations from 2014. Our findings shed light on the genetic structure, diversity, effective population size, and connectivity among different populations. These genetic insights were augmented by habitat assessments, providing a holistic understanding of the species' conservation status.
Our analysis revealed that several populations exhibit low genetic diversity, often associated with small and isolated habitats. Without intervention, these populations face an uncertain long-term viability, exacerbated by recent population declines. Conversely, larger populations in contiguous moorland areas demonstrate higher genetic diversity, suggesting their importance within a broader metapopulation framework.
Based on our integrated genetic and habitat assessments, populations were categorized as either favourable or unfavourable for conservation efforts. Management recommendations tailored to each population's specific needs were formulated, with a critical evaluation of past translocation efforts. Additionally, we present a comprehensive translocation plan for the natterjack toad in Flanders, identifying suitable source populations and potential reintroduction sites based on our assessments.
In this study, we conducted genetic assessments of several natterjack toad populations, building upon previous investigations from 2014. Our findings shed light on the genetic structure, diversity, effective population size, and connectivity among different populations. These genetic insights were augmented by habitat assessments, providing a holistic understanding of the species' conservation status.
Our analysis revealed that several populations exhibit low genetic diversity, often associated with small and isolated habitats. Without intervention, these populations face an uncertain long-term viability, exacerbated by recent population declines. Conversely, larger populations in contiguous moorland areas demonstrate higher genetic diversity, suggesting their importance within a broader metapopulation framework.
Based on our integrated genetic and habitat assessments, populations were categorized as either favourable or unfavourable for conservation efforts. Management recommendations tailored to each population's specific needs were formulated, with a critical evaluation of past translocation efforts. Additionally, we present a comprehensive translocation plan for the natterjack toad in Flanders, identifying suitable source populations and potential reintroduction sites based on our assessments.
Details
| Number of pages | 1 |
|---|---|
| Type | Poster |
| Category | Research |
| Language | English |
Bibtex
@misc{f6aa5c69-0693-421b-8e3b-0fe42319d6e0,
title = "Integrating genetic and habitat assessments for natterjack toad conservation",
abstract = "The natterjack toad (Epidalea calamita) is endemic in Europe and is listed as a red-listed endangered species in Flanders, northern Belgium. To address this conservation concern, a species protection program has been implemented with the aim of fulfilling regional Conservation Objectives (G-IHD) through a comprehensive action plan. However, significant knowledge gaps remain, particularly regarding the genetic makeup of natterjack toad populations in Flanders.
In this study, we conducted genetic assessments of several natterjack toad populations, building upon previous investigations from 2014. Our findings shed light on the genetic structure, diversity, effective population size, and connectivity among different populations. These genetic insights were augmented by habitat assessments, providing a holistic understanding of the species' conservation status.
Our analysis revealed that several populations exhibit low genetic diversity, often associated with small and isolated habitats. Without intervention, these populations face an uncertain long-term viability, exacerbated by recent population declines. Conversely, larger populations in contiguous moorland areas demonstrate higher genetic diversity, suggesting their importance within a broader metapopulation framework.
Based on our integrated genetic and habitat assessments, populations were categorized as either favourable or unfavourable for conservation efforts. Management recommendations tailored to each population's specific needs were formulated, with a critical evaluation of past translocation efforts. Additionally, we present a comprehensive translocation plan for the natterjack toad in Flanders, identifying suitable source populations and potential reintroduction sites based on our assessments.
",
author = "Karen Cox and Jeroen Speybroeck and An Van Breusegem and Leen Verschaeve and Loïc van Doorn",
year = "2024",
month = aug,
day = "01",
doi = "",
language = "English",
publisher = "Instituut voor Natuur- en Bosonderzoek",
address = "Belgium,
type = "Other"
}