New Publication on Lilfordi's lizard genome!

Gomez-Garrido, J., Cruz, F., Alioto, S.T., Feiner, N., Uller, T., Gut, M., Sanchez Escudero, I., Tavecchia, G., Rotger, A., Otalora Acevedo, K., and Baldo,  L., 2023 Chromosome-level genome assembly of Lilford’s wall lizard, Podarcis lilfordi (Günther, 1874) from the Balearic Islands (Spain), DNA Research,  https://doi.org/10.1093/dnares/dsad008      

Abstract: The Mediterranean lizard Podarcis lilfordi is an emblematic species of the Balearic Islands. The extensive phenotypic diversity among extant isolated populations makes the species a great insular model system for eco-evolutionary studies, as well as a challenging target for conservation management plans. Here we report the first high quality chromosome-level assembly and annotation of the P. lilfordi genome, along with its mitogenome, based on a mixed sequencing strategy (10X Genomics linked reads, Oxford Nanopore Technologies long reads and Hi-C scaffolding) coupled with extensive transcriptomic data (Illumina and PacBio). 

 The genome assembly (1.5 Gb) is highly contiguous (N50 = 90 Mb) and complete, with 99% of the sequence assigned to candidate chromosomal sequences and >97% gene completeness. We annotated a total of 25,663 protein-coding genes translating into 38,615 proteins. Comparison to the genome of the related species Podarcis muralis revealed substantial similarity in genome size, annotation metrics, repeat content, and a strong collinearity, despite their evolutionary distance (~18-20 MYA). This genome expands the repertoire of available reptilian genomes and will facilitate the exploration of the molecular and evolutionary processes underlying the extraordinary phenotypic diversity of this insular species, while providing a critical resource for conservation genomics.

GEDA at school !

In the Balearic Archipelago, the Yellow legged gulls commonly visit schools to clean the patio from the leftovers of their mid-morning snack. This cleaning service can be an opportunity for the children to familiarize with a species adapted to exploit remains produced by human activities. The GEDA in collaboration with the CEIP Son Oliva and OCEAN NIGHT began a didactical project where gulls become teachers. 

 

Through their ecology and movements, students will learn the marine ecosystem and the role of seabirds as bridge between ocean and land.

 

We have first introduced the species (left) and ask student to count how many gulls visit the school each day.

We than equipped two of these gulls with a GSM/GPS transmitter  and follow their activity through an online platform (below).  In June, once the gull breeding period ends, we will meet the student again and discuss what gull taught us about their life and the ocean.

YLG 2023 field campaign, just started!

The Yellow-Legged Gull 2023 field compaign at Sa Dragonera Natural Park has started. 

Birds are looking for a territory. We are looking for red rings. Gull B5TX is already near its nest. 

Monk seal on the News!

The Monk Seal hit the news! An interview about the findings from the study by Valsecchi et al. on the local News (here).

 

 

New Publication on a Cryptic Cetacean!

Tenan, S., Moulins, A., Tepsich, P., Bocconcelli, A., Verga, A., Ballardini, M., Nani, B., Papi, D., Motta, G., Aguilar, A. S., & Rosso, M. (2023). Immigration as the main driver of population dynamics in a cryptic cetacean. Ecology and Evolution, 13, e9806. https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.9806

Abstract: Empirical evidence about the role and interaction of immigration with local demographic processes in shaping population dynamics is still scarce. This knowledge gap limits our capability to derive a conceptual framework that can be used to inform conservation actions. Populations exposed to nonstationary environment do not converge to a stable stage distribution, implying the need for evaluating the demographic role of both vital rates and stage distribution using appropriate tools. This is particularly important for species with larger generation times like cetaceans. We explored the relative demographic role of vital rates and population structure of a poorly known cetacean, the Mediterranean Cuvier's beaked whale, while accounting for the exposure to nonstationary environments. 

Photo: N Aguilar

We performed a retrospective analysis through transient life table response experiments (tLTRE) using demographic rates and population structure of both sexes obtained from an integrated population model. The contribution of immigration to variation in realized population growth rates was 4.2, 7.6, and 12.7 times larger than that of female apparent survival, proportional abundance of breeding females with a 2-year-old calf, and proportional abundance of breeding females with a 3-year-old calf, respectively. Immigration rate and proportional abundance of breeding females with a 2- or 3-year-old calf explained, respectively, 65% and 20% of total temporal variability in realized population growth rates. Changes in realized population growth rate between successive years were mainly driven by changes in immigration and population structure, specifically the proportional abundance of breeding females with a 2-year-old calf. Our study provides insight into the demographic processes that affect population dynamics and in a cryptic cetacean. We presented an analytical approach for maximizing the use of available data through the integration of multiple sources of information for individuals of different distinctiveness levels.

New Publication on Monk Seal!

Valsecchi, E., Tavecchia, G., Boldrocchi, G., Coppola, E., Ramella, D., Conte, L., Blasi, M., Bruno, A., Galli, P., 2023 Playing “hide and seek” with the Mediterranean monk seal: a citizen science dataset reveals its distribution from molecular traces (eDNA). Sci Rep 13, 2610. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-27835-6

Abstract: Animal conservation relies on assessing the distribution and habitat use of species, but for endangered/elusive animals this can prove difficult. The Monk Seal, Monachus monachus, is one of the world's most endangered species of pinniped, and the only one endemic to the Mediterranean Sea. During recent decades, direct observations have been few and scattered, making it difficult to determine its distribution away from the Aegean Sea (core distribution area of the post-decline relict population). This study relies on environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis to detect the presence of the Monk Seal in 135 samples collected in 120 locations of the central/western Mediterranean Sea, spanning about 1500 km longitudinally and 1000 km latitudinally.

Photo: www.mmc.gov

A recently described species-specific qPCR assay was used on marine-water samples, mostly collected during 2021 by a Citizen Science (CS) project. Positive detections occurred throughout the longitudinal range, including the westernmost surveyed area (Balearic archipelago). The distribution of the positive detections indicated six “hotspots”, mostly overlapping with historical Monk Seal sites, suggesting that habitat-specific characteristics play a fundamental role. We applied single-season occupancy models to correct for detection probability and to assess the importance of site-specific characteristics. The distance from small islets and protected (or access-restricted) areas was correlated negatively with the detection probability. This novel molecular approach, applied here for the first time in an extensive CS study, proved its potential as a tool for monitoring the distribution of this endangered/elusive species.

 

 

GEDA at the 11-F!

GEDA joint the 11F activities for the International Day of Women and Girls in Science . Dr. A. Sanz Aguilar explained the life and work of a scientist. She commented : "Best audience ever!". 😁  

New Publications on prospection!

Kralj, J., Ponchon, A., [...], Igual, J.-M.,[...], Tavecchia, G. [...] 2023.Active breeding seabirds prospect alternative breeding colonies. Oecologia .h ttps://doi.org/10.1007/s00442-023-05331-y

 Abstract:Compared to other animal movements, prospecting by adult individuals for a future breeding site is commonly overlooked. Prospecting influences the decision of where to breed and has consequences on fitness and lifetime reproductive success. By analysing movements of 31 satellite- and GPS-tracked gull and tern populations belonging to 14 species in Europe and North America, we examined the occurrence and factors explaining prospecting by actively breeding birds. Prospecting in active breeders occurred in 85.7% of studied species, across 61.3% of sampled populations. 

Prospecting was more common in populations with frequent inter-annual changes of breeding sites and among females. These results contradict theoretical models which predict that prospecting is expected to evolve in relatively predictable and stable environments. More long-term tracking studies are needed to identify factors affecting patterns of prospecting in different environments and understand the consequences of prospecting on fitness at the individual and population level.