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Genetic population structure of the Fire-bellied toad Bombina bombina in an area of high population density: implications for conservation

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Abstract

In this study, we report the genetic population structure of the Fire-bellied toad Bombina bombina in Brandenburg (East Germany) in the context of conservation. We analysed 298 samples originating from 11 populations in Brandenburg using mitochondrial control region sequences and six polymorphic microsatellite loci. For comparison, we included one population each from Poland and Ukraine into our analysis. Within Brandenburg, we detected a moderate variability in the mitochondrial control region (19 different haplotypes) and at microsatellite loci (9–12 alleles per locus). These polymorphisms revealed a clear population structure among toads in Brandenburg, despite a relatively high overall population density and the moderate size of single populations (100–2000 individuals). The overall genetic population structure is consistent with a postglacial colonization from South East-Europe and a subsequent population expansion. Based on genetic connectivity, we infer Management Units (MUs) as targets for conservation. Our genetic survey identified MUs, within which human infrastructure is currently preventing any genetic exchange. We also detect an unintentional translocation from South East to North West Brandenburg, presumably in the course of fish stocking activities. Provided suitable conservation measures are taken, Brandenburg should continue to harbor large populations of this critically endangered species.

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Acknowledgments

We thank Lisa Frenzel and all assistants of the Naturschutzstation Rhinluch, Caroline Göhler, Andreas Hagenguth, Michaela Heidenfelder, Kathrin Kraft, Frank Kuba, Andreas Krone, Gerhard Maetz, Gabi Matschke, Simone Pfautsch, Beate Schonert, Thorsten Schönbrodt, Frank Schröder and Annika Wiemann who supported us and helped with the field work. Special thanks to the private landowners Karl Winkelgrund and Ms. Höhne for their cooperation, help and interest. For lab assistance, we are grateful to Katja Havenstein and Anja Schneider. Funding was provided by the Ministerium für Wissenschaft, Forschung und Kultur Brandenburg and the University of Potsdam.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Unit of Evolutionary Biology/Systematic Zoology, Institute of Biochemistry and Biology, University of Potsdam, Karl-Liebknecht-Strasse 24-25, Haus 26, 14476, Potsdam, Germany

    N. Dolgener, C. Schröder & R. Tiedemann

  2. Naturschutzstation Rhinluch, Landesumweltamt Brandenburg, 16833, Linum, Germany

    N. Schneeweiss

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  1. N. Dolgener
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  2. C. Schröder
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  3. N. Schneeweiss
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  4. R. Tiedemann
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Correspondence to N. Dolgener.

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Guest editors: D. Boix, B. Oertli, R. Céréghino, T. Kalettka, J. Biggs & A. P. Hull / Pond Research and Management in Europe – Proceedings of the 4th conference of the European Pond Conservation Network (Berlin 2010)

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Dolgener, N., Schröder, C., Schneeweiss, N. et al. Genetic population structure of the Fire-bellied toad Bombina bombina in an area of high population density: implications for conservation. Hydrobiologia 689, 111–120 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10750-012-1016-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10750-012-1016-1

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