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Frog alien species: a way for genetic invasion?
Alain Pagano1, Alain Dubois, David Lesbarrères
1Laboratoire d'écologie animale, Université d'Angers, Campus Belle Beille, 49045 Angers, France. alain.pagano@univ-angers.fr
Comptes Rendus Biologies
|October 16, 2003
Summary
Introduced European water frogs, like Rana ridibunda, can cause genetic pollution. This study identified genetic markers to detect invasive frogs and assess their impact on native populations.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Genetics
- Conservation Biology
Background:
- European water frogs exhibit significant human-mediated introductions, with Rana ridibunda recognized as a potentially invasive species.
- Translocations of invasive species can lead to the introgression of exotic genes into native populations, a phenomenon termed genetic pollution.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify genetic markers for distinguishing between native and introduced European water frogs.
- To quantify the prevalence of introduced frogs within natural populations.
- To elucidate the mechanisms by which genetic pollution occurs in these species.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of genetic characteristics using 11 allozymic loci.
- Comparison of genetic profiles between naturally occurring and introduced water frog populations.
Main Results:
- Discovery of three reliable genetic markers for identifying exotic frogs.
- Quantification of the proportion of introduced frogs present in native populations.
- Evidence suggesting pathways for genetic introgression.
Conclusions:
- Genetic markers provide a tool for monitoring and managing invasive water frog populations.
- Understanding genetic introgression is crucial for conserving native European water frog biodiversity.
- Human-mediated introductions pose a significant threat to the genetic integrity of native species.
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