Open Collections

Service, Christina; Bourbonnais, Mathieu; Adams, Megan; Henson, Lauren; Neasloss, Douglas; Picard, Chris; Paquet, Paul; Darimont, Chris

<b>Abstract</b><br/>

Preserving genetic and phenotypic diversity can help safeguard not only biodiversity but also cultural and economic values.</p>

Here, we present data that emerged from Indigenous-led research at the intersection of evolution and ecology to support conservation planning of a culturally salient, economically valuable, and rare phenotypic variant. We addressed three conservation objectives for the white-phased ‘Spirit bear’ polymorphism, a rare and endemic white-coated phenotype of black bear (Ursus americanus) in Kitasoo/Xai’xais and Gitga’at Territories and beyond in coastal British Columbia, Canada. First, we used non-invasively collected hair samples (n = 385 bears over ~18,000 km²) to assess the spatial variation in the frequency of the allele that controls the white-coloured morph (mc1r). Second, we compared our observed allele frequencies at mc1r with those expected under Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Finally, we examined how well current protected areas in the region aligned with spatial hotspots of Spirit bear alleles.</p>

We found that landscape-level allele frequency was lower than previously reported. For example, our systematic sampling estimated a frequency of 0.25 (95% CI 0.13-0.41) on Gribbell Island compared with the previously reported estimate of 0.56. Also, in contrast with previous reports, we failed to detect a statistically significant departure from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium at mc1r, which calls into question the previously-posited role of homozygote gene flow, heterozygote disadvantage, and positive assortative mating in the maintenance of this polymorphism. Finally, we found a discrepancy between the placement of protected areas and the 90th percentile hotspots (upper 10% of all estimated values) of Spirit bear alleles, with ~50% of hotspots falling outside of protected areas.</p>

These results provide new insight into hypotheses related to the maintenance of this rare polymorphism, and directly relevant information to support evidence-based opportunities for Indigenous Nations of the area to attend to gaps in conservation planning.</p>; <b>Methods</b><br />

Dataset of black bear (<em>Ursus americanus</em>) genotypes (AA, AG, or GG) at the mc1r gene. Individuals were genotyped from hair-derived DNA gathered as part of an annual monitoring program in coastal British Columbia, Canada (2012-2017).</p>; <b>Usage notes</b><br />

Agreements for these data with partner governements (Kitasoo/Xai'xais and Gitga'at First Nation) prohibit us from diplaying the exact spatial data of detected bears. As such, bear detection information has been summarized at the scale of 'landmass' (see manuscript). Contact the lead author for further information.</p>

Dataset

2020-08-10

This dataset is made available under a Creative Commons CC0 license with the following additional/modified terms and conditions: CC0 Waiver

https://doi.org/10.5683/SP2/QERYVW

Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada

Dataverse