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opencc-zeroDec 2015View details →

Data from: A model-derived short-term estimation method of effective size for small populations with overlapping generations

If not actively managed, small and isolated populations lose their genetic variability and the inbreeding rate increases. Combined, these factors limit the ability of populations to adapt to environmental changes, increasing their risk of extinction. The effective population size (Ne) is proportional to the loss of genetic diversity and therefore of considerable conservation relevance. However, estimators of Ne that account for demographic parameters in species with overlapping generations require sampling of populations across generations, which is often not feasible in long-lived species. We created an individual-based model that allows calculation of Ne based on demographic parameters that can be obtained in a time period much shorter than a generation. It can be adapted to every life-history parameter combination. The model is freely available as an r-package NEff. The model was first used in a simulation experiment observing changes in Ne in response to different degrees of generational overlap. Results showed that increased generational overlap slowed annual rates of heterozygosity loss, resulting in higher annual effective sizes (Ny) but decreased Ne per generation. Adding the effect of different recruitment rates only affected Ne for populations with low generational overlap. The model was further tested using real population data of the Australian arboreal gecko Gehyra variegata. Simulation results were compared to genetic analyses and matched estimates of the real population very well. Unlike other estimation methods of Ne, NEff neither requires long time series of population monitoring nor genetic analyses of changes in gene frequencies. Thus, it seems to be the first method for calculating Ne within short time periods and comparably low costs facilitating the use of Ne in applied conservation and management.

opencc-zeroDec 2015View details →

Data from: Paternity analysis reveals wide pollen dispersal and high multiple paternity in a small isolated population of the bird-pollinated Eucalyptus caesia (Myrtaceae)

Optimal foraging behaviour by nectavores is expected to result in a leptokurtic pollen dispersal distribution and predominantly near-neighbour mating. However, complex social interactions among nectarivorous birds may result in different mating patterns to those typically observed in insect-pollinated plants. Mating system, realised pollen dispersal and spatial genetic structure were examined in the bird-pollinated Eucalyptus caesia, a species characterised by small, geographically disjunct populations. Nine microsatellite markers were used to genotype an entire adult stand and 181 seeds from 28 capsules collected from 6 trees. Mating system analysis using MLTR revealed moderate to high outcrossing (tm=0.479–0.806) and low estimates of correlated paternity (rp=0.136±s.e. 0.048). Paternity analysis revealed high outcrossing rates (mean=0.72) and high multiple paternity, with 64 different sires identified for 181 seeds. There was a significant negative relationship between the frequency of outcross mating and distance between mating pairs. Realised mating events were more frequent than expected with random mating for plants <40 m apart. The overall distribution of pollen dispersal distances was platykurtic. Despite extensive pollen dispersal within the stand, three genetic clusters were detected by STRUCTURE analysis. These genetic clusters were strongly differentiated yet geographically interspersed, hypothesised to be a consequence of rare recruitment events coupled with extreme longevity. We suggest that extensive polyandry and pollen dispersal is a consequence of pollination by highly mobile honeyeaters and may buffer E. caesia against the loss of genetic diversity predicted for small and genetically isolated populations.

opencc-zeroDec 2017View details →

Data from: Heritability estimates from genome wide relatedness matrices in wild populations: application to a passerine, using a small sample size

Genomic developments have empowered the investigation of heritability in wild populations directly from genome wide relatedness matrices (GRM). Such GRM based approaches can in particular be used to improve or substitute approaches based on social pedigree (PED-social). However, measuring heritability from GRM in the wild has not been widely applied yet, especially using small samples and in non-model species. Here, we estimated heritability for four quantitative traits (tarsus length, wing length, bill length and body mass), using PED-social and a pedigree corrected by genetic data (PED-corrected) and GRM from a small sample (n = 494) of blue tits from natural populations in Corsica genotyped at nearly 50,000 filtered SNPs derived from RAD-seq. We also measured genetic correlations among traits and we performed chromosome partitioning. Heritability estimates were slightly higher when using GRM compared to PED-social, and PED-corrected yielded intermediate values, suggesting a minor underestimation of heritability in PED-social due to incorrect pedigree links, including extra-pair paternity, and to lower information content than the GRM. Genetic correlations among traits were similar between PED-social and GRM but credible intervals were very large in both cases, suggesting a lack of power for this small dataset. Although a positive linear relationship was found between the number of genes per chromosomes and the chromosome heritability for tarsus length, chromosome partitioning similarly showed a lack of power for the three other traits. We discuss the usefulness and limitations of the quantitative genetic inferences based on genomic data in small samples from wild populations.

opencc-zeroDec 2014View details →

Data from: Small but not isolated: a population genetic survey of the tropical tree Cariniana estrellensis (Lecythidaceae) in a highly fragmented habitat

Here, we explore the mating pattern and genetic structure of a tropical tree species, Cariniana estrellensis, in a small population in which progeny arrays (n=399), all adults (n=28) and all seedlings (n=39) were genotyped at nine highly informative microsatellite loci. From progeny arrays we were able to identify the source tree for at least 78% of pollination events. The gene immigration rates, mainly attributable to pollen, were high, varying from 23.5 to 53%. Although gene dispersal over long distance was observed, the effective gene dispersal distances within the small population were relatively short, with mean pollination distances varying from 69.9 to 146.9 m, and seed dispersal distances occurring up to a mean of 119.6 m. Mating system analyses showed that C. estrellensis is an allogamous species (tm=0.999), with both biparental inbreeding (tm−ts=−0.016) and selfing rates (s=0.001) that are not significantly different from zero. Even though the population is small, the presence of private alleles in both seedlings and progeny arrays and the elevated rates of gene immigration indicate that the C. estrellensis population is not genetically isolated. However, genetic diversity expressed by allelic richness was significantly lower in postfragmentation life stages. Although there was a loss of genetic diversity, indicating susceptibility of C. estrellensis to habitat fragmentation, no evidence of inbreeding or spatial genetic structure was observed across generations. Overall, C. estrellensis showed some resilience to negative genetic effects of habitat fragmentation, but conservation strategies are needed to preserve the remaining genetic diversity of this population.

opencc-zeroDec 2011View details →

Data from: Detecting small-scale genotype-environment interactions in apomictic dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) populations

Studies of genotype × environment interactions (G×E) and local adaptation provide critical tests of natural selection's ability to counter opposing forces such as gene flow. Such studies may be greatly facilitated in asexual species, given the possibility for experimental replication at the level of true genotypes (rather than populations) and the possibility of using molecular markers to assess genotype-environment associations in the field (neither of which is possible for most sexual species). Here we tested for G×E in asexual dandelions (Taraxacum officinale) by subjecting six genotypes to experimental drought, mown, and benign (control) conditions, and subsequently using microsatellites to assess genotype-environment associations in the field. We found strong G×E, with genotypes that performed poorly under benign conditions showing the highest performance under stressful conditions (drought or mown). Our six focal genotypes comprise >80% of plants in local populations. The most common genotype in the field showed its highest relative performance under mown conditions (the most common habitat in our study area), and almost all plants of this genotype in the field were found growing in mowed lawns. Genotypes performing best under benign experimental conditions were found most frequently in unmown conditions in the field. These results are strongly indicative of local adaptation at a very small scale, with unmown microsites of only a few square meters typically embedded within larger mown lawns. By studying an asexual species we were able to map genotypes with known ecological characteristics to environments with high spatial precision.

opencc-zeroDec 2017View details →

Data from: Indirect effects of a large mammalian herbivore on small mammal populations: context-dependent variation across habitat types, mammal species and seasons

Multiple consumer species frequently co-occur in the same landscape and, through effects on surrounding environments, can interact in direct and indirect ways. These interactions can vary in occurrence and importance, and focusing on this variation is critical for understanding the dynamics of interactions among consumers. Large mammalian herbivores are important engineers of ecosystems worldwide, have substantial impacts on vegetation and can indirectly affect small-mammal populations. However, the degree to which such indirect effects vary within the same system has received minimal attention. We used a 16-year-old exclosure experiment, stratified across a heterogeneous landscape, to evaluate the importance of context-dependent interactions between tule elk (Cervus canadensis nannodes) and small mammals [deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus), meadow voles (Microtus californicus) and harvest mice (Reithrodontymys megalotis)] in a coastal grassland in California. Effects of elk on voles varied among habitats and seasons: in open grasslands, elk reduced vole numbers during fall 2013 but not summer 2014; in Lupinus-dominated grasslands, elk reduced vole numbers during summer 2014 but not fall 2013; and in Baccharis-dominated grasslands, elk had no effect on vole numbers in either season. Effects of elk on the two mice species also varied among habitats and seasons, but often in different ways from voles and each other. In fall 2013, elk decreased mice abundances in Lupinus-dominated grasslands, but not in Baccharis-dominated or open grasslands. In summer 2014, elk decreased the abundance of harvest mice consistently across habitat types. In contrast, elk increased deer-mice numbers in open grasslands but not other habitats. Within the same heterogenous study system, the influence of elk on small mammals was strongly context dependent, varying among habitats, mammal species and seasons. We hypothesize that such variability is common in nature, and that failure to consider it may yield inaccurate findings and limit our understanding of interactions among co-occurring consumers.

opencc-zeroDec 2019View details →

Data from: Small population size and low genomic diversity have no effect on fitness in experimental translocations of a wild fish

<p>Little empirical work in nature has quantified how wild populations with varying effective population sizes and genetic diversity perform when exposed to a gradient of ecologically important environmental conditions. To achieve this, juvenile brook trout from 12 isolated populations or closed metapopulations that differ substantially in population size and genetic diversity were transplanted to previously fishless ponds spanning a wide gradient of ecologically important variables. We evaluated the effect of genome-wide variation, effective population size (Ne), pond habitat, and initial body size on two fitness correlates (survival and growth). Genetic variables had little effect on either fitness correlate, which were determined primarily by habitat (pond temperature, depth, and pH) and initial body size. These results suggest that some vertebrate populations with low genomic diversity, low Ne and long-term isolation can represent important sources of variation and be capable of maintaining fitness in, and ultimately persisting and adapting to, changing environments. Our results also reinforce the paramount importance of improving available habitat and slowing habitat degradation for species conservation.</p>

opencc-zeroDec 2016View details →

Data from: Genetic and population monitoring of two small black bear (Ursus americanus) populations in Alabama, within a regional context.

One of the major concerns in conservation today is the loss of genetic diversity which is a frequent consequence of population isolation and small population sizes. Fragmentation of populations and persecution of carnivores has posed a substantial threat to the persistence of free ranging carnivores in North America since the arrival of European settlers. Black bears have seen significant reductions in range size from their historic extent, which is most pronounced in the southeastern United States and even more starkly in Alabama where until recently bears were reduced to a single geographically isolated population in the Mobile River Basin. Recently a second population has naturally re-established itself in northeastern Alabama. We sought to determine size, genetic diversity and genetic connectivity for these two populations in relation to other regional populations. Both populations of black bears in Alabama had small population sizes and had moderate to low genetic diversity, but showed different levels of connectivity to surrounding populations of bears. The Mobile River Basin population had a small population size at only 86 individuals (76-124, 95% C.I.), the lowest genetic diversity of compared populations (richness =2.33, Ho and He =0.33), and showed near complete genetic isolation from surrounding populations across multiple tests. The newly recolonizing population in northeastern Alabama had a small but growing population doubling in 3 years (34 individuals 26-43, 95% C.I.), relatively moderate genetic diversity compared to surrounding populations (richness = 3.32, Ho =0.53, He =0.65), and showed a high level of genetic connectivity with surrounding populations.

opencc-zeroDec 2014View details →

Data from: Small N e of the isolated and unmanaged horse population on Sable Island

For small, isolated populations 2 common conservation concerns relate to genetic threats: inbreeding and negative consequences associated with loss of genetic diversity due to drift. Mitigating these threats often involves conservation actions that can be controversial, such as translocations or captive breeding programs. Although such actions have been successful in some situations, in others they have had undesirable outcomes. Here, we estimated the effective population size (N e) of the Sable Island horses to assess the risk to this population of these genetic threats. We found surprising consistency of N e estimates across the 5 different methods used, with a mean of 48 effective individuals. This estimate falls below the 50 criterion of the "50/500 rule," below which inbreeding depression is a concern for population viability. However, simulations and knowledge of population history indicate that this population is still in its early stages of approaching equilibrium between mutation, drift, and genetic diversity; and no negative consequences have been identified that could be associated with inbreeding depression. Therefore, we do not recommend taking management action (such as translocations) at this stage. Rather, we propose continued monitoring of genetic diversity and fitness over time so that trends and any substantial changes can be detected. This represents one of the few unmanaged horse populations in the world, and therefore these data will not only alert us to serious concerns regarding their conservation status, but will also provide a wealth of information about how natural processes drive patterns of reproduction, mortality, and population growth over time.

opencc-zeroDec 2013View details →

Data from: Senescence or selective disappearance? Age trajectories of body mass in wild and captive populations of a small-bodied primate

Classic theories of ageing consider extrinsic mortality (EM) a major factor in shaping longevity and ageing, yet most studies of functional ageing focus on species with low EM. This bias may cause overestimation of the influence of senescent declines in performance over condition-dependent mortality on demographic processes across taxa. To simultaneously investigate the roles of functional senescence (FS) and intrinsic, extrinsic and condition-dependent mortality in a species with a high predation risk in nature, we compared age trajectories of body mass (BM) in wild and captive grey mouse lemurs (Microcebus murinus) using longitudinal data (853 individuals followed through adulthood). We found evidence of non-random mortality in both settings. In captivity, the oldest animals showed senescence in their ability to regain lost BM, whereas no evidence of FS was found in the wild. Overall, captive animals lived longer, but a reversed sex bias in lifespan was observed between wild and captive populations. We suggest that even moderately condition-dependent EM may lead to negligible FS in the wild. While high EM may act to reduce the average lifespan, this evolutionary process may be counteracted by the increased fitness of the long-lived, high-quality individuals.

opencc-zeroDec 2017View details →

Data from: Wind farms affect the occurrence, abundance and population trends of small passerine birds: the case of the Dupont's lark

1.The assessment of the effects of wind farms on bird populations is commonly based on collision fatality records. This could undervalue the effect of wind farms on small-sized birds. We evaluate the effect of wind turbines on occurrence, abundance and population trends of a threatened small passerine species, the Dupont's lark Chersophilus duponti. To our knowledge, this is one of the first studies addressing the effect of wind farms on population trends using time series data from multiple wind farms. 2.We estimated population trends by fitting a switching linear trend model with the software TRIM (Trend & Indices for Monitoring data). We used multiannual data surveys of five populations in the presence of wind farms and nine in their absence (2008–2016 period). Furthermore, we fitted a logistic and a negative binomial regression model to test the effect of wind farm proximity on species occurrence and abundance in 2016, respectively. We incorporated local connectivity and habitat availability estimates in both models as predictors. 3.Results showed a negative trend overall, but that was significantly more regressive in the presence of wind farms: 21.0% versus 5.8% average annual decline in the absence of wind farms. 4.Dupont's lark occurrence and abundance in 2016 were negatively affected by measures of population isolation and positively affected by the distance to wind farms. 5.These results highlight the negative effect of isolation and wind farm proximity on Dupont's lark population parameters. Taking into account the metapopulation structure exhibited by the species in the study area, this work established a 4.5 km threshold distance from wind farms, beyond which Dupont's lark populations should be unaffected. 6.Synthesis and applications. This work highlights the negative impact of wind farms on small-sized birds and provides a 4.5 km threshold distance that should be taken into account in the design of future wind energy projects. Moreover, we suggest an analytical approach based on population trends, species abundance and occurrence variation in relation to wind farms, useful for the assessment of wind farm impacts on small-sized birds.

opencc-zeroJul 2019View details →

Data from: Conservation of old individual trees and small populations is integral to maintain species' genetic diversity of a historically fragmented woody perennial

Historically fragmented and specialised habitats such as granite outcrops are understudied globally unique hotspots of plant evolution. In contrast to predictions based on mainstream population genetics theory, some granite outcrop plants appear to have persisted as very small populations despite prolonged geographic and genetic isolation. Eucalyptus caesia Benth. is a long-lived lignotuberous tree endemic with a naturally fragmented distribution on granite outcrops in south-western Australia. To quantify population to landscape level genetic structure we employed microsatellite genotyping at 14 loci of all plants in 18 stands of E. caesia. Sampled stands were characterised by low levels of genetic diversity, small absolute population sizes, localised clonality and strong fine-scale genetic sub-division. There was no significant relationship between population size and levels of heterozygosity. At the landscape scale, high levels of population genetic differentiation were most pronounced among representatives of the two subspecies in E. caesia as originally circumscribed. Past genetic interconnection was evident between some geographical neighbours separated by up to 20 kilometres. Paradoxically, other pairs of neighbouring stands as little as 7 kilometres apart were genetically distinct. There was no consistent pattern of isolation by distance across the 280 km range of E. caesia. Low levels of gene flow, together with strong drift within stands, provides some explanation of the patterns of genetic differentiation we observed. Individual genet longevity via the ability to repeatedly re-sprout and expand from a lignotuber may enhance the persistence of some woody perennial endemic plants despite small population size, minimal genetic interconnection and low heterozygosity.

FIGURE 6. a in External morphology and osteology of Darevskia rudis (Bedriaga, 1886), with a taxonomic revision of the Pontic and Small-Caucasus populations (Squamata: Lacertidae)

FIGURE 6. a. Darevskia rudis mirabilis ssp.nov. Male dorsal coloration in life. Dorsal view. b. D. r. mirabilis ssp. nov. Male ventral coloration. c. Photograph of the type locality of Darevskia rudis bolkardaghica ssp. nov.

FIGURE 5. a. Darevskia rudis mirabilis ssp.nov. Holotype. Dorsal view. b. D. r. mirabilis ssp. nov. Holotype. Ventral view. c. Darevskia rudis bolkardaghica ssp. nov. Holotype. Dorsal view. d. D. r in External morphology and osteology of Darevskia rudis (Bedriaga, 1886), with a taxonomic revision of the Pontic and Small-Caucasus populations (Squamata: Lacertidae)

FIGURE 5. a. Darevskia rudis mirabilis ssp.nov. Holotype. Dorsal view. b. D. r. mirabilis ssp. nov. Holotype. Ventral view. c. Darevskia rudis bolkardaghica ssp. nov. Holotype. Dorsal view. d. D. r. bolkardaghica ssp. nov. Holotype. Ventral view.

FIGURE 3 in External morphology and osteology of Darevskia rudis (Bedriaga, 1886), with a taxonomic revision of the Pontic and Small-Caucasus populations (Squamata: Lacertidae)

FIGURE 3. UPGMA trees derived from Mahalanobis' distances among sample centroids. See text for interpretation. a. Males. b. Females.

FIGURE 4 in External morphology and osteology of Darevskia rudis (Bedriaga, 1886), with a taxonomic revision of the Pontic and Small-Caucasus populations (Squamata: Lacertidae)

FIGURE 4. ANOVA-differences (P <0.01) derived tree, combined males and females. See text for interpretation.

FIGURE 2 in External morphology and osteology of Darevskia rudis (Bedriaga, 1886), with a taxonomic revision of the Pontic and Small-Caucasus populations (Squamata: Lacertidae)

FIGURE 2. Canonical Discriminant Analysis (CDA) plots for a. males (above) and b. females (below). Specimens, sample centroids and group perimeters are represented. For details, percentage of variance explained, etc. see text.

FIGURE 1 in External morphology and osteology of Darevskia rudis (Bedriaga, 1886), with a taxonomic revision of the Pontic and Small-Caucasus populations (Squamata: Lacertidae)

FIGURE 1. Map showing the localities from where specimens have been studied. (Symbol in map, taxon, locality and coordinates North and East). 1. TRIANGLE. [D. r. bithynica. Kirazlı Plateau, Uludaġ, Bursa, northwestern Anatolia. (40:06 N, 29:02 E)]. 2.- SQUARES. [D. r. tristis. Güzeldere Village, Düzce, northwestern Anatolia (40:43 N, 31:02 E). 3. Samandere Waterfall, Düzce, northwestern Anatolia (40:41 N, 31:15 E). 4. Between Yıġılca and Bolu 30. km., Bolu, northwestern Anatolia (40:51 N, 31:33 E). 5. Between Yıġılca and Alaplı 12. km., Zonguldak, northwestern Anatolia (41:02 N, 31:27 E). 6. Between Zonguldak and Gökçebey 15. km., Zonguldak, northwestern Anatolia (41:24 N, 31:55 E). 7. Yenice, Karabük, northwestern Anatolia (41:12 N, 32:19 E). 8. Amasra, Bartın, northwestern Anatolia (41:44 N, 32:23 E). 9. Ulus, Bartın, northwestern Anatolia (41:35 N, 32:38 E). 10. Between Safranbolu and Bartın 14. km., Bartın, Northwestern Anatolia (41:21N, 32:42 E). 11. Kapısuyu, Kurucaşile, Bartın, northwestern Anatolia (41:50 N, 32:44 E)]. 12.- RING. [D. r. bolkardaghica ssp. nov. Karagöl, Ulukışla, Niġde, Central Anatolia (37:24 N, 34:33 E)]. 13. DIAMOND. [D. r. rudis. Zigana Pass, Trabzon, northeastern Anatolia (40:39 N, 39:24 E). 14. Between Beşikdüzü and Şalpazarı 7. km., Trabzon, northeastern Anatolia. (40:59 N, 39:12 E). 15. Between Tonya and Vakfıkebir 10–15. km., Trabzon, northeastern Anatolia. (40:59 N, 39:16 E). 16. Between Akçaabat and Düzköy 14. km., Trabzon, northeastern Anatolia (40:55N, 39:29 E). 17. Maçka, Trabzon, northeastern Anatolia (40:49 N, 39:36 E). 18. Between Sümela and Maçka 10.km., Trabzon, northeastern Anatolia (40:45 N, 39:37 E). 19. Between Sürmene and Köprübaşı 8. km., Trabzon, northeastern Anatolia (40:51 N, 40:06 E)]. 20. STAR. [D. r. mirabilis ssp. nov. Ovit Pass, Rize, northeastern Anatolia (40:37 N, 40:49 E)]. 21. CIRCLE. [D. r. bischoffi Between İkizdere and İspir, 19. km., Rize, northeastern Anatolia (40:41 N, 40:41 E). 22. Between Rize and Küçükçayır 18. km., Rize, northeastern Anatolia. (40:53 N, 40:33 E). 23. Hemşin, Rize, northeastern Anatolia (41:03 N, 40:53 E). 24. Between Çamlıhemşin and Ayder Plateau 3. km., Rize, northeastern Anatolia (41:02 N, 41:01 E). 25. Between Artvin and Hatila Plateau 35. km., Artvin, northeastern Anatolia (41:07 N, 41:37 E). 26. Between Arhavi and Güneşli Village, 2. km., Artvin, northeastern Anatolia (41:18 N, 41:19 E). 27. Between Ortacalar and Dülgerli 16–24. km., Artvin, northeastern Anatolia (41:16 N, 41:24 E). 28. Esenkıyı Village, Hopa, Artvin, northeastern Anatolia (41:26 N, 41:27 E). 29. Çamurköy, Sarp, Artvin, northeastern Anatolia (41:29 N, 41:33 E). 30. Between Borçka and Hopa 8. km., Artvin, northeastern Anatolia (41:22 N, 41:33 E). 31. Between Borçka and Camili 10–21. km., Artvin, northeastern Anatolia (41:24 N, 41:48 E). 32. Between Borçka and Balcılar, Artvin, northeastern Anatolia (41:19N, 41:49 E). 33. Balcılar Village, Borçka, Artvin, northeastern Anatolia. (41:18 N, 41:50 E)]. 34. HEXAGON. [D. r. obscura. Kutul Plateau, Ardanuç, Artvin, northeastern Anatolia (41:04 N, 42:12 E). 35. Between Geçitli village and Bilbilen Plateau, Artvin, northeastern Anatolia (41:02 N, 42:13 E)]. 36. INVERTED TRIANGLE. [D. r. macromaculata. Between Ardahan and Şavşat, 32. km, Ardahan, northeastern Anatolia (41:13 N, 42:27 E)].

opennotspecifiedJan 2009View details →

Distribution. Sub-Saharan Africa; virtually eradicated from W Africa, and greatly reduced in C and NE Africa. The largest populations exist in Botswana, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe, which account for approximately half of the estimated number of African Wild Dogs remaining in the wild. Other populations occur in Central African Republic, Ethiopia, Kenya, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Sudan, and Zambia. Potential small populations (less than 100 individuals) may exist in Cameroon, Chad, Senegal, and Somalia. in Canidae

Distribution. Sub-Saharan Africa; virtually eradicated from W Africa, and greatly reduced in C and NE Africa. The largest populations exist in Botswana, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe, which account for approximately half of the estimated number of African Wild Dogs remaining in the wild. Other populations occur in Central African Republic, Ethiopia, Kenya, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Sudan, and Zambia. Potential small populations (less than 100 individuals) may exist in Cameroon, Chad, Senegal, and Somalia.