Projects per year
Abstract
While we have some understanding of what makes a good breeding pond for newts, our knowledge is less comprehensive when it comes to the terrestrial habitat. Quality and composition of the landscape play a pivotal role in determining a species' potential to thrive. To gain a better understanding of how the landscape influences the genetic diversity and connectivity for newts, we conducted two studies. In both studies we considered the scale at which to assess the landscape, acknowledging that choosing only a single scale might miss certain landscape effects. The first study examined the influence of landscape features around breeding ponds on genetic diversity and effective population size of the Vulnerable (Flemish Red List) Great Crested Newt Triturus
cristatus. We investigated twelve spatially structured populations of Great Crested Newt across Flanders and one in Wallonia. We collected genetic information from these populations as well as data on the landscapes they inhabit. The land cover types studied here appeared to be mostly relevant on smaller spatial scales. Short distances between breeding ponds had a positive effect on genetic diversity, whereas the influence of other land cover types, such as woodland, arable land,
pastures and roads varied depending on scale and measure of genetic
diversity considered. In the second study, conducted in an area characterized
by agriculture and urban development, we explored the connectivity between subpopulations of the Great Crested Newt and the more abundant and widespread Smooth Newt Lissotriton vulgaris. Genetic differences and similarities between these two species became evident, with Great Crested Newt subpopulations appearing more isolated than those of Smooth Newt. However both species faced similar challenges, with landscape features like managed grasslands, posing barriers to gene flow. The intensively managed grassland lacked the structural heterogeneity necessary for newts. In conclusion, our studies elucidated the intricate relationship between newts and their habitat, emphasizing the importance of landscape features like closely spaced ponds
and spatial patchiness. These findings contribute to the development of effective conservation strategies for these species, ensuring their continued survival in the face of environmental challenges.
cristatus. We investigated twelve spatially structured populations of Great Crested Newt across Flanders and one in Wallonia. We collected genetic information from these populations as well as data on the landscapes they inhabit. The land cover types studied here appeared to be mostly relevant on smaller spatial scales. Short distances between breeding ponds had a positive effect on genetic diversity, whereas the influence of other land cover types, such as woodland, arable land,
pastures and roads varied depending on scale and measure of genetic
diversity considered. In the second study, conducted in an area characterized
by agriculture and urban development, we explored the connectivity between subpopulations of the Great Crested Newt and the more abundant and widespread Smooth Newt Lissotriton vulgaris. Genetic differences and similarities between these two species became evident, with Great Crested Newt subpopulations appearing more isolated than those of Smooth Newt. However both species faced similar challenges, with landscape features like managed grasslands, posing barriers to gene flow. The intensively managed grassland lacked the structural heterogeneity necessary for newts. In conclusion, our studies elucidated the intricate relationship between newts and their habitat, emphasizing the importance of landscape features like closely spaced ponds
and spatial patchiness. These findings contribute to the development of effective conservation strategies for these species, ensuring their continued survival in the face of environmental challenges.
Translated title of the contribution | Water dragons and newts on land: Unravelling the influence of the landscape through genetic information |
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Original language | Dutch |
Volume | 23 |
Issue number | 2 |
Pages (from-to) | 48-55 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Publication status | Published - Jun-2024 |
Thematic List 2020
- Protected nature
- Spatial developments
- Agriculture
Taxonomic list
- amphibians (Amphibia)
- newts and salamanders (Caudata)
Policy
- Habitats Directive
- spatial planning policy
- protected Flemish nature
- species directed nature management
Geographic list
- Flanders
Technological
- genetic technologies
- statistics and modelling
- fieldwork (observations and sampling)
Fingerprint
Dive into the research topics of 'Water dragons and newts on land: Unravelling the influence of the landscape through genetic information'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.Projects
- 1 Active
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Conservation and landscape genetics
Cox, K. (Project leader), Maes, D. (Cooperator), Mergeay, J. (Cooperator), Neyrinck, S. (Cooperator), Speybroeck, J. (Cooperator), Thomaes, A. (Cooperator), Van Breusegem, A. (Cooperator), Vanden Broeck, A. (Cooperator) & Verschaeve, L. (Cooperator)
1/01/20 → 31/12/29
Project: own initiative (position paper)
Research output
- 2 A1: Web of Science-article
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The common ground in landscape effects on gene flow in two newt species in an agroecosystem
Cox, K., Schepers, R., Van Breusegem, A. & Speybroeck, J., 2023, (E-pub ahead of print) In: Conservation Genetics.Research output: Contribution to journal › A1: Web of Science-article › peer-review
Open AccessFile511 Downloads (Pure) -
Scale-dependent effects of terrestrial habitat on genetic variation in the great crested newt (Triturus cristatus)
Cox, K., Denoël, M., Van Calster, H., Speybroeck, J., Van De Poel, S., Lewylle, I., Verschaeve, L., Van Breusegem, A., Halfmaerten, D., Adriaens, D. & Louette, G., 5-Jul-2021, In: Landscape Ecology. 36, 10, p. 3029-3048Research output: Contribution to journal › A1: Web of Science-article › peer-review
Open AccessFile1900 Downloads (Pure)