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A sturgeon view on conservation genetics

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Abstract

The order of Acipenseriformes (sturgeon and paddlefishes) contains the economic most valuable species in world trade: the producers of black caviar. Mainly because of their high economic value, sturgeon and paddlefishes were and are the goal of many conservation programs worldwide. In this review, I present some of the main conclusions that can be drawn from previous conservation efforts. My review is divided into two parts. The first part deals with species identification methods, which are necessary for international trade control (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora). Considering the outcome of all previous forensic studies, I conclude, firstly, it is necessary to use large sample sizes to avoid misinterpretation of possible diagnostic substitutions, and, secondly, the combination of both DNA types (mitochondrial and nuclear markers) is recommended for correct species identification. The second part deals with the influence of restocking/release programs on native populations. The outcome of previous stocking efforts indicates that, in most cases, stocking with nonnative specimens is economically nonsense because most translocation efforts failed. In addition, in cases where such efforts were successful, they influenced negatively the genotypic structure (inbreeding and outbreeding depressions) of native populations. In fact, nonnative stocking does jeopardize adaptation and blurs the genetic differences used to discriminate populations. Furthermore, if it is necessary to release individuals to avoid extinction, released specimens should be as young as possible (homing fidelity).

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Acknowledgements

This paper is dedicated to Professor Christian Pitra on the occasion of his 65th birthday, 29 April 2006. I met Christian Pitra for the first time during my diploma. He was not really interested in my research at this time. However, 7 years and a few joined publications in international high-ranked journals later, he invited me to move in his research group at the Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research. I always enjoyed his constructive pessimism during the whole time. What separates him from most other scientists is that he is not only intelligent, but has also a great strategic ability. Taken together, I am very thankful for his fruitful contributions to my research and his support for my habilitation. I wish him all the best for the future.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Evolutionary Genetics, Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Alfred-Kowalke-Str. 17, 10315, Berlin, Germany

    Arne Ludwig

  2. Institute for Animal Sciences, Breeding Biology and Molecular Genetics, Humboldt-University Berlin, Invalidenstraße 42, 10115, Berlin, Germany

    Arne Ludwig

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Correspondence to Arne Ludwig.

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Ludwig, A. A sturgeon view on conservation genetics. Eur J Wildl Res 52, 3–8 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10344-005-0006-2

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