Hybridization rapidly reduces fitness of a native trout in the wild
Biology Letters
By: C.C. Muhlfeld, S.T. Kalinowski, T.E. McMahon, M.L. Taper, S. Painter, R.F. Leary, and F.W. Allendorf
Links
- More information: Publisher Index Page (via DOI)
- Open Access Version: External Repository
- Download citation as: RIS | Dublin Core
Abstract
Human-mediated hybridization is a leading cause of biodiversity loss worldwide. How hybridization affects fitness and what level of hybridization is permissible pose difficult conservation questions with little empirical information to guide policy and management decisions. This is particularly true for salmonids, where widespread introgression among non-native and native taxa has often created hybrid swarms over extensive geographical areas resulting in genomic extinction. Here, we used parentage analysis with multilocus microsatellite markers to measure how varying levels of genetic introgression with non-native rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) affect reproductive success (number of offspring per adult) of native westslope cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii lewisi) in the wild. Small amounts of hybridization markedly reduced fitness of male and female trout, with reproductive success sharply declining by approximately 50 per cent, with only 20 per cent admixture. Despite apparent fitness costs, our data suggest that hybridization may spread due to relatively high reproductive success of first-generation hybrids and high reproductive success of a few males with high levels of admixture. This outbreeding depression suggests that even low levels of admixture may have negative effects on fitness in the wild and that policies protecting hybridized populations may need reconsideration. ?? 2009 The Royal Society.
Suggested Citation
Muhlfeld, C., Kalinowski, S., McMahon, T., Taper, M., Painter, S., Leary, R., Allendorf, F., 2009, Hybridization rapidly reduces fitness of a native trout in the wild: Biology Letters, v. 5, no. 3, p. 328-331, https://doi.org/10.1098/rsbl.2009.0033.
| Publication type | Article |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Title | Hybridization rapidly reduces fitness of a native trout in the wild |
| Series title | Biology Letters |
| DOI | 10.1098/rsbl.2009.0033 |
| Volume | 5 |
| Issue | 3 |
| Publication Date | March 18, 2009 |
| Year Published | 2009 |
| Language | English |
| Larger Work Type | Article |
| Larger Work Subtype | Journal Article |
| Larger Work Title | Biology Letters |
| First page | 328 |
| Last page | 331 |