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Background <p>Effective population size (N<sub>e</sub>) is a fundamental parameter in conservation genetics, providing relevant information on the adaptability and long-term viability of populations. In contrast, wildlife management strategies, particularly for hunted species, often rely on estimates of abundance (N) without incorporating genetic data. Accounting for N<sub>e</sub> in wildlife management concepts could add important information on population viability, especially for species that are regulated mainly by humans. The iconic mountain dwelling chamois <i>(Rupicapra rupicapra</i>) is widespread throughout the Alps, and many populations are influenced by human activities, including hunting.</p> Results <p>We derived N<sub>e</sub> using genetic data from 16 microsatellite loci for two chamois populations in the Bavarian Alps, Germany. Estimates of N based on Bayesian spatial capture-recapture (SCR) from a previous study allowed us to calculate the N<sub>e</sub>/N ratio. N<sub>e</sub> values per generation in the two study areas were 514 (CI 342–949) and 179 (CI 129–266). Estimated median N<sub>e</sub>/N ratios were similar in both study areas but had large confidence intervals: 0.56 (CI 0.34–0.96) and 0.58 (CI 0.39–0.88). Confidence intervals of N<sub>e</sub> estimates varied between the two study areas, and sample size had a substantial influence on the precision of the estimates, as expected from previous studies. We discuss the challenges in obtaining robust N<sub>e</sub>/N estimates, which are crucial when N<sub>e</sub> and N are applied for conservation purposes.</p> Conclusion <p>N<sub>e</sub>/N ratios were similar between the two study areas, but confidence intervals were wide, reflecting substantial uncertainty. Even with extensive data, accurately estimating these ratios remains challenging, highlighting potential limitations for their use in population monitoring and management.</p>

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Effective population size and Ne/N ratio for two populations of Northern chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra) on the edge of the species’ distribution range

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

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  • 发表日期：

    2026年6月26日

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  • Susanne Jacobs,
  • Hendrik Edelhoff,
  • Cornelia Ebert,
  • Wibke Peters

摘要

Background

Effective population size (Ne) is a fundamental parameter in conservation genetics, providing relevant information on the adaptability and long-term viability of populations. In contrast, wildlife management strategies, particularly for hunted species, often rely on estimates of abundance (N) without incorporating genetic data. Accounting for Ne in wildlife management concepts could add important information on population viability, especially for species that are regulated mainly by humans. The iconic mountain dwelling chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra) is widespread throughout the Alps, and many populations are influenced by human activities, including hunting.

Results

We derived Ne using genetic data from 16 microsatellite loci for two chamois populations in the Bavarian Alps, Germany. Estimates of N based on Bayesian spatial capture-recapture (SCR) from a previous study allowed us to calculate the Ne/N ratio. Ne values per generation in the two study areas were 514 (CI 342–949) and 179 (CI 129–266). Estimated median Ne/N ratios were similar in both study areas but had large confidence intervals: 0.56 (CI 0.34–0.96) and 0.58 (CI 0.39–0.88). Confidence intervals of Ne estimates varied between the two study areas, and sample size had a substantial influence on the precision of the estimates, as expected from previous studies. We discuss the challenges in obtaining robust Ne/N estimates, which are crucial when Ne and N are applied for conservation purposes.

Conclusion

Ne/N ratios were similar between the two study areas, but confidence intervals were wide, reflecting substantial uncertainty. Even with extensive data, accurately estimating these ratios remains challenging, highlighting potential limitations for their use in population monitoring and management.