ORCID Profile
0000-0002-5093-4405
Current Organisation
The University of Canberra
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Biosecurity science and invasive species ecology | Sociology and social studies of science and technology | Ecological applications | Horticultural crop protection (incl. pests diseases and weeds)
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 08-2014
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 09-08-2011
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 22-08-2013
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 02-04-2013
DOI: 10.3109/19401736.2013.772166
Abstract: Mysopalacinae (zokors) is a group of fossorial rodents for which the taxonomy has yet to reach consensus. Furthermore, due to their fossorial lifestyle, little is known about their ecology. Molecular data are important to elucidate such aspects. In this paper, the complete mitochondrial DNA genome of Gansu zokor (Eospalax cansus) of the type found in Lintan, China was determined. The genome is 16,354 bp in length and consists of 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNA genes, two ribosomal RNA genes, and two main non-coding regions (the control region and the origin of the light strand replication), the gene composition and order of which are similar to most other mammals. The overall base composition is T 30.0%, C 24.2%, A 33.5%, and G 12.3%, with an A + T bias of 63.5%. These mitogenome sequence data are potentially important for evolutionary, population genetic, and ecological studies of the Mysopalacinae.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 25-11-2015
Abstract: Imperfect sensitivity, or imperfect detection, is a feature of all survey methods that needs to be accounted for when interpreting survey results. Detection of environmental DNA (eDNA) is increasingly being used to infer species distributions, yet the sensitivity of the technique has not been fully evaluated. Sensitivity, or the probability of detecting target DNA given it is present at a site, will depend on both the survey method and the concentration and dispersion of target DNA molecules at a site. We present a model to estimate target DNA concentration and dispersion at survey sites and to estimate the sensitivity of an eDNA survey method. We fitted this model to data from a species-specific eDNA survey for Oriental weatherloach, Misgurnus anguillicaudatus, at three sites s led in both autumn and spring. The concentration of target DNA molecules was similar at all three sites in autumn but much higher at two sites in spring. Our analysis showed the survey method had ≥95% sensitivity at sites where target DNA concentrations were ≥11 molecules per litre. We show how these data can be used to compare s ling schemes that differ in the number of field s les collected per site and number of PCR replicates per s le to achieve ≥95% sensitivity at a given target DNA concentration. These models allow researchers to quantify the sensitivity of eDNA survey methods to optimize the probability of detecting target species, and to compare DNA concentrations spatially and temporarily.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 21-06-2012
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 17-03-2014
Publisher: Pensoft Publishers
Date: 03-04-2202
DOI: 10.3897/NEOBIOTA.83.98898
Abstract: Terrestrial invasive invertebrates can rapidly colonise new areas, causing detrimental effects on bio ersity, economy and lifestyle. Targeted environmental DNA (eDNA) methods could constitute an early detection tool given their sensitivity to small numbers of in iduals. We hypothesised that terrestrial runoff would transport eDNA from the land into adjacent waterbodies and used the invasive yellow crazy ant ( Anoplolepis gracilipes ) as a model species to test this hypothesis. We collected water s les from four waterbodies adjacent (& 10 m from the creek edge) to infestations following rainfall events for eDNA analysis. We also collected soil s les from areas of known infestations and tested five eDNA extraction methods to determine their efficiency to extract eDNA from soil. Water s les resulted in positive yellow crazy ant eDNA lification (20–100% field replicates across all sites), even at one site located 300 m away from where ants had been detected visually. Soil s les resulted in a higher percentage of false negatives when s led from ant transit areas than from nest entrances. Unpurified DNA extracts from soil also resulted in false negative detections and only after applying a purification step of DNA extracts, did we detect yellow crazy ant eDNA in 40–100% of field replicates across all methods and sites. This is the first study to empirically show that eDNA from a terrestrial invertebrate can be successfully isolated and lified from adjacent or downstream waterbodies. Our results indicate that eDNA has the potential to be a useful method for detecting terrestrial invertebrates from soil and water.
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 05-2017
DOI: 10.1111/ZOJ.12432
Publisher: Inter-Research Science Center
Date: 26-05-2010
DOI: 10.3354/DAO02227
Abstract: The susceptibility of Archey's frog Leiopelma archeyi to Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) is unknown, although one large population is thought to have declined sharply due to chytridiomycosis. As primary infection experiments were not permitted in this endangered New Zealand species, 6 wild-caught L. archeyi that naturally cleared infections with Bd while in captivity were exposed again to Bd to assess their immunity. These frogs were from an infected population at Whareorino, which has no known declines. All 6 L. archeyi became reinfected at low intensities, but rapidly self cured, most by 2 wk. Six Litoria ewingii were used as positive controls and developed heavier infections and clinical signs by 3 wk, demonstrating that the zoospore inoculum was virulent. Six negative controls of each species remained uninfected and healthy. Our results show that L. archeyi that have self cured have resistance to chytridiomycosis when exposed. The pattern is consistent with innate or acquired immunity to Bd, and immunological studies are needed to confirm this.
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 2010
DOI: 10.1093/GBE/EVQ030
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 02-09-2019
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 13-11-2013
Abstract: An identification assay has been developed that allows accurate detection of 19 of the most common terrestrial mammals present in New Zealand (cow, red deer, goat, dog, horse, hedgehog, cat, tammar wallaby, mouse, weasel, ferret, stoat, sheep, rabbit, Pacific rat, Norway rat, ship rat, pig, and brushtail possum). This technique utilizes species-specific primers that, combined in a multiplex PCR, target small fragments of the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene. Each species, except hedgehog, produces two distinctive species-specific fragments, making the assay self-confirmatory and enabling the identification of multiple species simultaneously in DNA mixtures. The multiplex assay detects as little as 100 copies of mitochondrial DNA, which makes it a very reliable tool for degraded and trace s les. Reliability, accuracy, reproducibility, and sensitivity tests to validate the technique were performed. The technique featured here enabled a prompt response in a predation specific event, but can also be useful for wildlife management and conservation, pest incursions detection, forensic, and industrial purposes in a very simple and cost-effective manner.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 12-06-2008
DOI: 10.1007/S00251-008-0300-8
Abstract: We have investigated the ersity of class II major histocompatibility complex (MHC) loci in the brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula), an important marsupial pest species in New Zealand. Immunocontraceptive vaccines, a method of fertility control that employs the immune system to attack reproductive cells or proteins, are currently being researched as a means of population control for the possum. Variation has been observed in the immune response of in idual possums to immunocontraceptives. If this variability is under genetic control, it could compromise vaccine efficacy through preferential selection of animals that fail to mount a significant immune response and remain fertile. The MHC is an important immune region for antigen presentation and as such may influence the response to immunocontraceptives. We used known marsupial MHC sequences to design polymerase chain reaction primers to screen for possum MHC loci. Alpha and beta chains from two class II families, DA and DB, were found in possums throughout New Zealand. Forty new class II MHC alleles were identified in the possum, and the levels of variability in the MHC of this marsupial appear to be comparable to those of eutherian species. Preliminary population surveys showed evidence of clustering/variability in the distribution of MHC alleles in geographically separate locations. The extensive variation demonstrated in possums reinforces the need for further research to assess the risk that such MHC variation poses for long-term immunocontraceptive vaccine efficacy.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 22-04-2013
DOI: 10.3109/19401736.2013.784747
Abstract: In this study, we use three mitochondrial markers, cytochrome b gene (Cyt b), NADH dehydrogenase subunit 4 (ND4) and control region (D-loop) to investigate the phylogenetic relationships of extant zokor species in Mysopalacinae. The phylogenetic tree constructed based on Cyt b strongly supports the monophyly genera Eospalax and Myospalax with E. fontanierii being the most ancient species in Eospalax. Further phylogenetic analyses of four species of Eospalax based on ND4 and D-loop sequences revealed two clades that correspond to two geographical distributions. The basal clade includes E. cansus which is mainly found on Loess Plateau (LP) and another clade including E. baileyi, E. smithii and E. rufescens that inhabits areas above 2000 m on Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau (QTP) and Qinling Mountains. Geographical events of QTP and LP may have played a major role in the ersification and evolution of Mysopalacinae.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-1998
Abstract: Nucleotide sequence variation in a region of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) gene (456 bp) was examined for 26 onychophorans representing 15 genera of the family Peripatopsidae from Australasia. Sequence analysis revealed high intergeneric COI sequence ergence (up to 20.6% corrected) but low amino acid substitution rates, with high levels of transitional saturation evident. Among unambiguously alignable sequences, parsimony and distance analyses revealed a broadly congruent tree topology, robust to various algorithms and statistical analysis. There are two major groupings. One, largely unresolved, consists entirely of Australian mainland taxa. The other, for which there is convincing support, includes all of the New Zealand and Tasmanian taxa together with one mainland Australian species. In respect of the two major groupings, this topology is consistent with previous morphologically based phylogenies and provides further evidence for an ancient radiation within the mainland Australian Onychophora. The biogeographic implications of the close affinities revealed between the Tasmanian and New Zealand taxa are discussed.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 07-2015
DOI: 10.2981/WLB.00096
Abstract: The use of faecal DNA, although a promising tool for the population monitoring of mammals, has not yet become a fully exploited and standard practice, mainly because low target DNA concentration, DNA degradation, and co‐purification of inhibitors demand extra laboratory procedures to improve success and reliability. Here we evaluate a simple method that enables s ling of DNA in the field through the collection of the intestinal cells present on the surface of a scat using a swab. The swab is immediately placed in a vial containing a lysis buffer that preserves the DNA for its later extraction. DNA extracts of three species of herbivores (goat, fallow deer and white‐tailed deer), two carnivores (Iberian lynx and domestic dog) and one omnivore species (brushtail possum) were characterised in terms of target and total DNA quantity, PCR inhibition and genotyping success. Direct comparison was carried out with duplicate s les preserved in 96% ethanol and extracted via a commonly used commercial DNA extraction kit for faecal material. Results from these comparisons show that swabbing the s les in situ not only simplifies field collection and s le handling in the laboratory, but generally optimises target DNA recovery, minimises co‐purification of PCR inhibitors and provides good quality DNA for the species tested, especially for herbivores. This method is also less time‐consuming and more cost‐effective, thus providing a more convenient and efficient alternative for non‐invasive genetic studies.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 03-2010
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 31-01-2008
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2007
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 16-10-2019
DOI: 10.1002/EDN3.41
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2014
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 09-01-1999
DOI: 10.1046/J.1365-294X.1999.00528.X
Abstract: To investigate the phylogenetic relationships and geographical structure among landlocked populations of the black mudfish, Neochanna ersus, mitochondrial DNA nucleotide sequence data were s led from seven populations from the Waikato and Northland regions of New Zealand. The complete D-loop region was sequenced from 70 in iduals, with 913 bp from the tRNA-pro end used in population and phylogenetic analysis. A tandem repeat array, which ranged in size up to 200 bp, was found in most populations at the 3' end of the D-loop that was not able to be aligned for analysis. Of the seven sites s led, two from Northland exhibited significant sequence ergence from all other sites. There was also a clear distinction among remaining Northland sites and those from the Waikato. An additional 518 bp segment of the 16S region was sequenced from all sites and compared with the other New Zealand mudfish species, N. apoda, N. burrowsius and the Tasmanian mudfish Galaxias (Neochanna) cleaveri using Galaxias maculatus as an outgroup. Both D-loop and 16S sequence data provided strong evidence for a cryptic species of mudfish present in Northland. The significant genetic structure apparent in the black mudfish appears most probably to be attributed to geological conditions during the Pliocene, where peat wetlands became apparent in the Waikato while Northland consisted of disjunct 'islands'. Conservation and management of these populations must take into account the historical processes that have shaped these patterns of genetic ersity.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 31-10-2006
DOI: 10.1111/J.1420-9101.2005.01028.X
Abstract: Two cannabinoid receptors, CB1 and CB2, are expressed in mammals, birds, reptiles, and fish. The presence of cannabinoid receptors in invertebrates has been controversial, due to conflicting evidence. We conducted a systematic review of the literature, using expanded search parameters. Evidence presented in the literature varied in validity, ranging from crude in vivo behavioural assays to robust in silico ortholog discovery. No research existed for several clades of invertebrates we therefore tested for cannabinoid receptors in seven representative species, using tritiated ligand binding assays with [3H]CP55,940 displaced by the CB1-selective antagonist SR141716A. Specific binding of [3H]CP55,940 was found in neural membranes of Ciona intestinalis (Deuterstoma, a positive control), Lumbricusterrestris (Lophotrochozoa), and three ecdysozoans: Peripatoides novae-zealandiae (Onychophora), Jasus edwardi (Crustacea) and Panagrellus re ivus (Nematoda) the potency of displacement by SR141716A was comparable to measurements on rat cerebellum. No specific binding was observed in Actinothoe albocincta (Cnidaria) or Tethya aurantium (Porifera). The phylogenetic distribution of cannabinoid receptors may address taxonomic questions previous studies suggested that the loss of CB1 was a synapomorphy shared by ecdysozoans. Our discovery of cannabinoid receptors in some nematodes, onychophorans, and crustaceans does not contradict the Ecdysozoa hypothesis, but gives it no support. We hypothesize that cannabinoid receptors evolved in the last common ancestor of bilaterians, with secondary loss occurring in insects and other clades. Conflicting data regarding Cnidarians precludes hypotheses regarding the last common ancestor of eumetazoans. No cannabinoid receptors are expressed in sponges, which probably erged before the origin of the eumetazoan ancestor.
Publisher: Zoological Society of Japan
Date: 08-2014
DOI: 10.2108/ZS130238
Abstract: The endangered schizothoracine fish Gymnodiptychus pachycheilus is endemic to the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau (QTP), but very little genetic information is available for this species. Here, we accessed the current genetic ergence of G. pachycheilus population to evaluate their distributions modulated by contemporary and historical processes. Population structure and demographic history were assessed by analyzing 1811-base pairs of mitochondrial DNA from 61 in iduals across a large proportion of its geographic range. Our results revealed low nucleotide ersity, suggesting severe historical bottleneck events. Analyses of molecular variance and the conventional population statistic FST (0.0435, P = 0.0215) confirmed weak genetic structure. The monophyly of G. pachycheilus was statistically well-supported, while two ergent evolutionary clusters were identified by phylogenetic analyses, suggesting a microgeographic population structure. The consistent scenario of recent population expansion of two clusters was identified based on several complementary analyses of demographic history (0.096 Ma and 0.15 Ma). This genetic ergence and evolutionary process are likely to have resulted from a series of drainage arrangements triggered by the historical tectonic events of the region. The results obtained here provide the first insights into the evolutionary history and genetic status of this little-known fish.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2015
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2009
DOI: 10.1016/J.JRI.2009.04.008
Abstract: The possum is a major invasive pest in New Zealand. One option for its control is the use of immunocontraceptive vaccines. Initial trials of vaccines have shown in idual variation in response. The use of vaccines on wild populations could result in the evolution of a resistant population through selection for possums that remain fertile because of low or no response. Understanding the basis of this variation is therefore important. The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) is an important influence on the nature of immune responses. This study has investigated the relationship between MHC alleles and in idual immune responses to immunocontraceptive vaccines comprising zona pellucida peptides. We identified MHC alleles and putative haplotypes, and compared these between in iduals with measured responses to immunocontraceptive vaccines. Two haplotypes were found to associate significantly with differences in vaccine response. Possums that carried haplotype 6 showed reduced responsiveness to one vaccine, while possums that carried haplotype 9 showed increased responsiveness to a separate vaccine. The identification of MHC haplotypes associated with different responses to immunocontraceptive vaccines offers the opportunity to understand what factors trigger non-response and the persistence of fertility in some in iduals, and may allow vaccines to be optimised to minimise non-responsiveness.
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2015
DOI: 10.1071/AH14155
Abstract: Inefficiencies in the co-ordination and integration of primary and secondary care services in Australia, have led to increases in waiting times, unnecessary presentations to emergency departments and issues around poor discharge of patients. HealthPathways is a program developed in Canterbury, New Zealand, that builds relationships between General Practitioners and Specialists and uses information technology so that efficiency is maximised and the right patient is given the right care at the right time. Healthpathways is being implemented by a number of Medicare Locals across Australia however, little is known about the impact HealthPathways may have in Australia. This article provides a short description of HealthPathways and considers what it may offer in the Australian context and some of the barriers and facilitators to implementation. What is known about the topic? Early evidence on HealthPathways suggests that the program does seem to be strengthening relationships between GPs and secondary care specialists. In New Zealand advances in efficiency and system integration have been noted. However, there is limited evidence on the effectiveness of HealthPathways in Australia. What does this paper add? It is one of the first published papers to provide a perspective around HealthPathways and draws existing evidence and research to explore some of the barriers and facilitators to the development and implementation of HealthPathways in Australia. What are the implications for practitioners’? Early evidence suggests HealthPathways could help GPs and other practitioners’ in the delivery of health services, it could also help to strengthen practitioner relationships.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 03-2011
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 04-2010
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 08-12-2011
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 25-06-2016
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 25-05-2016
DOI: 10.1002/PS.4304
Abstract: Anticoagulant toxins are used globally to control rats. Resistance of Rattus species to these toxins now occurs in at least 18 countries in Europe, America and Asia. Resistance is often associated with single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the Vkorc1 gene. This study gives a first overview of the distribution and frequency of Vkorc1 SNPs in rats in New Zealand. New Zealand is unusual in having no native rodents but three species of introduced Rattus - norvegicus Berk., rattus L. and exulans Peale. Sequence variants occurred in at least one species of rat at all 30 of the sites s led. Three new SNPs were identified, one in kiore and two in ship rats. No SNPs previously associated with resistance were found in Norway rats or kiore, but seven ship rats were heterozygous and one homozygous for the A74T variant. Its resultant Tyr25Phe mutation has previously been associated with resistance to both first- and second-generation anticoagulants in ship rats in Spain. This is the first evidence of potential resistance to anticoagulant toxins in rats in New Zealand. Further testing using blood clotting response times in dosed rats is needed to confirm resistance potentially conferred by the Tyr25Phe mutation. Assessment is also needed of the potential of the other non-synonymous variants (Ala14Val, Ala26Val) recorded in this study to confer resistance to anticoagulant toxins. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 2003
DOI: 10.1071/MR03001
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 24-05-2018
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 02-2005
DOI: 10.1007/S00239-004-0104-X
Abstract: Sequences of the esterase gene alpha E7 were compared across 41 isogenic (IV) strains of the sheep blowfly, Lucilia cuprina, and one strain of the sibling species, L. sericata. The 1.2-kb region sequenced includes sites of two insecticide resistance mutations. Gly137Asp confers resistance to organophosphorus insecticides (OPs), particularly preferring diethyl OPs such as diazinon, while Trp251Leu prefers dimethyl OPs, and particularly malathion, with the additional presence of carboxylester moieties. We found that there are just eight haplotypes among the 41 chromosomes studied: two Gly137Asp containing haplotypes, two Trp251Leu containing haplotypes, and four susceptible haplotypes, including the L. sericata sequence. While phylogenetic analysis of these haplotypes suggests that the Asp137 and Leu251 mutations each arose at least twice, evidence for recombination was detected across the region, therefore single origins for these resistance mutations cannot be ruled out. Levels of linkage disequilibrium in the data are high and significant hitchhiking is indicated by Fay and Wu' s H test but not the Tajima test. A test of haplotype ersity indicates a paucity of ersity compared with neutral expectations. Both these results are consistent with a very recent selective sweep at the Lc alphaE7 locus. Interestingly, gene duplications of three different combinations of OP resistant haplotypes were identified in seven of the isogenic (IV) strains. All three types of duplication involve an Asp137 and a Trp251 haplotype. To examine whether more haplotypes existed before the hypothesised selective sweep, fragments of alpha E7 surrounding the resistance mutations were lified from pinned material dating back to before OPs were used. Four new sequence haplotypes, not s led in the survey of extant haplotypes, were obtained that are all associated with susceptibility. This is suggestive of a higher historical level of susceptible allelic ersity at this locus.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 26-04-2014
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 22-07-2021
DOI: 10.1002/EDN3.243
Abstract: Environmental DNA (eDNA) monitoring has revolutionized the way bio ersity is surveyed and has been proposed as a reliable method to inform management decisions. Recognition of eDNA techniques as reliable tools to inform management and biosecurity require stringent standards to assess s le quality and reliability of results. Laboratories can have their workflows assessed and certified through accreditation and be involved in proficiency testing schemes provided to test the accuracy and precision of molecular methods. Currently, there is only one eDNA‐based proficiency testing scheme designed to test competency of laboratories in lifying eDNA from the Great Crested Newt, Triturus cristatus (Laurenti, 1768) in water s les. This test, however, is a closed scheme currently run by invitation only to laboratories in the United Kingdom. Given the paucity of eDNA‐based proficiency schemes to ensure high‐quality services, this commentary discusses how future proficiency testing schemes could be designed to assess eDNA s le quality and reliability on detection results for environmental management and biosecurity applications. We discuss the use of tissue‐derived and synthetic oligonucleotides as reference materials, the need for proficiency testing schemes to assess the capacity of analytical facilities to determine s le quality as well as accurately detecting trace eDNA in blind s les and discuss the context in which fit for purpose eDNA testing schemes could be designed. To complement the future development of eDNA proficiency testing schemes, we provide firsthand accounts and lessons learned while developing the current Great Crested Newt eDNA proficiency scheme. Lastly, we highlight current limitations in standardizing rapidly improving eDNA‐based techniques and discuss disadvantages to accreditation and standardization from an Australian‐centered perspective as a means to promote an active debate on the topic of future eDNA accreditation and proficiency testing.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 25-08-2005
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 06-03-2015
DOI: 10.1111/MEC.13102
Abstract: Invasive, non-native species are one of the major causes of global bio ersity loss. Although they are, by definition, successful in their non-native range, their populations generally show major reductions in their genetic ersity during the demographic bottleneck they experience during colonization. By investigating the mitochondrial genetic ersity of an invasive non-native species, the stoat Mustela erminea, in New Zealand and comparing it to ersity in the species' native range in Great Britain, we reveal the opposite effect. We demonstrate that the New Zealand stoat population contains four mitochondrial haplotypes that have not been found in the native range. Stoats in Britain rely heavily on introduced rabbits Oryctolagus cuniculus as their primary prey and were introduced to New Zealand in a misguided attempt at biological control of rabbits, which had also been introduced there. While invasive stoats have since decimated the New Zealand avifauna, native stoat populations were themselves decimated by the introduction to Britain of Myxoma virus as a control measure for rabbits. We highlight the irony that while introduced species (rabbits) and subsequent biocontrol (myxomatosis) have caused population crashes of native stoats, invasive stoats in New Zealand, which were also introduced for biological control, now contain more genetic haplotypes than their most likely native source.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 29-08-2013
DOI: 10.1111/MEC.12453
Abstract: Determining the origin of in iduals caught during a control/eradication programme enables conservation managers to assess the reinvasion rates of their target species and evaluate the level of success of their control methods. We examine how genetic techniques can focus management by distinguishing between hypotheses of 'reinvasion' and 'survivor', and defining kin groups for invasive stoats (Mustela erminea) on Secretary Island, New Zealand. 205 stoats caught on the island were genotyped at 16 microsatellite loci, along with 40 stoats from the opposing mainland coast, and the age and sex were determined for each in idual. Using these data, we compare and combine a variety of genetic techniques including genetic clustering, population assignment and kinship-based techniques to assess the origin of each stoat. The population history and in idual movement could be described in fine detail, with results indicating that both in-situ survival and breeding, and reinvasion are occurring. Immigration to the island was found to be generally low, apart from in 1 year where around 8 stoats emigrated from the mainland. This increased immigration was probably linked to a stoat population spike on the mainland in that year, caused by a masting event of southern beech forest (Nothofagus sp.) and the subsequent rodent irruption. Our study provides an ex le of some of the ways genetic analyses can feed directly into informing management practices for invasive species.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 06-03-2010
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 29-08-2008
DOI: 10.1007/S00251-008-0327-X
Abstract: The ersity of class II major histocompatibility complex (MHC) loci was investigated in the brushtail possum, an important marsupial pest species in New Zealand. Immunocontraception, a form of fertility control that generates an autoimmune response, is being developed as a population control method for the possum. Because the immune response is partly under genetic control, an understanding of immunogenetics in possum will be crucial to the development of immunocontraceptive vaccines. MHC molecules are critical in the vertebrate immune response. Class II MHC molecules bind and present exogenously derived peptides to T lymphocytes and may be important in the presentation of immunocontraceptives. We used polymerase chain reaction primers designed to lify the peptide binding region of possum class II MHC genes to isolate sequences from 49 animals. We have previously described 19 novel alleles from the DAB locus in the possum (Holland et al., Immunogenetics 60:449-460, 2008). Here, we report on another 11 novel alleles isolated from possum DAB, making this the most erse marsupial locus described so far. This high level of ersity indicates that DAB is an important MHC locus in the possum and will need to be taken into account in the design of immunocontraceptive vaccines.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 09-2009
DOI: 10.1111/J.1541-0420.2008.01165.X
Abstract: S ling DNA noninvasively has advantages for identifying animals for uses such as mark-recapture modeling that require unique identification of animals in s les. Although it is possible to generate large amounts of data from noninvasive sources of DNA, a challenge is overcoming genotyping errors that can lead to incorrect identification of in iduals. A major source of error is allelic dropout, which is failure of DNA lification at one or more loci. This has the effect of heterozygous in iduals being scored as homozygotes at those loci as only one allele is detected. If errors go undetected and the genotypes are naively used in mark-recapture models, significant overestimates of population size can occur. To avoid this it is common to reject low-quality s les but this may lead to the elimination of large amounts of data. It is preferable to retain these low-quality s les as they still contain usable information in the form of partial genotypes. Rather than trying to minimize error or discarding error-prone s les we model dropout in our analysis. We describe a method based on data augmentation that allows us to model data from s les that include uncertain genotypes. Application is illustrated using data from the European badger (Meles meles).
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 13-10-2015
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 05-07-2011
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2014
DOI: 10.1071/WR14015
Abstract: Context Effective design of conservation management programs for long-term population control requires an accurate definition of the spatial extent of populations, along with a proper understanding of the ways that landscape patchiness influences demography and dispersal within these populations. Aims In the present study, genetic techniques are used to describe the population genetic structure and connectivity of invasive stoats (Mustela erminea) across the Auckland region, New Zealand, so as to assist planning for mainland stoat control, and define potential future eradication units. Methods A s le of stoats from across the region (n = 120), was genotyped at 17 microsatellite loci, and a combination of clustering, genetic population assignment and various migration estimation methods were applied to these data. Key results Moderate population structure was observed (FST = 0.03–0.21), with five geographic populations defined by genetic clustering. Almost all in iduals were correctly assigned to the location of origin, and recent migration rates among forest patches were found to be low. Conclusions It is possible to define the origin of stoats at this regional scale using genetic measures. From this, we show that the stoat incursion on Rangitoto Island that occurred post-eradication in 2010 probably came from East Auckland (P 0.0001), whereas the 2014 stoat incursion on Motutapu Island probably originated from a population linked to the Waitakeres. Also, the Waiheke Island stoat population has minimal connection to all other populations and it is therefore a potential eradication unit. Implications The low migration rates among forest patches indicated that if thorough control is imposed on a discrete forest patch, reinvasion from other forest patches will be relatively low. Importantly, for stoat control in the region, the isolation of the Waiheke Island stoat population means that eradication here is likely to be feasible with low reinvasion pressure.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-1994
DOI: 10.1016/0304-4017(94)90194-5
Abstract: The resistance status to diazinon based organophosphorus insecticides has been examined in the sheep blowfly, Lucilia cuprina, a recent arrival to New Zealand. S les, representative of the distribution of L. cuprina in New Zealand, were scored for the presence or absence of a microsomal esterase (E3) associated with resistance. Iso-female lines were generated from four sites to examine variation in resistance levels using toxicological data. Results from both techniques show resistance at a high frequency with some variation between sites.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-1998
Publisher: Society for Vector Ecology
Date: 06-2007
Publisher: Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
Date: 05-12-2022
DOI: 10.1101/2022.11.29.518289
Abstract: Terrestrial invasive invertebrates can rapidly colonize new areas, causing detrimental effects on bio ersity, economy, and lifestyle. Targeted environmental DNA (eDNA) methods could constitute an early detection tool given their sensitivity to small numbers of in iduals. We hypothesized that terrestrial runoff would transport eDNA from the land into adjacent water bodies and used the invasive yellow crazy ant ( Anoplolepis gracilipes ) as a model species to test this hypothesis. We collected water s les from four waterbodies adjacent to infestations following rainfall events for eDNA analysis. We also collected soil s les from areas of known infestations and tested five eDNA extraction methods to determine their efficiency to extract eDNA from soil. Water s les resulted in positive yellow crazy ant eDNA lification (20–100% field replicates across all sites), even at one site located 300 m away from where ants had been detected visually. Soil s les resulted in a high percentage of false negatives when s led from ant transit areas than from nest entrances. Unpurified DNA extracts from soil also resulted in false negative detections, and only after applying a purification step of DNA extracts, we detected yellow crazy ant eDNA in 40–100% of field replicates across all methods and sites. This is the first study to empirically show that eDNA from a terrestrial invertebrate can be successfully isolated and lified from adjacent or downstream waterbodies. Our results indicate that eDNA has the potential to be a useful method for detecting terrestrial invertebrates from soil and water.
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 18-12-2019
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2005
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 30-10-2013
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 09-2014
DOI: 10.1071/MU13078
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 06-2005
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 13-04-2015
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 18-07-2008
DOI: 10.1007/S00251-008-0316-0
Abstract: The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) is an essential part of the vertebrate immune response. MHC genes may be classified as classical, non-classical or non-functional pseudogenes. We have investigated the ersity of class I MHC genes in the brushtail possum, a marsupial native to Australia and an introduced pest in New Zealand. The MHC of marsupials is poorly characterised compared to eutherian mammal species. Comparisons between marsupials and eutherians may enhance understanding of the evolution and functions of this important genetic region. We found a high level of ersity in possum class I MHC genes. Twenty novel sequences were identified using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primers designed from existing marsupial class I MHC genes. Eleven of these sequences shared a high level of homology with the only previously identified possum MHC class I gene TrvuUB and appear to be alleles at a single locus. Another seven sequences are also similar to TrvuUB but have frame-shift mutations or stop codons early in their sequence, suggesting they are non-functional alleles of a pseudogene locus. The remaining sequences are highly ergent from other possum sequences and clusters with American marsupials in phylogenetic analysis, indicating they may have changed little since the separation of Australian and American marsupials.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 2003
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 12-04-2012
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 30-08-2013
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 12-2001
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 07-03-2016
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 27-03-2014
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 04-10-2012
Start Date: 2018
End Date: 2021
Funder: Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment
View Funded ActivityStart Date: 2023
End Date: 12-2027
Amount: $5,000,000.00
Funder: Australian Research Council
View Funded Activity