Linares, O., de la Peña, E., Serrano, E., Soliño, M., Carranza, J., & Martínez-Jauregui, M. (2024). Exploring the influence of intensive management practices on recreational hunter satisfaction: a case study of red deer trophy hunting in Spain. Human Dimensions of Wildlife, 1–19. https://doi.org/10.1080/10871209.2024.2423924

Recreational hunting, especially big game trophy hunting, has a significant impact on large areas and requires specific wildlife management strategies. However, because the pursuit of maximum hunter satisfaction can jeopardize species conservation, it is crucial to identify the factors that determine recreational trophy hunter satisfaction. We investigated these factors in southern Spain by attending 21 dog-driven Iberian red deer hunts over seven hunting seasons. We collected geographic and biometric data from 556 hunted specimens and conducted 159 face-to-face surveys with hunters. Based on partial least squares path models, our findings indicate that overall satisfaction is positively related to the dimensions of achievement, appreciation, and service. Contextual variables, including hunter experience, hunting scenarios, and individual and group hunting bags, showed varying effects on these satisfaction dimensions. Management decisions significantly influenced multiple dimensions of hunter satisfaction, with potential implications for conservation in our study system and broader considerations for natural game management versus canned hunting practices.

https://doi.org/10.1080/10871209.2024.2423924

Carranza, J., Pérez-González, J., Anaya, G., De Jong, M., Broggini, C., Zachos, F. E., Mcdevitt, A. D., Niedziałkowska, M., Sykut, M., Csányi, S., Bleier, N., Csirke, L., Røed, K., Saint-Andrieux, C., Barboiron, A., Gort-Esteve, A., Ruiz-Olmo, J., Seoane, J. M., Godoy, J. A., Mackiewicz, P., De La Peña, E., Vedel, G., Mcfarlane, S. E., Pemberton, J., Membrillo, A. (2024). Genome-wide SNP assessment of contemporary European red deer genetic structure highlights the distinction of peripheral populations and the main admixture zones in Europe.Molecular Ecology, 00, e17508. https://doi.org/10.1111/mec.17508

Genome-wide technologies open up new possibilities to clarify questions on genetic structure and phylogeographic history of taxa previously studied with microsatellite loci and mitochondrial sequences. Here, we used 736 individual red deer (Cervus elaphus) samples genotyped at 35,701 single nucleotide polymorphism loci (SNPs) to assess the population structure of the species throughout Europe. The results identified 28 populations, with higher degrees of genetic distinction in peripheral compared to mainland populations. Iberian red deer show high genetic differentiation, with lineages in Western and Central Iberia maintaining their distinctiveness, which supports separate refugial ranges within Iberia along with little recent connection between Iberian and the remaining Western European populations. The Norwegian population exhibited the lowest variability and the largest allele frequency differences from mainland European populations, compatible with a history of bottlenecks and drift during post-glacial colonization from southern refugia. Scottish populations showed high genetic distance from the mainland but high levels of diversity. Hybrid zones were found between Eastern and Western European lineages in Central Europe as well as in the Pyrenees, where red deer from France are in close contact with Iberian red deer. Anthropogenic restocking has promoted the Pyrenean contact zone, admixture events in populations on the Isle of Rum and in the Netherlands, and at least partly the admixture of the two main lineages in central-eastern Europe. Our analysis enabled detailed resolution of population structure of a large mammal widely distributed throughout Europe and contributes to resolving the evolutionary history, which can also inform conservation and management policies.

Linares, O., Martínez-Jauregui, M., Carranza, J., Soliño, M.(2024). Bridging sustainable game management into land use policy: From principles to practice, Land Use Policy, Vol. 145, 107269, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.landusepol.2024.107269

Sustainability of land use is a guiding paradigm for natural resource policy in the 21st century and should also be pursued in wildlife management. We have bridged the theoretical sustainability framework with practical policy implementation by defining a certification scheme whereby landowners implement game management systems that are aligned with sustainability standards and audited by accredited bodies. Oversight is provided by a governance committee, comprising scientists, public officers, and certification body representatives, ensuring adaptability to evolving societal attitudes and regulatory changes. Using the Delphi method with a panel of 78 experts we defined key sustainability criteria for sustainable game management following a criterion of consensus. The agreed criteria were structured around three dimensions: game population, habitat, and socio-economic aspects, forming a coherent framework. The seven most important criteria for defining a certification system focused on maintaining or improving: 1) game population abundance, distribution, structure, and behavior compatible with conservation; 2) natural genetic characteristics of game populations; 3) diversity and conservation status of native game species; 4) diversity of native non-game species; 5) conservation status and diversity of habitats; 6) socio-economic functions and conditions of the activity; and 7) customer satisfaction. We discuss how the label derived from this certification could serve as an identity brand with positive effects on the recreational hunting market, but also that the promotion of this system requires the commitment of policy makers as well as the valuing of hunters against other options less respectful of the natural environment.

Broggini, C.; Cavallini, M.; Vanetti, I.; Abell, J.; Binelli, G.; Lombardo, G. From Caves to the Savannah, the Mitogenome History of Modern Lions (Panthera leo) and Their Ancestors. Int. J. Mol. Sci.2024, 25, 5193. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25105193

Lions (Panthera leo) play a crucial ecological role in shaping and maintaining fragile ecosystems within Africa. Conservation efforts should focus on genetic variability within wild populations when considering reintroduction attempts. We studied two groups of lions from two conservation sites located in Zambia and Zimbabwe to determine their genetic make-up, information that is usually unknown to the sites. In this study, we analysed 17 specimens for cytb and seven microsatellite markers to ascertain family relationships and genetic diversity previously obtained by observational studies. We then produced a standardised haplogroup phylogeny using all available entire mitogenomes, as well as calculating a revised molecular clock. The modern lion lineage diverged ~151 kya and was divided into two subspecies, both containing three distinct haplogroups. We confirm that Panthera leo persica is not a subspecies, but rather a haplogroup of the northern P.l. leo that exited Africa at least ~31 kya. The progenitor to all lions existed ~1.2 Mya, possibly in SE Africa, and later exited Africa and split into the two cave lion lineages ~175 kya. Species demography is correlated to major climactic events. We now have a detailed phylogeny of lion evolution and an idea of their conservation status given the threat of climate change.

https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/25/10/5193

Pérez-González, J.; Carranza, J.; Anaya, G.; Broggini, C.; Vedel, G.; de la Peña, E.; Membrillo, A. (2023). Comparative Analysis of Microsatellite and SNP Markers for Genetic Management of Red Deer. Animals, 13, 3374. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13213374

Population genetic structure and individual multilocus heterozygosity are vital for wildlife management. Traditionally, microsatellite markers have been used to estimate population genetic parameters, but single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have gained popularity due to their greater measurement precision. This study compared genetic estimates at the population and individual levels using microsatellite and SNP markers in red deer (Cervus elaphus). The findings revealed correlations between parameters estimated with both markers that were associated with the level of genetic diversity and genetic differentiation. However, microsatellites showed lower accuracy in representing the distribution of genetic diversity among individuals.

The analysis of population genetic structure and individual multilocus heterozygosity are crucial for wildlife management and conservation. Microsatellite markers have traditionally been used to assess these genetic parameters. However, single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are becoming increasingly popular. Our goal here was to determine to what extent SNPs can provide better insights than microsatellites into the overall genetic status and population genetic processes in the species. To this end, we genotyped 210 red deer (Cervus elaphus) in the Spanish wild population with both 11 microsatellites and 31,712 SNPs. We compared parameters related to population genetic structure and individual multilocus heterozygosity obtained with both types of markers. Our results showed correlations between parameters measured using both microsatellites and SNPs, particularly those related to the level of genetic diversity and genetic differentiation. However, we found notably lower precision of microsatellites in measuring the distribution of genetic diversity among individuals. We conclude that microsatellites can be used to monitor the overall genetic status and detect broad patterns in red deer populations. Nevertheless, the greater precision of SNPs in inferring genetic structure and multilocus heterozygosity leads us to encourage scientists and wildlife managers to prioritize their use whenever possible.

Vedel, G.; De La Peña, E.; Moreno-Rojas, J.M.; Carranza, J. (2023). Is the Intrasexual Competition in Male Red Deer Reflected in the Ratio of Stable Isotopes of Carbon and Nitrogen in Faeces? Animals 13, 2397. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13142397

Stable isotope analysis is a technique increasingly used for studying many aspects of wildlife behaviour, such as diet, migrations, and trophic relationships. However, scarce information is available on how isotopes are assimilated into the body under conditions such as nutritional stress situations or intrasexual competition for mates. In this study, we evaluated how intrasexual competition between male red deer from free-ranging populations in Andalusia (Spain) is reflected in the ratio of stable isotopes of carbon and nitrogen (δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N) in faeces. Our results showed that in populations with high intrasexual competition δ¹⁵N values in faeces were significantly lower than in low intrasexual competition populations. No differences were found for δ¹³C. This study provides a basis for interpreting δ¹⁵N values related to different protein usage under various nutritional stress situations in male red deer and novel applications of the use of nitrogen isotopes.

Isotopic analysis of carbon and nitrogen in faeces is a reliable methodology for studying ecology in wildlife. Here, we tested this technique to detect variations in carbon and nitrogen isotopic ratios (δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N) in two different intrasexual competition scenarios of male Iberian red deer (Cervus elaphus hispanicus) using faeces of individuals collected during hunting actions in South-eastern Spain. The carbon isotopic ratio (δ¹³C) was not found to be significant, likely due to similar diet composition in all individuals. However, the nitrogen isotopic ratio (δ¹⁵N) was found to be lower in populations where sexual competition between males during the rut was higher compared to low-competition populations. Therefore, this study suggests a different use of proteins by an individual male red deer depending on the sexually competitive context in which he lives. Although further research is needed, these results show the potential of isotopic analysis as a tool for studying individual and populational variations in the level of intrasexual competition, with implications in evolutionary ecology and population management.

Pérez-González, J., Gort-Esteve, A., Ruiz-Olmo, J., Anaya, G., Broggini, C., Millán, M. F., Vedel, G., De La Peña, E., Membrillo, A., Seoane, J. M., Azorit, C., Carranza, J. (2023).Red deer in the Pyrenees: a current secondary contact zone and a risky hybrid belt for conservation genetics. Journal of Wildlife Management. e22454. https://doi.org/10.1002/jwmg.22454

Natural events over time, and human interventions, influence the genetic structure of species. The red deer (Cervus elaphus) is widely distributed in Europe, with a large-scale genetic structure largely determined by Pleistocene climatic oscillations. The Iberian Peninsula acted as one of the main glacial refuges for many species; a particular red deer lineage remains on the peninsula and is subjected to special conservation policies. The mountain range of the Pyrenees might be a contact zone where Iberian red deer (Cervus elaphus hispanicus) could hybridize with other central European genetic lineages. In the late twentieth century, the natural distribution areas of red deer on both sides of the Pyrenees became closer because of restocking from central Iberia to areas south of the Pyrenees and from French populations to areas north of the Pyrenees. We analyzed the genetic structure of red deer populations in the Pyrenees to investigate the underlying processes of population contact and hybridization. The analysis of microsatellite genotypes showed 2 genetic clusters. One of these clusters associated with Iberian red deer, whereas the other presented European non-Iberian genetic composition. Migration and hybridization events occurred between both genetic clusters, mostly in the eastern part of the sampling area. The Pyrenees is currently a secondary contact zone caused by anthropogenic translocations, and a risky hybrid belt for red deer genetic conservation.

Pérez-González, J. & Carranza, J. (2023) Genetic Diversity of Wild Boar and Deer. Animals 2023, 13, 11. https://doi.org/10.3390/ ani13010011

Genetic diversity provides the long-term capacity of species, communities, and the biosphere to persist under change. It is a fundamental element of biodiversity that is globally declining, mainly in habitats that are more affected by humans [1]. The monitoring and maintenance of genetic diversity is crucial for the conservation of threatened populations and species [2,3]. Furthermore, genetic diversity can have consequences beyond population conservation. Low levels of genetic diversity may favor pathogen success and the spread of infectious diseases in communities [4,5]. Therefore, the maintenance of genetic diversity can also be considered a public health concern.

https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13010011

F. Millán M., Carranza J., Seoane J.M. et Pérez-González J. (2022) Forage quality of consecutive years interact to affect body condition, reproductive rate and rut phenology in Iberian red deer. PLoS ONE 17(12): e0278367. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0278367

Body condition for reproduction in capital breeders such as the red deer (Cervus elaphus) is mostly determined by their stored energy reserves. Thus, environmental conditions and resource availability may affect reproductive performance and breeding success. In warm Mediterranean regions, current climate change is driving to a hotter and drier scenario that is expected to affect the biology and dynamics of many populations. We examined the impact of these local climate variations on red deer body condition and the relationship with female reproductive phenology and breeding success. We used satellite information of landscape vegetation along with a 22-year data series of direct field behavioural observations during the rutting season in Doñana National Park (SW Spain). We analyzed faecal nitrogen content (FN) from faeces collected during the rut. We found that poor vegetation availability in drier years was related to worse body condition of deer (measured by FN) and a delay in the rutting season, which associated with lower reproductive rates (measured by the proportion of females with calves observed the next year). We also evidenced an interesting interaction between environmental conditions in consecutive years on the timing of breeding season, with timing of breeding being more delayed when previous year resource availability was high and many females bred, and the consecutive one was poor, so females hardly recovered condition and the rut occurred later. These findings highlight the carry-over effect of reproduction in capital breeders and the potential impact of climate-change conditions on red deer breeding.

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0278367

Broggini, C., Abril, N, Carranza, J & Membrillo, A. (2022) Evaluation of candidate reference genes for quantitative real‑time PCR normalization in blood from red deer developing antlers. scientific reports. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-20676-9

Sexual selection favors male traits that increase their ability to monopolize the breeding access to several females. Deer antlers are cranial appendages that regenerate annually in males. Throughout life, the phenology of antler growth advances and antler mass increases until the stag reaches, between 8 and 10 years old, maximum body mass and highest reproductive success. The molecular mechanisms of antler development are of great interest in both evolutionary and regenerative medicine studies. To minimize errors in the assessment of gene expression levels by qRT‑PCR, we analyzed the stability of a panel of eight candidate reference genes and concluded that qRT‑PCR normalization to three stable genes is strongly convenient in experiments performed in red deer antler blood. To validate our proposal, we compared the expression level of three genes linked to red deer antler growth (ANXA2, APOD and TPM1) in fifteen male red deer classified as young (up to 4 years old) and adults (4–6 years old). Our data confirms that B2M, ACTB and RPLP0 are valuable reference genes for future gene expression studies in red deer antler blood, which would provide increased insight into the effects of intrinsic factors that determine antler development in red deer

https://rdcu.be/cWw3c