Ibouroi, M. T. | Search bioRxiv

bioRxiv2021

Noninvasive genetic sampling of two flying fox species provides a high rate of genotyping success and a low error rate during amplification

Noninvasive genetic sampling techniques are useful tools for providing genetic data that are crucially needed for determining suitable conservation actions. Yet these methods may be highly unreliable in certain situations for instance, when working with faecal samples of frugivorous species in tropical areas. In this study, we tested the applicability of noninvasive genetic sampling on two Comoro Islands flying fox species: Pteropus livingstonii and P.seychellensis comorensis in order to optimize the sampling and laboratory process. Both mitochondrial (mtDNA) and microsatellite markers were tested using two common faeces conservation protocols (ethanol and silica gel), and the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) success and genotyping error rates were assessed. The average proportion of mtDNA PCRs positive results was 55% for P.livingstonii and 38% for P.s.comorensis, and higher amplification success was obtained for samples preserved in ethanol as compared to silica gel. The average genotyping success rate was high (74% for P.livingstonii and 95% for P.s.comorensis) and the genotyping error rate was low for both species. Despite our results confirm the effectiveness of using noninvasive genetic sampling methods to study flying fox species, the protocol we used can be optimized to provide higher efficiency. Some recommendations related to field sampling protocols and laboratory methods are proposed in order to optimize amplification rate and minimize genotyping errors.

ecology↗

bioRxiv2021

What is the main driver of unsustainable natural resource use in the Comoro Islands?

The Comoros archipelago is a biodiversity hotspot by virtue of its high level of endemism. However, it suffers one of the highest rates of forest loss worldwide, mainly due to strong anthropogenic pressures. As Comorian populations depend on forest resources for subsistence, establishing relevant conservation strategies for their sustainable management requires the consideration of multiple stakeholders perspectives toward biodiversity and habitat conservation. To better understand the relationships between humans and nature; how comorian people use natural resource and the relevance of a protected area for long-term biodiversity conservation, we used Q-methodology to assess local people s perceptions regarding biodiversity and conservation actions. Three discourses are identified during analysis: "Pro-environment discourse", "Keeping things as usual" and "Social and environmental concerns". According to the results, employed respondents, were favorable to long-term forest and biodiversity conservation. In contrast, unemployed respondents were in favor of more immediate benefits while unemployed but educated respondents were in favor to both long-term forest conservation and immediate benefits from forests. This suggests that the lack of livelihoods for rural people is the main factor leading them to overharvest natural resources. These results suggest that biodiversity conservation of the Comoros archipelagos may benefit for plan aiming at (1) developing tourism and maintaining sustainable production of crops and livestock that could allow enhancing the livelihoods and well-being of all social groups, (2) developing projects such as local markets that could allow villagers to sell their agricultural production, (3) setting up awareness campaign for tree-planting and reforestation. Reforestation could allow re-establishing natural plants and make large trees available for long-term purposes.

scientific communication and education↗