Microsatellites and mitochondrial evidence of multiple introductions of the invasive raccoon Procyon lotor in France

Jérémy Larroque; Pascale Chevret; Juliette Berger; Sandrine Ruette; Tim Adriaens; Koen Van Den Berge; Vinciane Schockert; François Léger; Géraldine Veron; Cécile Kaerle; Corinne Régis; Manon Gautrelet; Jean-François Maillard; Sébastien Devillard

doi:10.1007/s10530-023-03018-2

Microsatellites and mitochondrial evidence of multiple introductions of the invasive raccoon Procyon lotor in France

Jérémy Larroque
, Pascale Chevret
, Juliette Berger
, Sandrine Ruette
, Tim Adriaens
, Koen Van Den Berge
, Vinciane Schockert
, François Léger
, Géraldine Veron
, Cécile Kaerle
, Corinne Régis
, Manon Gautrelet
, Jean-François Maillard
, Sébastien Devillard

Research output: Contribution to journal › A1: Web of Science-article › peer-review

Abstract

Raccoons (Procyon lotor) are worldwide invaders, due to deliberate or accidental releases, and their impacts exceed hundred of billions of Euros in Europe only. In France, raccoons have currently established three separate, expanding populations. Identifying the current spatial genetic structure, dispersal events and phylogeography of these populations is needed to infer the invasion history and identify management units. We used wild and captive individuals sampled in France and Belgium to characterize the genetic diversity and current population genetic structure of French raccoon populations and identify potential genetic connectivity with the Belgium population using both mitochondrial DNA and microsatellite loci. Results confirm that French populations are the result of at least three independent introductions. While the three populations display low genetic diversity and sign of recent bottleneck, they are still expanding, suggesting that in addition to their ecological plasticity, the remaining genetic diversity is sufficient to successfully adapt to their new environment and allow a quick colonization. Particular attention must be given to the North-Eastern population, which shows genetic admixture with the Belgium population, as admixed individuals may exhibit hybrid vigor facilitating their expansion. The comparison of captive and wild individuals did not allow to identify a potential captive origin of the wild populations. The current regulation in France allowing captivity in zoos without enforcement to tighten the biosecurity of detention facilities might dampen any management measure as few introduced founders might be enough to create new populations.

Original language	English
Journal	Biological Invasions
Number of pages	18
ISSN	1573-1464
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1007/s10530-023-03018-2
Publication status	Published - 22-Feb-2023

Thematic List 2020

Invasive species
Wildlife management

Taxonomic list

carnivores (Carnivora)

Geographic list

Europe

Access to Document

10.1007/s10530-023-03018-2Licence: CC BY

4 Organisation and participation in conference, workshop, training, seminar, meeting

Online workshop on the management of invasive alien Procyon lotor
Adriaens, T. (Participant)
29-Jan-2025
Activity: Participating in or organising an event types › Organisation and participation in conference, workshop, training, seminar, meeting
Management of Alien Invasive Species: expert meeting raccoons
Adriaens, T. (Participant) & Strubbe, D. (Participant)
23-Sept-2024
Activity: Participating in or organising an event types › Organisation and participation in conference, workshop, training, seminar, meeting

File
2nd European Raccoon Colloquium
Adriaens, T. (Participant)
18-Apr-2024 → 20-Apr-2024
Activity: Participating in or organising an event types › Organisation and participation in conference, workshop, training, seminar, meeting

3 Active

Research into the management of Invasive Alien Species
Adriaens, T. (Project leader), Baert, K. (Cooperator), Casaer, J. (Cooperator), D'hondt, B. (Cooperator), De Knijf, G. (Cooperator), Denys, L. (Cooperator), Devisscher, S. (Cooperator), Hillaert, J. (Cooperator), Huysentruyt, F. (Cooperator), Leyssen, A. (Cooperator), Maex, B. (Cooperator), Mergeay, J. (Cooperator), Neukermans, A. (Cooperator), Packet, J. (Cooperator), Raepsaet, A. (Cooperator), Scheers, K. (Cooperator), Segal, M. (Cooperator), Speybroeck, J. (Cooperator), Steen, F. (Cooperator), Strubbe, D. (Cooperator), Stuyck, J. (Cooperator), Thoonen, M. (Cooperator), Van Den Berge, K. (Cooperator), Vandevoorde, B. (Cooperator), Vermeylen, M. (Cooperator) & van Doorn, L. (Cooperator)
21/12/17 → 31/12/27
Project: INBO
Monitoring invasive species in connection with the EU IAS Regulation: Coordination, preparation, implementation and follow-up
Adriaens, T. (Project leader), Belpaire, C. (Cooperator), Bezdenjesnji, O. (Cooperator), Bombaerts, D. (Cooperator), Breine, J. (Cooperator), Casaer, J. (Cooperator), Croonen, J.-P. (Cooperator), D'hondt, B. (Cooperator), De Beukelaer, J. (Cooperator), De Boeck, T. (Cooperator), De Bruyn, A. (Cooperator), De Bruyn, L. (Cooperator), De Groof, N. (Cooperator), De Regge, N. (Cooperator), Delva, S. (Cooperator), Dens, F. (Cooperator), Devisscher, S. (Cooperator), Dewit, M. (Cooperator), Froidmont, M. (Cooperator), Galle, L. (Cooperator), Hennebel, D. (Cooperator), Hessel, K. (Cooperator), Hillaert, J. (Cooperator), Huysentruyt, F. (Cooperator), Lambeens, I. (Cooperator), Lommelen, E. (Cooperator), Maes, Y. (Cooperator), Maesele, R. (Cooperator), Maex, B. (Cooperator), Mergeay, J. (Cooperator), Neukermans, A. (Cooperator), Pauwels, I. (Cooperator), Soors, J. (Cooperator), Speybroeck, J. (Cooperator), Strubbe, D. (Cooperator), Stuyck, J. (Cooperator), T'Jollyn, F. (Cooperator), Terrie, T. (Cooperator), Van Ballaert, S. (Cooperator), Van Calster, H. (Cooperator), Van Daele, T. (Cooperator), Van Den Berge, K. (Cooperator), Van Lierop, F. (Cooperator), Van Thuyne, G. (Cooperator), Vanden Houten, J. (Cooperator), Vercammen, J. (Cooperator), Verhaegen, Y. (Cooperator), Vernaillen, J. (Cooperator), Verreycken, H. (Cooperator), Verzelen, Y. (Cooperator), Westra, T. (Cooperator) & van Doorn, L. (Cooperator)
1/01/15 → 31/12/29
Project: INBO
The Marten Network
Gouwy, J. (Project leader), Baert, K. (Cooperator), Berlengee, F. (Cooperator), Casaer, J. (Cooperator), Dekeukeleire, D. (Cooperator), Piesschaert, F. (Cooperator), Schamp, K. (Cooperator), Van Den Berge, K. (Cooperator), Van Spaendonk, G. (Cooperator), Vansevenant, D. (Cooperator) & Verschelde, P. (Cooperator)
8/11/90 → 31/12/29
Project: INBO

2 Conference Abstract
2 Paper/Powerpoint/Abstract
1 Poster
1 A1: Web of Science-article

Raccoons in Flanders: current distribution, establishment, and implications for management
Strubbe, D., D'hondt, B. & Adriaens, T., 6-Feb-2026. 27 p.
Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper/Powerpoint/Abstract

Open Access
File
Microsatellites and mitochondrial evidence of multiple introductions of the invasive raccoon Procyon lotor in France
Larroque, J., Chevret, P., Berger, J., Ruette, S., Adriaens, T., Van Den Berge, K., Schockert, V., Léger, F., Veron, G., Kaerle, C., Régis, C., Gautrelet, M., Maillard, J.-F. & Devillard, S., 22-Feb-2023, 1st EUROPEAN RACCOON COLLOQUIUM BOOK OF ABSTRACTS: 2023 MARCH 16th and 17th LYON, FRANCE. LBBE – Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie Evolutive – France, p. 32 1 p.
Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Conference Abstract

Open Access
File
The emergence of raccoon in Flanders (Belgium)
D'hondt, B., Adriaens, T., Gouwy, J. & Van Den Berge, K., 16-Mar-2023, 1st EUROPEAN RACCOON COLLOQUIUM BOOK OF ABSTRACTS: 2023 MARCH 16th and 17th LYON, FRANCE. LBBE – Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie Evolutive – France, p. 24 1 p.
Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Conference Abstract

Open Access
File

Cite this

Larroque, J., Chevret, P., Berger, J., Ruette, S., Adriaens, T., Van Den Berge, K., Schockert, V., Léger, F., Veron, G., Kaerle, C., Régis, C., Gautrelet, M., Maillard, J.-F., & Devillard, S. (2023). Microsatellites and mitochondrial evidence of multiple introductions of the invasive raccoon Procyon lotor in France. Biological Invasions. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10530-023-03018-2

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title = "Microsatellites and mitochondrial evidence of multiple introductions of the invasive raccoon Procyon lotor in France",

abstract = "Raccoons (Procyon lotor) are worldwide invaders, due to deliberate or accidental releases, and their impacts exceed hundred of billions of Euros in Europe only. In France, raccoons have currently established three separate, expanding populations. Identifying the current spatial genetic structure, dispersal events and phylogeography of these populations is needed to infer the invasion history and identify management units. We used wild and captive individuals sampled in France and Belgium to characterize the genetic diversity and current population genetic structure of French raccoon populations and identify potential genetic connectivity with the Belgium population using both mitochondrial DNA and microsatellite loci. Results confirm that French populations are the result of at least three independent introductions. While the three populations display low genetic diversity and sign of recent bottleneck, they are still expanding, suggesting that in addition to their ecological plasticity, the remaining genetic diversity is sufficient to successfully adapt to their new environment and allow a quick colonization. Particular attention must be given to the North-Eastern population, which shows genetic admixture with the Belgium population, as admixed individuals may exhibit hybrid vigor facilitating their expansion. The comparison of captive and wild individuals did not allow to identify a potential captive origin of the wild populations. The current regulation in France allowing captivity in zoos without enforcement to tighten the biosecurity of detention facilities might dampen any management measure as few introduced founders might be enough to create new populations.",

author = "J{\'e}r{\'e}my Larroque and Pascale Chevret and Juliette Berger and Sandrine Ruette and Tim Adriaens and \{Van Den Berge\}, Koen and Vinciane Schockert and Fran{\c c}ois L{\'e}ger and G{\'e}raldine Veron and C{\'e}cile Kaerle and Corinne R{\'e}gis and Manon Gautrelet and Jean-Fran{\c c}ois Maillard and S{\'e}bastien Devillard",

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doi = "10.1007/s10530-023-03018-2",

language = "English",

journal = "Biological Invasions",

issn = "1573-1464",

publisher = "Springer Science+Business Media",

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TY - JOUR

T1 - Microsatellites and mitochondrial evidence of multiple introductions of the invasive raccoon Procyon lotor in France

AU - Larroque, Jérémy

AU - Chevret, Pascale

AU - Berger, Juliette

AU - Ruette, Sandrine

AU - Adriaens, Tim

AU - Van Den Berge, Koen

AU - Schockert, Vinciane

AU - Léger, François

AU - Veron, Géraldine

AU - Kaerle, Cécile

AU - Régis, Corinne

AU - Gautrelet, Manon

AU - Maillard, Jean-François

AU - Devillard, Sébastien

PY - 2023/2/22

Y1 - 2023/2/22

N2 - Raccoons (Procyon lotor) are worldwide invaders, due to deliberate or accidental releases, and their impacts exceed hundred of billions of Euros in Europe only. In France, raccoons have currently established three separate, expanding populations. Identifying the current spatial genetic structure, dispersal events and phylogeography of these populations is needed to infer the invasion history and identify management units. We used wild and captive individuals sampled in France and Belgium to characterize the genetic diversity and current population genetic structure of French raccoon populations and identify potential genetic connectivity with the Belgium population using both mitochondrial DNA and microsatellite loci. Results confirm that French populations are the result of at least three independent introductions. While the three populations display low genetic diversity and sign of recent bottleneck, they are still expanding, suggesting that in addition to their ecological plasticity, the remaining genetic diversity is sufficient to successfully adapt to their new environment and allow a quick colonization. Particular attention must be given to the North-Eastern population, which shows genetic admixture with the Belgium population, as admixed individuals may exhibit hybrid vigor facilitating their expansion. The comparison of captive and wild individuals did not allow to identify a potential captive origin of the wild populations. The current regulation in France allowing captivity in zoos without enforcement to tighten the biosecurity of detention facilities might dampen any management measure as few introduced founders might be enough to create new populations.

AB - Raccoons (Procyon lotor) are worldwide invaders, due to deliberate or accidental releases, and their impacts exceed hundred of billions of Euros in Europe only. In France, raccoons have currently established three separate, expanding populations. Identifying the current spatial genetic structure, dispersal events and phylogeography of these populations is needed to infer the invasion history and identify management units. We used wild and captive individuals sampled in France and Belgium to characterize the genetic diversity and current population genetic structure of French raccoon populations and identify potential genetic connectivity with the Belgium population using both mitochondrial DNA and microsatellite loci. Results confirm that French populations are the result of at least three independent introductions. While the three populations display low genetic diversity and sign of recent bottleneck, they are still expanding, suggesting that in addition to their ecological plasticity, the remaining genetic diversity is sufficient to successfully adapt to their new environment and allow a quick colonization. Particular attention must be given to the North-Eastern population, which shows genetic admixture with the Belgium population, as admixed individuals may exhibit hybrid vigor facilitating their expansion. The comparison of captive and wild individuals did not allow to identify a potential captive origin of the wild populations. The current regulation in France allowing captivity in zoos without enforcement to tighten the biosecurity of detention facilities might dampen any management measure as few introduced founders might be enough to create new populations.

U2 - 10.1007/s10530-023-03018-2

DO - 10.1007/s10530-023-03018-2

M3 - A1: Web of Science-article

SN - 1573-1464

JO - Biological Invasions

JF - Biological Invasions

ER -

Microsatellites and mitochondrial evidence of multiple introductions of the invasive raccoon Procyon lotor in France

Abstract

Thematic List 2020

Taxonomic list

Geographic list

Access to Document

Activities

Projects

Research output

Cite this