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Genomic evidence uncovers inbreeding and supports translocations in rescuing the genetic diversity of a landlocked seal population

Fragmentation of isolated populations increases the risk of inbreeding and loss of genetic diversity. The endemic Saimaa ringed seal ( Pusa hispida saimensis ) is one of the most endangered pinnipeds in the world with a population of only ~ 400 individuals. The current genetic diversity of this subs...

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Published in:Conservation genetics 2023-04, Vol.24 (2), p.155-165
Main Authors: Sundell, Tarja, Kammonen, Juhana I., Mustanoja, Ella, Biard, Vincent, Kunnasranta, Mervi, Niemi, Marja, Nykänen, Milaja, Nyman, Tommi, Palo, Jukka U., Valtonen, Mia, Paulin, Lars, Jernvall, Jukka, Auvinen, Petri
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Language:English
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Summary:Fragmentation of isolated populations increases the risk of inbreeding and loss of genetic diversity. The endemic Saimaa ringed seal ( Pusa hispida saimensis ) is one of the most endangered pinnipeds in the world with a population of only ~ 400 individuals. The current genetic diversity of this subspecies, isolated in Lake Saimaa in Finland for ca. 1000 generations, is alarmingly low. We performed whole-genome sequencing on Saimaa ringed seals (N = 30) and analyzed the level of homozygosity and genetic composition across the individual genomes. Our results show that the Saimaa ringed seal population has a high number of runs of homozygosity (RoH) compared with the neighboring Baltic ringed seal ( Pusa hispida botnica ) reference population ( p  
ISSN:1566-0621
1572-9737
DOI:10.1007/s10592-022-01497-9