Genetic monitoring of swiss wildlife
Genetic Monitoring of Swiss Wildlife Using Multilocus Barcoding
Genetic barcoding is a method for identifying species based on the analysis of a short DNA fragment. It links an organism to its DNA sequence, much like a “barcode” that distinguishes each species. Generally, it relies on the analysis of a single marker, such as the gene encoding cytochrome oxidase I (COI) in most animals.
However, simple barcoding has limitations when it comes to assessing genetic diversity within a single species—an aspect that is nonetheless essential for conservation efforts, as this diversity plays a central role in populations’ ability to adapt to environmental changes by providing them with the evolutionary potential necessary for natural selection to take effect. To overcome this limitation, scientists at the Naturéum have developed an innovative methodology known as “multilocus.” This approach analyzes numerous DNA fragments simultaneously. To recover these fragments, a technique called hybridization capture is used, which acts like a set of specific fishing rods that isolate only the desired DNA fragments from a complex mixture.
Thanks to this method, a single protocol is sufficient to answer several questions at once: identifying species, understanding how they are related to one another, clarifying cases where their classification is uncertain, and describing how genetic diversity is distributed within populations. This approach was first implemented as part of the OrthoSwissBOL project, funded by info fauna, focusing on grasshopper and locust species found in Switzerland.
Recently published results show that the threat level assigned by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) does not necessarily correspond to the evolutionary potential of populations as identified by measuring their genetic diversity. Based on these findings, the project has been expanded to include another group of insects: stoneflies. The PlecoSwissBOL project is also funded by info fauna.
Project leaders: Nadir Alvarez, Jérémy Gauthier, Laurent Vuataz
