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Published on: May 12, 2019
Landscape Context and Environmental Stochasticity Shape Genetic Management Outcomes in an Amphibian
Hanne Haugen1, Børre K Dervo2, Arne Linløkken1
1Department of Forestry and Wildlife Management Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Campus Evenstad Inlandet Norway.
Evolutionary Applications
|August 7, 2026
Summary
Landscape context significantly impacts amphibian genetic diversity. Improving resilience to environmental changes, not just gene flow, is crucial for conservation management of species like the great crested newt.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Conservation Biology
- Population Genetics
Background:
- Landscape context influences demographic rates and genetic diversity.
- Amphibian conservation requires understanding landscape impacts on aquatic and terrestrial habitats.
- Effective management strategies must integrate landscape-specific genetic processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To simulate how landscape context affects genetic and demographic outcomes for the great crested newt.
- To evaluate management scenarios and threats at the metapopulation level.
- To assess the influence of environmental stochasticity on genetic dynamics.
Main Methods:
- Population viability analysis (PVA) was employed.
- Two landscape-specific models (boreal forest and agricultural) were developed.
- Sensitivity analyses and management scenario evaluations were conducted.
Main Results:
- Environmental stochasticity strongly influenced genetic dynamics in both landscapes.
- Forest landscapes retained genetic diversity and responded well to management.
- Agricultural landscapes experienced higher genetic drift and relied more on gene flow.
Conclusions:
- Enhancing gene flow alone may not suffice for maintaining genetic diversity.
- Improving resilience to environmental stochasticity is vital for genetic management.
- Conservation strategies must be tailored to landscape-specific challenges for amphibians.
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