Biology subjects

Weckworth, B.

Publications and source records attributed to Weckworth, B..

3 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2026

Dog-assisted scat sampling reveals genetic diversity, structure, and relatedness in black-footed cats (Felis nigripes)

Advances in molecular techniques for non-invasive genetic sampling have strengthened wildlife genetics, enabling researchers to study elusive and difficult-to-study species with minimal disturbance, and conservation detection dogs can greatly increase sample numbers and the area covered. However, this combination is rarely used in Africa and has perhaps never been applied to a small carnivore on the continent. Here we use dog-assisted scat surveys to carry out the first fine-scale population genetic study of the black-footed cat (Felis nigripes), Africa's smallest and most range-restricted endemic felid, and a threatened species for which conventional survey methods are largely ineffective. Using 130 successfully genotyped scat samples (nine microsatellite loci) from two populations about 650 km apart, we identified 65 individuals and assessed genetic diversity and fine-scale relatedness to explore aspects of dispersal and reproductive ecology. Both populations exhibited similar observed heterozygosity (Ho = 0.67-0.69) and allelic richness, with no heterozygote deficit (FIS = -0.02 to -0.08). Differentiation between the southern Namibia and central South Africa sites was low but detectable (FST = 0.03-0.05). We used pairwise relatedness and candidate pedigree results to explore hypotheses about sex-specific relatedness patterns. Female-female dyads were more related than male-male dyads at the shortest distance class (0-2 km), a pattern compatible with female philopatry. There were more half-sibling than full-sibling assignments and uneven representation of candidate fathers, which may indicate polygamy and reproductive skew. These results provide baseline genetic data for a Vulnerable species and show that this approach is feasible for Africa's small, elusive carnivores, whose dispersal, mating systems and population structure remain largely unknown. Broader spatial and temporal sampling could help assess population connectivity and reveal how threats and changing land use impact genetic diversity and structure.

ecology↗

bioRxiv2026

Species ecology, behavior, and substrate type shape eDNA detection of mammals at savanna waterholes

Environmental DNA (eDNA) is increasingly used to monitor terrestrial mammal biodiversity, yet factors that influence detection probability in such systems remain poorly understood. Substrates in and around freshwater drinking areas represent particularly promising eDNA sampling points to capture terrestrial biodiversity, especially in arid and semi-arid landscapes. However, eDNA detection probabilities are expected to depend strongly on the frequency and intensity of animal interaction with the sampled substrate at these watering holes. We combined camera trapping with eDNA metabarcoding to investigate drivers of mammal eDNA detection at savanna waterholes in South Africa (Botsalano Game Reserve) over several weeks during both wet and dry seasons and evaluated the effects of species behavior (interaction intensity with water), species traits, environmental covariates and substrate type (water versus sediment) on eDNA detection probabilities. Camera trapping detected 30 mammal species, whereas eDNA metabarcoding detected 40 species, with 25 species being shared between methods. Body size increased detection probability using camera traps but not using eDNA metabarcoding. eDNA detection was strongly influenced by trophic level, with herbivores exhibiting significantly higher eDNA detection rates than omnivores and carnivores. eDNA detection probability further increased with behavioral water interaction intensity, social group size, visitation frequency, the number of observed individuals, and declined with time elapsed since the last visit of the respective species. A fine-scale spatial analysis within the water bodies revealed that eDNA deposition is highly localized. Substrate type had a pronounced effect, with sediment samples reflecting more long-term mammal activity, whereas water samples reflected more recent interactions and were more sensitive to environmental conditions. Samples collected at wildlife trails exhibited similar patterns, with trophic level and spatial proximity to the trail both increasing detection rates.

ecology↗

bioRxiv2023

Extreme in Every Way: Exceedingly Low Genetic Diversity in Snow Leopards Due to Persistently Small Population Size

Snow leopards (Panthera uncia) serve as an umbrella species whose conservation benefits their high-elevation Asian habitat. Their numbers are believed to be in decline due to numerous Anthropogenic threats; however, their conservation is hindered by numerous knowledge gaps. They are the least studied genetically of all big cat species with more to learn regarding their population structure, historical population size, and current levels of genetic diversity. Here, we use whole-genome sequencing data for 41 snow leopards (37 newly sequenced) to offer new insights into these unresolved questions. Among our samples, we find evidence of a primary genetic divide between the northern and southern part of the range around the Dzungarian Basin, as previously identified, and a secondary divide south of Kyrgyzstan around the Taklamakan Desert. Most noteworthy, we find that snow leopards have the lowest genetic diversity of any big cat species, due to a persistently small population size (relative to other big cat species) throughout their evolutionary history rather than recent inbreeding. Without a large population size or ample standing genetic variation to help buffer them from any forthcoming Anthropogenic challenges, snow leopard persistence may be more tenuous than currently appreciated.

evolutionary biology↗