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Evidence-based management is a term introduced to the field of conservation in the 1990s. As research and scientific thinking evolve, terminology and methodology of an evidence-based approach should also progress. Evaluating the evidence-base behind conservation and management methods is crucial to ensure they are effective and not based on potentially misleading factors such as tradition, personal experience, or accepted dogmas. In this thesis, a literature search was performed to investigate the scientific support behind two common management methods of the critically endangered European eel (Anguilla anguilla): restocking and restoring migration routes. The 39 articles reviewed demonstrate the diversity of parameters investigated within restocking and restoring migration routes and highlight the difficulties posed by the knowledge gaps in the European eel's lifecycle. Installed fish passages, one type of management measure to restore migration routes, are seldom evaluated for efficiency once operating and restocking has yet to show a net benefit for the population as a whole. While the scientific foundation of the management methods on a local scale may work as intended, it will take many years before results can be validated for the whole European eel population.

Im Moosbach (Mariastein, Österreich) wurde im Zuge einer geplanten Renaturierung ein bislang unbekanntes Vorkommen von Edelkrebsen (Astacus astacus) entdeckt. Um die Population zu untersuchen, wurden Reusen ausgelegt. Die gefangenen Krebse wurden gezählt und vermessen. Es zeigt sich, dass es sich um einen sehr kleinen und überalterten Bestand handelt, der möglicherweise ein Relikt einer einst größeren Population darstellt. Das Fehlen der jüngeren Jahrgänge deutet auf eine fehlende Reproduktion hin und wirft die Frage nach dem langfristigen Überleben der Edelkrebse im Moosbach auf. Die ökomorphologische Kartierung sowie physikalische und chemische Messungen konnten nachweisen, dass der Moosbach zumindest abschnittsweise ein geeignetes Habitat für Flusskrebse ist. Die durchgeführten Renaturierungsmaßnahmen konnten stellenweise den Zustand noch verbessern. Empfohlen wird in Zukunft die Herstellung eines geschlossenen Ufergehölzstreifens sowie die Schaffung von mehr Versteckmöglichkeiten. Um den Bestand des Edelkrebses im Moosbach zu sichern, könnte er mit Krebsen aus einem Donorgewässer gestärkt werden. Nach eingehender Analyse wäre der Hechtsee (Kufstein, Österreich) dafür geeignet, jedoch sind dazu noch weitere Forschungen erforderlich., A previously unknown occurrence of noble crayfish (Astacus astacus) was discovered in the Moosbach river (Mariastein, Austria) as part of a planned renaturation. Traps were set up to study the population. The crayfish caught were counted and measured. It turns out that this is a very small and over-aged population, which may represent a relic of a once larger population. The absence of younger crayfish indicates a lack of reproduction and raises the question of the long-term survival of the noble crayfish in the Moosbach. Ecomorphological mapping as well as physical and chemical measurements were able to demonstrate that the Moosbach is, at least in sections, a suitable habitat for crayfish. The renaturation measures carried out were able to improve the conditions in some places. In the future, it is recommended to create a closed strip of trees along the banks as well as more hiding places. In order to secure the population of the noble crayfish in the Moosbach, it could be strengthened with crayfish from a donor body of water. According to detailed analysis, the Hechtsee (Kufstein, Austria) would be suitable for this, but further research is still required., eingereicht von Mag. Georg Konrad Neulinger, in englischer Sprache, Diplomarbeit Universität Innsbruck 2024

Supporting fish populations by restocking with artificially bred young fish is a common practice worldwide, which may sometimes have a negative effect on natural genetic diversity. In this study, the currently ongoing restocking program of brown trout (Salmo trutta Linnaeus, 1758) in the subarctic Pasvik river in Norway was investigated. Previous investigations of this population showed a loss of genetic diversity and both genetic and morphological differentiation between historical breeding stocks and wild trout populations. However, the genetic impact of the breeding program used in this river today has never been investigated. To accomplish this, I compared the parent fish, the offspring, and fish caught in the river using 16 short tandem repeat loci and estimated pairwise relatedness, inbreeding, genetic distances, and differentiation. The results showed, by estimating the effective population size, that the number of parents used in the breeding program was generally insufficient to maintain a genetically sustainable river population. Further, genetic diversity in stocked fish was typically not maximized due to lack of performing all possible crossings between males and females. In combination, this induced genetic drift in the offspring generations and thus genetic differentiation away from the river populations. In summary, the results from this study show that the current stocking practises used in the Pasvik river are not sustainable and that measures need to be taken to prevent continued loss of genetic diversity in this large-growing trout population.

The Mar Menor is a hypersaline coastal lagoon representing one of the most iconic natural areas in Southeastern Spain. However, it has suffered several catastrophic environmental events causing an exceptional eutrophication status. A study was performed to assess the recruitment of oysters in the Mar Menor, determine their taxonomic allocation and evaluate functionality in filtration and growth A total of 45 spat collectors were installed in June 2020 and posteriorly retrieved in October 2020. In total, 3431 oyster recruits were counted. Two species of oyster Ostrea edulis and O. stentina, inhabit the Mar Menor, but they are indistinguishable at the morphological level when they are small. Thus, a genetic tool was developed to identify both species. From a total of 90 oyster recruits, 95% of them corresponded to O. stentina. Finally, growth rate and clearance measurements were conducted on 661 oysters over 6 months under laboratory conditions to explore their possible use in the bioremediation of the lagoon.

Supporting fish populations by restocking with artificially bred young fish is a common practice worldwide, which may sometimes have a negative effect on natural genetic diversity. In this study, the currently ongoing restocking program of brown trout (Salmo trutta Linnaeus, 1758) in the subarctic Pasvik river in Norway was investigated. Previous investigations of this population showed a loss of genetic diversity and both genetic and morphological differentiation between historical breeding stocks and wild trout populations. However, the genetic impact of the breeding program used in this river today has never been investigated. To accomplish this, I compared the parent fish, the offspring, and fish caught in the river using 16 short tandem repeat loci and estimated pairwise relatedness, inbreeding, genetic distances, and differentiation. The results showed, by estimating the effective population size, that the number of parents used in the breeding program was generally insufficient to maintain a genetically sustainable river population. Further, genetic diversity in stocked fish was typically not maximized due to lack of performing all possible crossings between males and females. In combination, this induced genetic drift in the offspring generations and thus genetic differentiation away from the river populations. In summary, the results from this study show that the current stocking practises used in the Pasvik river are not sustainable and that measures need to be taken to prevent continued loss of genetic diversity in this large-growing trout population.

[ES] La despoblación del medio rural es uno de los problemas demográficos más importantes en el territorio español. Una gran cantidad del país está formado por pequeños municipios, que han llegado a tal contracción socio-laboral que su supervivencia a medio-plazo no queda asegurada. Sin embargo, esta realidad no es percibida del mismo modo por todos los habitantes de un mismo medio, ya que los movimientos migratorios han generado poblaciones heterogéneas que dialogan con su entorno de forma dispar. Cada uno de ellos subjetiva este fenómeno, teniendo unas necesidades diferentes en base a lo que han conocido durante el transcurso de su línea vital. Ante esta situación de crisis, la retrospectiva de las utopías urbanas de los años 60 servirán de base para la proposición conceptual de un proyecto de regeneración urbana, que más allá de procurar el parcheo instantáneo del problema, establezca unas bases continuas para el proceso de repoblación., [EN] Rural environment depopulation is one of the most significant demographic issues in Spain. A large extension of the country is made up of small towns, which have reached such a socio-labour contraction and therefore, its survival in the medium term is not assured. However, this reality is not noticed in the same perspectives by all the same environment inhabitants since migratory movements have generated heterogeneous populations that dialogue with their environment in different ways. Each one of them subjectifies this phenomenon, having different needs based on what they have known during the course of their vital line. Against this crisis situation, the retrospective of the 1960s urban utopias will serve as the basis for the conceptual proposal of an urban regeneration project, which, beyond providing an instantaneous patchwork of the problem, will establish a continuous basis for the repopulation process.

Parentage assignment with genomic markers provides an opportunity to monitor salmon restocking programs. Most of the time, it is used to study the fate of hatchery-born fish in those programs, as well as the genetic impacts of restocking. In such analyses, only fish that are assigned to their parents are considered. In the Garonne-Dordogne river basin in France, native salmon have disappeared, and supportive breeding is being used to try to reinstate a self-sustained population. It is therefore of primary importance to assess the numbers of wild-born returning salmon, which could appear as wrongly assigned or not assigned, depending on the power of the marker set and on the size of the mating plan. We used the genotypes at nine microsatellites of the 5800 hatchery broodstock which were used from 2008 to 2014, and of 884 upstream migrating fish collected from 2008 to 2016, to assess our ability to identify wild-born salmon. We simulated genotypes of hatchery fish and wild-born fish and assessed how they were identified by the parentage assignment software Accurassign. We showed that 98.7% of the fish assigned within the recorded mating plan could be considered hatchery fish, while 93.3% of the fish in other assignment categories (assigned out of the mating plan, assigned to several parent pairs, not assigned) could be considered wild-born. Using a Bayesian approach, we showed that 31.3% of the 457 upstream migrating fish sampled from 2014 to 2016 were wild-born. This approach is thus efficient to identify wild-born fish in a restoration program. It remains dependent on the quality of the recording of the mating plan, which we showed was rather good (<5% mistakes) in this program. To limit this potential dependence, an increase in the number of markers genotyped (17 instead of 9) is now being implemented.

[ES] La despoblación del medio rural es uno de los problemas demográficos más importantes en el territorio español. Una gran cantidad del país está formado por pequeños municipios, que han llegado a tal contracción socio-laboral que su supervivencia a medio-plazo no queda asegurada. Sin embargo, esta realidad no es percibida del mismo modo por todos los habitantes de un mismo medio, ya que los movimientos migratorios han generado poblaciones heterogéneas que dialogan con su entorno de forma dispar. Cada uno de ellos subjetiva este fenómeno, teniendo unas necesidades diferentes en base a lo que han conocido durante el transcurso de su línea vital. Ante esta situación de crisis, la retrospectiva de las utopías urbanas de los años 60 servirán de base para la proposición conceptual de un proyecto de regeneración urbana, que más allá de procurar el parcheo instantáneo del problema, establezca unas bases continuas para el proceso de repoblación., [EN] Rural environment depopulation is one of the most significant demographic issues in Spain. A large extension of the country is made up of small towns, which have reached such a socio-labour contraction and therefore, its survival in the medium term is not assured. However, this reality is not noticed in the same perspectives by all the same environment inhabitants since migratory movements have generated heterogeneous populations that dialogue with their environment in different ways. Each one of them subjectifies this phenomenon, having different needs based on what they have known during the course of their vital line. Against this crisis situation, the retrospective of the 1960s urban utopias will serve as the basis for the conceptual proposal of an urban regeneration project, which, beyond providing an instantaneous patchwork of the problem, will establish a continuous basis for the repopulation process.

Common practices in current game management are wetland restoration and creation, as well as releases of quarry species. We studied the impact of releases of mallard ducklings on species richness of wild waterbirds and amphibians on three types of wetlands: natural, constructed and restored. Data on species richness, macrophyte cover and water characteristics (total phosphorous and pH) were collected at 32 sites in an agricultural landscape in southern Sweden. In total, 14 species of waterbirds were recorded, ranging from zero to seven per wetland and survey. Amphibians were present in 24 of the 32 wetlands; in total five species were found, ranging from zero to three per wetland. By using generalized linear modelling we found that wetland type best predicted waterbird species richness. Constructed wetlands had significantly more waterbird species, regardless of whether they were used for mallard releases or not. There were breeding amphibians in 62% of natural, 100% of restored and 77% of constructed wetlands. Breeding amphibians were present in 84% of wetlands without, and in 62% of wetlands with releases. However, included variables did not explain amphibian species richness in the wetlands. Releasing large numbers of mallards on a wetland and providing food ad libitum is likely to affect water quality, nutrient availability and predation pressure. Indeed, phosphorous levels were significantly higher in release wetlands, but no differences were found between wetland types.This means that mallard releases may increase nutrient loads in environments that are already eutrophied. However, in our study system releases did not influence species richness of waterbirds and amphibians locally. Constructing wetlands for mallard releases can thus have positive local effects on species richness.

More than three million farmed mallards are released annually for hunting purposes in Europe. The ecological impact of these releases depends on how many birds survive to join the wild breeding population. We estimated annual survival in farmed-released and wild-caught Swedish mallards, using mark-recapture data. In 2011–2018, we ringed 13,533 farmed ducklings before release (26.5% recovered). Most recoveries were birds shot at the release site, while only about 4% were found >3 km away. In 2002–2018, 19,820 wild mallards were ringed in Sweden, yielding 1369 (6.9%) recoveries. Like in farmed-released birds, most recoveries were by hunting, but 91.1% of recovered wild mallards were >3 km away from the ringing site. Annual survival rate in farmed-released mallards (ringed as pulli) was 0.02. In wild mallards (ringed as fledged or fully grown), annual survival was lower in females (0.64) than in males (0.71). At two sites in 2018, farmed ducklings were released in two batches 3 weeks apart to study the effect of early versus late release date, while controlling for body condition (BCI). Ducklings released early had a higher BCI and were recovered earlier (lower longevity) than those released late. Individual BCI and longevity were not correlated in recovered ducklings. Based on our estimate of annual survival in farmed-released mallards, a substantial number, i.e., 5000 (95% CI, 3040–6960), join the wild population annually. Despite being fed, a large proportion of released ducklings does not survive until the hunting season. Early releases may maximize pre-hunting survival. Repeated releases may prolong hunting opportunities and increase hunting bags.

Background:Preserving the genetic diversity of wild fish is an important consideration for restocking programs, as inbreeding can compromise progeny survival as well as impact the resilience of natural populations. Objective: To evaluate the influence of spawning method: semi-natural (SN) or strip-spawning (ST), and the number of breeders (1♀:3♂ and 2♀:6♂) on the reproductive efficiency and genetic diversity of B. orbignyanus progeny destined for restoration of wild stocks. Methods: Rates of fertilization, hatching and broodfish mortality were recorded. For genetic evaluations (allele frequency, observed and expected heterozygosity, Shannon index, inbreeding coefficient, molecular variance analysis, and genetic differentiation), breeders (n=24), and their progenies (90 larvae/treatment) were sampled and analyzed using eight microsatellite markers. Results: Higher fertilization and hatching rates, and lower broodfish mortality were observed for the SN method (p<0.05), whereas the number of breeders did not affect these parameters (p>0.05). Interaction between spawning method and number of breeders was not significant (p>0.05). The amplified microsatellite loci produced a total of 30 alleles, with sizes between 80 and 225 bp and their frequencies indicated an increase (p<0.05) of genetic diversity in the progenies, but low genetic differentiation between treatments (p>0.05). Conclusion: The spawning methods and number of breeders tested increased equally the genetic diversity of the progeny, with low genetic differentiation between treatments. In contrast, rates of fertilization, hatching and brood fish mortality revealed that the SN method resulted in the best reproductive efficiency due to the handling stress and injuries caused by ST. Thus, SN proves to be the most suitable spawning-method for B. orbignyanus in restocking programs., Antecedentes: A manutenção da diversidade genética dos peixes selvagens é uma importante consideração para programas de repovoamento, já que a endogamia pode comprometer a sobrevivência da progênie, além de impactar na resiliência das populações naturais. Objetivo: Avaliar a influência do método de desova (semi-natural – SN ou por extrusão – ST) e número de reprodutores (1♀:3♂ e 2♀:6♂) na eficiência reprodutiva e na diversidade genética de progênie de B. orbignyanus destinados à recuperação de estoques selvagens. Métodos: Taxas de fertilização, eclosão e mortalidade de reprodutores foram monitorados. Para avaliações genéticas (frequências alélicas, heterozigosidade observada e esperada, índice de Shannon, coeficiente de endogamia, análise de variância molecular e diferenciação genética), reprodutores (n=24) e sua progênie (90 larvas/tratamento) foram amostrados e analisados utilizando oito marcadores microssatélites. Resultados: Interação entre método de desova e número de reprodutores não foi significante (p>0,05). Melhores taxas de fertilização e eclosão (p<0,05), e menor (p<0,05) mortalidade de reprodutores foram observados para o método SN, enquanto que o número de reprodutores não afetou esses parâmetros (p>0,05). Os loci microssatélites amplificados produziram um total de 30 alelos, com tamanhos entre 80 e 225 pb e suas frequências indicaram aumento (p<0,05) da diversidade genética nas progênies, mas baixa diferenciação genética entre os tratamentos (p>0,05). Conclusão: Os métodos de desova e números de reprodutores avaliados aumentaram igualmente a diversidade genética das progênies, com baixa diferenciação genética entre tratamentos. Em contraste, as taxas de fecundação, eclosão e mortalidade de reprodutores revelaram que SN obteve a melhor eficiência reprodutiva, fato relacionado com o estresse de manipulação e injurias causadas por ST. Por isso, SN se mostrou como o método de desova mais adequado para B. orbignyanus em programas de repovoamento., Antecedentes: Mantener la diversidad genética de los peces salvajes es una consideración importante para los programas de repoblación, ya que la endogamia puede comprometer la supervivencia de la progenie y afectar la supervivencia de las poblaciones naturales. Objetivo: Evaluar la influencia del método de desove (seminatural - SN o en franjas - ST) y el número de reproductores (1♀:3♂ y 2♀:6♂) sobre la eficiencia reproductiva y la diversidad genética de progenies de B. orbignyanusdestinados a la restauración de poblaciones silvestres. Métodos: Se monitorearon las tasas de fertilización, eclosión y mortalidad de reproductores. Para las evaluaciones genéticas (frecuencias alélicas, heterocigosidad observada y esperada, índice de Shannon, coeficiente de endogamia, análisis de varianza molecular y diferenciación genética) los reproductores (n=24) y su progenie (90 larvas/tratamiento) se muestrearon y analizaron utilizando ocho marcadores microsatélites. Resultados: La interacción entre el método de desove y el número de reproductores no fue significativa (p>0,05). Se obtuvieron mejores tasas de fecundación y eclosión (p<0,05), y una menor mortalidad de reproductores (p<0,05) con el método SN, mientras que el número de reproductores no tuvo efecto (p>0,05). Los loci de microsatélites amplificados produjeron un total de 30 alelos con tamaños entre 80 y 225 pb, y sus frecuencias indicaron un aumento (p<0,05) en la diversidad genética de las progenies, pero una baja diferenciación genética entre tratamientos (p>0,05). Conclusión: Los métodos de desove y el número de reproductores evaluados aumentaron de la misma manera la diversidad genética de las progenies, con baja diferenciación genética entre tratamientos. En contraste, las tasas de fecundación, eclosión y mortalidad de peces reproductores revelaron que el SN tuvo la mejor eficiencia reproductiva, un hecho relacionado con el estrés del manejo y las lesiones causadas por el ST. Por lo tanto, el SN demuestra ser el métod

Parentage assignment with genomic markers provides an opportunity to monitor salmon restocking programs. Most of the time, it is used to study the fate of hatchery-born fish in those programs, as well as the genetic impacts of restocking. In such analyses, only fish that are assigned to their parents are considered. In the Garonne-Dordogne river basin in France, native salmon have disappeared, and supportive breeding is being used to try to reinstate a self-sustained population. It is therefore of primary importance to assess the numbers of wild-born returning salmon, which could appear as wrongly assigned or not assigned, depending on the power of the marker set and on the size of the mating plan. We used the genotypes at nine microsatellites of the 5800 hatchery broodstock which were used from 2008 to 2014, and of 884 upstream migrating fish collected from 2008 to 2016, to assess our ability to identify wild-born salmon. We simulated genotypes of hatchery fish and wild-born fish and assessed how they were identified by the parentage assignment software Accurassign. We showed that 98.7% of the fish assigned within the recorded mating plan could be considered hatchery fish, while 93.3% of the fish in other assignment categories (assigned out of the mating plan, assigned to several parent pairs, not assigned) could be considered wild-born. Using a Bayesian approach, we showed that 31.3% of the 457 upstream migrating fish sampled from 2014 to 2016 were wild-born. This approach is thus efficient to identify wild-born fish in a restoration program. It remains dependent on the quality of the recording of the mating plan, which we showed was rather good (<5% mistakes) in this program. To limit this potential dependence, an increase in the number of markers genotyped (17 instead of 9) is now being implemented.

Common practices in current game management are wetland restoration and creation, as well as releases of quarry species. We studied the impact of releases of mallard ducklings on species richness of wild waterbirds and amphibians on three types of wetlands: natural, constructed and restored. Data on species richness, macrophyte cover and water characteristics (total phosphorous and pH) were collected at 32 sites in an agricultural landscape in southern Sweden. In total, 14 species of waterbirds were recorded, ranging from zero to seven per wetland and survey. Amphibians were present in 24 of the 32 wetlands; in total five species were found, ranging from zero to three per wetland. By using generalized linear modelling we found that wetland type best predicted waterbird species richness. Constructed wetlands had significantly more waterbird species, regardless of whether they were used for mallard releases or not. There were breeding amphibians in 62% of natural, 100% of restored and 77% of constructed wetlands. Breeding amphibians were present in 84% of wetlands without, and in 62% of wetlands with releases. However, included variables did not explain amphibian species richness in the wetlands. Releasing large numbers of mallards on a wetland and providing food ad libitum is likely to affect water quality, nutrient availability and predation pressure. Indeed, phosphorous levels were significantly higher in release wetlands, but no differences were found between wetland types.This means that mallard releases may increase nutrient loads in environments that are already eutrophied. However, in our study system releases did not influence species richness of waterbirds and amphibians locally. Constructing wetlands for mallard releases can thus have positive local effects on species richness.

Common practices in current game management are wetland restoration and creation, as well as releases of quarry species. We studied the impact of releases of mallard ducklings on species richness of wild waterbirds and amphibians on three types of wetlands: natural, constructed and restored. Data on species richness, macrophyte cover and water characteristics (total phosphorous and pH) were collected at 32 sites in an agricultural landscape in southern Sweden. In total, 14 species of waterbirds were recorded, ranging from zero to seven per wetland and survey. Amphibians were present in 24 of the 32 wetlands; in total five species were found, ranging from zero to three per wetland. By using generalized linear modelling we found that wetland type best predicted waterbird species richness. Constructed wetlands had significantly more waterbird species, regardless of whether they were used for mallard releases or not. There were breeding amphibians in 62% of natural, 100% of restored and 77% of constructed wetlands. Breeding amphibians were present in 84% of wetlands without, and in 62% of wetlands with releases. However, included variables did not explain amphibian species richness in the wetlands. Releasing large numbers of mallards on a wetland and providing food ad libitum is likely to affect water quality, nutrient availability and predation pressure. Indeed, phosphorous levels were significantly higher in release wetlands, but no differences were found between wetland types.This means that mallard releases may increase nutrient loads in environments that are already eutrophied. However, in our study system releases did not influence species richness of waterbirds and amphibians locally. Constructing wetlands for mallard releases can thus have positive local effects on species richness.

More than three million farmed mallards are released annually for hunting purposes in Europe. The ecological impact of these releases depends on how many birds survive to join the wild breeding population. We estimated annual survival in farmed-released and wild-caught Swedish mallards, using mark-recapture data. In 2011–2018, we ringed 13,533 farmed ducklings before release (26.5% recovered). Most recoveries were birds shot at the release site, while only about 4% were found >3 km away. In 2002–2018, 19,820 wild mallards were ringed in Sweden, yielding 1369 (6.9%) recoveries. Like in farmed-released birds, most recoveries were by hunting, but 91.1% of recovered wild mallards were >3 km away from the ringing site. Annual survival rate in farmed-released mallards (ringed as pulli) was 0.02. In wild mallards (ringed as fledged or fully grown), annual survival was lower in females (0.64) than in males (0.71). At two sites in 2018, farmed ducklings were released in two batches 3 weeks apart to study the effect of early versus late release date, while controlling for body condition (BCI). Ducklings released early had a higher BCI and were recovered earlier (lower longevity) than those released late. Individual BCI and longevity were not correlated in recovered ducklings. Based on our estimate of annual survival in farmed-released mallards, a substantial number, i.e., 5000 (95% CI, 3040–6960), join the wild population annually. Despite being fed, a large proportion of released ducklings does not survive until the hunting season. Early releases may maximize pre-hunting survival. Repeated releases may prolong hunting opportunities and increase hunting bags.

More than three million farmed mallards are released annually for hunting purposes in Europe. The ecological impact of these releases depends on how many birds survive to join the wild breeding population. We estimated annual survival in farmed-released and wild-caught Swedish mallards, using mark-recapture data. In 2011–2018, we ringed 13,533 farmed ducklings before release (26.5% recovered). Most recoveries were birds shot at the release site, while only about 4% were found >3 km away. In 2002–2018, 19,820 wild mallards were ringed in Sweden, yielding 1369 (6.9%) recoveries. Like in farmed-released birds, most recoveries were by hunting, but 91.1% of recovered wild mallards were >3 km away from the ringing site. Annual survival rate in farmed-released mallards (ringed as pulli) was 0.02. In wild mallards (ringed as fledged or fully grown), annual survival was lower in females (0.64) than in males (0.71). At two sites in 2018, farmed ducklings were released in two batches 3 weeks apart to study the effect of early versus late release date, while controlling for body condition (BCI). Ducklings released early had a higher BCI and were recovered earlier (lower longevity) than those released late. Individual BCI and longevity were not correlated in recovered ducklings. Based on our estimate of annual survival in farmed-released mallards, a substantial number, i.e., 5000 (95% CI, 3040–6960), join the wild population annually. Despite being fed, a large proportion of released ducklings does not survive until the hunting season. Early releases may maximize pre-hunting survival. Repeated releases may prolong hunting opportunities and increase hunting bags.

Parentage assignment with genomic markers provides an opportunity to monitor salmon restocking programs. Most of the time, it is used to study the fate of hatchery-born fish in those programs, as well as the genetic impacts of restocking. In such analyses, only fish that are assigned to their parents are considered. In the Garonne-Dordogne river basin in France, native salmon have disappeared, and supportive breeding is being used to try to reinstate a self-sustained population. It is therefore of primary importance to assess the numbers of wild-born returning salmon, which could appear as wrongly assigned or not assigned, depending on the power of the marker set and on the size of the mating plan. We used the genotypes at nine microsatellites of the 5800 hatchery broodstock which were used from 2008 to 2014, and of 884 upstream migrating fish collected from 2008 to 2016, to assess our ability to identify wild-born salmon. We simulated genotypes of hatchery fish and wild-born fish and assessed how they were identified by the parentage assignment software Accurassign. We showed that 98.7% of the fish assigned within the recorded mating plan could be considered hatchery fish, while 93.3% of the fish in other assignment categories (assigned out of the mating plan, assigned to several parent pairs, not assigned) could be considered wild-born. Using a Bayesian approach, we showed that 31.3% of the 457 upstream migrating fish sampled from 2014 to 2016 were wild-born. This approach is thus efficient to identify wild-born fish in a restoration program. It remains dependent on the quality of the recording of the mating plan, which we showed was rather good (<5% mistakes) in this program. To limit this potential dependence, an increase in the number of markers genotyped (17 instead of 9) is now being implemented.

Common practices in current game management are wetland restoration and creation, as well as releases of quarry species. We studied the impact of releases of mallard ducklings on species richness of wild waterbirds and amphibians on three types of wetlands: natural, constructed and restored. Data on species richness, macrophyte cover and water characteristics (total phosphorous and pH) were collected at 32 sites in an agricultural landscape in southern Sweden. In total, 14 species of waterbirds were recorded, ranging from zero to seven per wetland and survey. Amphibians were present in 24 of the 32 wetlands; in total five species were found, ranging from zero to three per wetland. By using generalized linear modelling we found that wetland type best predicted waterbird species richness. Constructed wetlands had significantly more waterbird species, regardless of whether they were used for mallard releases or not. There were breeding amphibians in 62% of natural, 100% of restored and 77% of constructed wetlands. Breeding amphibians were present in 84% of wetlands without, and in 62% of wetlands with releases. However, included variables did not explain amphibian species richness in the wetlands. Releasing large numbers of mallards on a wetland and providing food ad libitum is likely to affect water quality, nutrient availability and predation pressure. Indeed, phosphorous levels were significantly higher in release wetlands, but no differences were found between wetland types.This means that mallard releases may increase nutrient loads in environments that are already eutrophied. However, in our study system releases did not influence species richness of waterbirds and amphibians locally. Constructing wetlands for mallard releases can thus have positive local effects on species richness.

More than three million farmed mallards are released annually for hunting purposes in Europe. The ecological impact of these releases depends on how many birds survive to join the wild breeding population. We estimated annual survival in farmed-released and wild-caught Swedish mallards, using mark-recapture data. In 2011–2018, we ringed 13,533 farmed ducklings before release (26.5% recovered). Most recoveries were birds shot at the release site, while only about 4% were found >3 km away. In 2002–2018, 19,820 wild mallards were ringed in Sweden, yielding 1369 (6.9%) recoveries. Like in farmed-released birds, most recoveries were by hunting, but 91.1% of recovered wild mallards were >3 km away from the ringing site. Annual survival rate in farmed-released mallards (ringed as pulli) was 0.02. In wild mallards (ringed as fledged or fully grown), annual survival was lower in females (0.64) than in males (0.71). At two sites in 2018, farmed ducklings were released in two batches 3 weeks apart to study the effect of early versus late release date, while controlling for body condition (BCI). Ducklings released early had a higher BCI and were recovered earlier (lower longevity) than those released late. Individual BCI and longevity were not correlated in recovered ducklings. Based on our estimate of annual survival in farmed-released mallards, a substantial number, i.e., 5000 (95% CI, 3040–6960), join the wild population annually. Despite being fed, a large proportion of released ducklings does not survive until the hunting season. Early releases may maximize pre-hunting survival. Repeated releases may prolong hunting opportunities and increase hunting bags.

Background:Preserving the genetic diversity of wild fish is an important consideration for restocking programs, as inbreeding can compromise progeny survival as well as impact the resilience of natural populations. Objective: To evaluate the influence of spawning method: semi-natural (SN) or strip-spawning (ST), and the number of breeders (1♀:3♂ and 2♀:6♂) on the reproductive efficiency and genetic diversity of B. orbignyanus progeny destined for restoration of wild stocks. Methods: Rates of fertilization, hatching and broodfish mortality were recorded. For genetic evaluations (allele frequency, observed and expected heterozygosity, Shannon index, inbreeding coefficient, molecular variance analysis, and genetic differentiation), breeders (n=24), and their progenies (90 larvae/treatment) were sampled and analyzed using eight microsatellite markers. Results: Higher fertilization and hatching rates, and lower broodfish mortality were observed for the SN method (p<0.05), whereas the number of breeders did not affect these parameters (p>0.05). Interaction between spawning method and number of breeders was not significant (p>0.05). The amplified microsatellite loci produced a total of 30 alleles, with sizes between 80 and 225 bp and their frequencies indicated an increase (p<0.05) of genetic diversity in the progenies, but low genetic differentiation between treatments (p>0.05). Conclusion: The spawning methods and number of breeders tested increased equally the genetic diversity of the progeny, with low genetic differentiation between treatments. In contrast, rates of fertilization, hatching and brood fish mortality revealed that the SN method resulted in the best reproductive efficiency due to the handling stress and injuries caused by ST. Thus, SN proves to be the most suitable spawning-method for B. orbignyanus in restocking programs., Antecedentes: A manutenção da diversidade genética dos peixes selvagens é uma importante consideração para programas de repovoamento, já que a endogamia pode comprometer a sobrevivência da progênie, além de impactar na resiliência das populações naturais. Objetivo: Avaliar a influência do método de desova (semi-natural – SN ou por extrusão – ST) e número de reprodutores (1♀:3♂ e 2♀:6♂) na eficiência reprodutiva e na diversidade genética de progênie de B. orbignyanus destinados à recuperação de estoques selvagens. Métodos: Taxas de fertilização, eclosão e mortalidade de reprodutores foram monitorados. Para avaliações genéticas (frequências alélicas, heterozigosidade observada e esperada, índice de Shannon, coeficiente de endogamia, análise de variância molecular e diferenciação genética), reprodutores (n=24) e sua progênie (90 larvas/tratamento) foram amostrados e analisados utilizando oito marcadores microssatélites. Resultados: Interação entre método de desova e número de reprodutores não foi significante (p>0,05). Melhores taxas de fertilização e eclosão (p<0,05), e menor (p<0,05) mortalidade de reprodutores foram observados para o método SN, enquanto que o número de reprodutores não afetou esses parâmetros (p>0,05). Os loci microssatélites amplificados produziram um total de 30 alelos, com tamanhos entre 80 e 225 pb e suas frequências indicaram aumento (p<0,05) da diversidade genética nas progênies, mas baixa diferenciação genética entre os tratamentos (p>0,05). Conclusão: Os métodos de desova e números de reprodutores avaliados aumentaram igualmente a diversidade genética das progênies, com baixa diferenciação genética entre tratamentos. Em contraste, as taxas de fecundação, eclosão e mortalidade de reprodutores revelaram que SN obteve a melhor eficiência reprodutiva, fato relacionado com o estresse de manipulação e injurias causadas por ST. Por isso, SN se mostrou como o método de desova mais adequado para B. orbignyanus em programas de repovoamento., Antecedentes: Mantener la diversidad genética de los peces salvajes es una consideración importante para los programas de repoblación, ya que la endogamia puede comprometer la supervivencia de la progenie y afectar la supervivencia de las poblaciones naturales. Objetivo: Evaluar la influencia del método de desove (seminatural - SN o en franjas - ST) y el número de reproductores (1♀:3♂ y 2♀:6♂) sobre la eficiencia reproductiva y la diversidad genética de progenies de B. orbignyanusdestinados a la restauración de poblaciones silvestres. Métodos: Se monitorearon las tasas de fertilización, eclosión y mortalidad de reproductores. Para las evaluaciones genéticas (frecuencias alélicas, heterocigosidad observada y esperada, índice de Shannon, coeficiente de endogamia, análisis de varianza molecular y diferenciación genética) los reproductores (n=24) y su progenie (90 larvas/tratamiento) se muestrearon y analizaron utilizando ocho marcadores microsatélites. Resultados: La interacción entre el método de desove y el número de reproductores no fue significativa (p>0,05). Se obtuvieron mejores tasas de fecundación y eclosión (p<0,05), y una menor mortalidad de reproductores (p<0,05) con el método SN, mientras que el número de reproductores no tuvo efecto (p>0,05). Los loci de microsatélites amplificados produjeron un total de 30 alelos con tamaños entre 80 y 225 pb, y sus frecuencias indicaron un aumento (p<0,05) en la diversidad genética de las progenies, pero una baja diferenciación genética entre tratamientos (p>0,05). Conclusión: Los métodos de desove y el número de reproductores evaluados aumentaron de la misma manera la diversidad genética de las progenies, con baja diferenciación genética entre tratamientos. En contraste, las tasas de fecundación, eclosión y mortalidad de peces reproductores revelaron que el SN tuvo la mejor eficiencia reproductiva, un hecho relacionado con el estrés del manejo y las lesiones causadas por el ST. Por lo tanto, el SN demuestra ser el métod

Freshwater ecosystem functioning is often thought to be dominated by fish, determining the community structure via top-down control and ecosystem engineering. However, freshwater crayfish can have an even stronger effect on food web and ecosystem functioning, operating as keystone species in a water body (Longshaw and Stebbing, 2016). As environmental engineers, crayfish have a significant impact on the biodiversity within their habitat (Souty-Grosset et al., 2006). Yet over the past 150 years freshwater crayfish in Europe have faced a novel challenge in the form of a lethal disease caused by the oomycete Aphanomyces astaci Schikora 1906, introduced by alien crayfish species of North American origin. Today, the European native crayfish population trends are in decline nearing extinction in several cases (Souty-Grosset et al., 2006; Jussila et al., 2014). The introduction of different A. astaci strains in Europe and the repeated introductions of their North American host species are a classic example of a man-made ecological disaster (Jussila et al.), stemming from the naive belief that the manipulation of an ecosystem would be straightforward. The alien crayfish species, which were supposed to replace the eradicated native stocks, not only transfer the deadly disease but in many parts of Europe also outcompete their native crayfish counterparts, because they are more aggressive giving them additional advantage regarding habitat competition in addition to higher fecundity (Alonso and Martínez, 2006). Introductions of new alien crayfish stocks and thus new A. astaci strains will inevitably lead to the total eradication of the remaining native European crayfish stocks. In this Research Topic we collected scientific work on crayfish conservation from multiple scales, ranging from molecular to species and ecosystem levels, to address the consequences of invasive crayfish and host-parasite interactions on European freshwater biodiversity and ecosystem functioning, aiding

Common practices in current game management are wetland restoration and creation, as well as releases of quarry species. We studied the impact of releases of mallard ducklings on species richness of wild waterbirds and amphibians on three types of wetlands: natural, constructed and restored. Data on species richness, macrophyte cover and water characteristics (total phosphorous and pH) were collected at 32 sites in an agricultural landscape in southern Sweden. In total, 14 species of waterbirds were recorded, ranging from zero to seven per wetland and survey. Amphibians were present in 24 of the 32 wetlands; in total five species were found, ranging from zero to three per wetland. By using generalized linear modelling we found that wetland type best predicted waterbird species richness. Constructed wetlands had significantly more waterbird species, regardless of whether they were used for mallard releases or not. There were breeding amphibians in 62% of natural, 100% of restored and 77% of constructed wetlands. Breeding amphibians were present in 84% of wetlands without, and in 62% of wetlands with releases. However, included variables did not explain amphibian species richness in the wetlands. Releasing large numbers of mallards on a wetland and providing food ad libitum is likely to affect water quality, nutrient availability and predation pressure. Indeed, phosphorous levels were significantly higher in release wetlands, but no differences were found between wetland types.This means that mallard releases may increase nutrient loads in environments that are already eutrophied. However, in our study system releases did not influence species richness of waterbirds and amphibians locally. Constructing wetlands for mallard releases can thus have positive local effects on species richness.

Common practices in current game management are wetland restoration and creation, as well as releases of quarry species. We studied the impact of releases of mallard ducklings on species richness of wild waterbirds and amphibians on three types of wetlands: natural, constructed and restored. Data on species richness, macrophyte cover and water characteristics (total phosphorous and pH) were collected at 32 sites in an agricultural landscape in southern Sweden. In total, 14 species of waterbirds were recorded, ranging from zero to seven per wetland and survey. Amphibians were present in 24 of the 32 wetlands; in total five species were found, ranging from zero to three per wetland. By using generalized linear modelling we found that wetland type best predicted waterbird species richness. Constructed wetlands had significantly more waterbird species, regardless of whether they were used for mallard releases or not. There were breeding amphibians in 62% of natural, 100% of restored and 77% of constructed wetlands. Breeding amphibians were present in 84% of wetlands without, and in 62% of wetlands with releases. However, included variables did not explain amphibian species richness in the wetlands. Releasing large numbers of mallards on a wetland and providing food ad libitum is likely to affect water quality, nutrient availability and predation pressure. Indeed, phosphorous levels were significantly higher in release wetlands, but no differences were found between wetland types.This means that mallard releases may increase nutrient loads in environments that are already eutrophied. However, in our study system releases did not influence species richness of waterbirds and amphibians locally. Constructing wetlands for mallard releases can thus have positive local effects on species richness.

More than three million farmed mallards are released annually for hunting purposes in Europe. The ecological impact of these releases depends on how many birds survive to join the wild breeding population. We estimated annual survival in farmed-released and wild-caught Swedish mallards, using mark-recapture data. In 2011–2018, we ringed 13,533 farmed ducklings before release (26.5% recovered). Most recoveries were birds shot at the release site, while only about 4% were found >3 km away. In 2002–2018, 19,820 wild mallards were ringed in Sweden, yielding 1369 (6.9%) recoveries. Like in farmed-released birds, most recoveries were by hunting, but 91.1% of recovered wild mallards were >3 km away from the ringing site. Annual survival rate in farmed-released mallards (ringed as pulli) was 0.02. In wild mallards (ringed as fledged or fully grown), annual survival was lower in females (0.64) than in males (0.71). At two sites in 2018, farmed ducklings were released in two batches 3 weeks apart to study the effect of early versus late release date, while controlling for body condition (BCI). Ducklings released early had a higher BCI and were recovered earlier (lower longevity) than those released late. Individual BCI and longevity were not correlated in recovered ducklings. Based on our estimate of annual survival in farmed-released mallards, a substantial number, i.e., 5000 (95% CI, 3040–6960), join the wild population annually. Despite being fed, a large proportion of released ducklings does not survive until the hunting season. Early releases may maximize pre-hunting survival. Repeated releases may prolong hunting opportunities and increase hunting bags.

More than three million farmed mallards are released annually for hunting purposes in Europe. The ecological impact of these releases depends on how many birds survive to join the wild breeding population. We estimated annual survival in farmed-released and wild-caught Swedish mallards, using mark-recapture data. In 2011–2018, we ringed 13,533 farmed ducklings before release (26.5% recovered). Most recoveries were birds shot at the release site, while only about 4% were found >3 km away. In 2002–2018, 19,820 wild mallards were ringed in Sweden, yielding 1369 (6.9%) recoveries. Like in farmed-released birds, most recoveries were by hunting, but 91.1% of recovered wild mallards were >3 km away from the ringing site. Annual survival rate in farmed-released mallards (ringed as pulli) was 0.02. In wild mallards (ringed as fledged or fully grown), annual survival was lower in females (0.64) than in males (0.71). At two sites in 2018, farmed ducklings were released in two batches 3 weeks apart to study the effect of early versus late release date, while controlling for body condition (BCI). Ducklings released early had a higher BCI and were recovered earlier (lower longevity) than those released late. Individual BCI and longevity were not correlated in recovered ducklings. Based on our estimate of annual survival in farmed-released mallards, a substantial number, i.e., 5000 (95% CI, 3040–6960), join the wild population annually. Despite being fed, a large proportion of released ducklings does not survive until the hunting season. Early releases may maximize pre-hunting survival. Repeated releases may prolong hunting opportunities and increase hunting bags.

The article evaluates the environmental perception about the juvenile releases of Lutjanus guttatus as an education and awareness tool for the conservation of the marine resources of the Gulf of Nicoya, Costa Rica. A total of 102,000 juveniles were released with the active participation of artisanal fishermen, students, parents and educators. The perception of 310 participants about the environmental effect of the release days was determined. It was concluded the fishermen had the greatest knowledge on the topic and most of them pointed out that this initiative may help increase awareness on the reduction of overfishing. 80.1% of parents considered that this type of activity increases the environmental awareness of the participants towards the protection of marine resources. The answers regarding the relationship between the release activities and the increase of income among fishermen not were consisten. However, teachers and interviewees between 11-19 years old revealed the lowest degree of knowledge on these environmental activities. It is considered that releases of marine fish that include the active participation of the population raise awareness on the conservation of marine coastal resources., La percepción ambiental como herramienta de educación y sensibilización a la conservación de los recursos marinos, fue implementada en la liberación de 102.000 juveniles de Lutjanus guttatus con la participación activa de pescadores artesanales, estudiantes, padres de familia y educadores en el Golfo de Nicoya, Costa Rica. Se determinó la percepción sobre el efecto ambiental de las jornadas de liberación en 310 participantes. Se encontró que fueron los pescadores quienes presentaron el mayor conocimiento sobre este tipo de actividades y además de considerar en su mayoría, que las jornadas podrían aumentar la sensibilización hacia la disminución de la sobrepesca. El 80,1% de los padres de familia afirmaron que este tipo de actividades aumenta la conciencia ambiental de los participantes hacia la protección de los recursos marinos. Las respuestas con respecto a la relación entre las actividades de liberación y el aumento de los ingresos entre los pescadores no fueron consistentes, sin embargo, entre educadores y entrevistados entre 11-19 años presentaron el menor grado de conocimiento acerca de estas actividades ambientales. Se considera que liberaciones de peces marinos que incluyen la participación activa de la población, educa y sensibiliza para la conservación de los recursos marino-costeros.

The article evaluates the environmental perception about the juvenile releases of Lutjanus guttatus as an education and awareness tool for the conservation of the marine resources of the Gulf of Nicoya, Costa Rica. A total of 102,000 juveniles were released with the active participation of artisanal fishermen, students, parents and educators. The perception of 310 participants about the environmental effect of the release days was determined. It was concluded the fishermen had the greatest knowledge on the topic and most of them pointed out that this initiative may help increase awareness on the reduction of overfishing. 80.1% of parents considered that this type of activity increases the environmental awareness of the participants towards the protection of marine resources. The answers regarding the relationship between the release activities and the increase of income among fishermen not were consisten. However, teachers and interviewees between 11-19 years old revealed the lowest degree of knowledge on these environmental activities. It is considered that releases of marine fish that include the active participation of the population raise awareness on the conservation of marine coastal resources., La percepción ambiental como herramienta de educación y sensibilización a la conservación de los recursos marinos, fue implementada en la liberación de 102.000 juveniles de Lutjanus guttatus con la participación activa de pescadores artesanales, estudiantes, padres de familia y educadores en el Golfo de Nicoya, Costa Rica. Se determinó la percepción sobre el efecto ambiental de las jornadas de liberación en 310 participantes. Se encontró que fueron los pescadores quienes presentaron el mayor conocimiento sobre este tipo de actividades y además de considerar en su mayoría, que las jornadas podrían aumentar la sensibilización hacia la disminución de la sobrepesca. El 80,1% de los padres de familia afirmaron que este tipo de actividades aumenta la conciencia ambiental de los participantes hacia la protección de los recursos marinos. Las respuestas con respecto a la relación entre las actividades de liberación y el aumento de los ingresos entre los pescadores no fueron consistentes, sin embargo, entre educadores y entrevistados entre 11-19 años presentaron el menor grado de conocimiento acerca de estas actividades ambientales. Se considera que liberaciones de peces marinos que incluyen la participación activa de la población, educa y sensibiliza para la conservación de los recursos marino-costeros.

The article evaluates the environmental perception about the juvenile releases of Lutjanus guttatus as an education and awareness tool for the conservation of the marine resources of the Gulf of Nicoya, Costa Rica. A total of 102,000 juveniles were released with the active participation of artisanal fishermen, students, parents and educators. The perception of 310 participants about the environmental effect of the release days was determined. It was concluded the fishermen had the greatest knowledge on the topic and most of them pointed out that this initiative may help increase awareness on the reduction of overfishing. 80.1% of parents considered that this type of activity increases the environmental awareness of the participants towards the protection of marine resources. The answers regarding the relationship between the release activities and the increase of income among fishermen not were consisten. However, teachers and interviewees between 11-19 years old revealed the lowest degree of knowledge on these environmental activities. It is considered that releases of marine fish that include the active participation of the population raise awareness on the conservation of marine coastal resources., La percepción ambiental como herramienta de educación y sensibilización a la conservación de los recursos marinos, fue implementada en la liberación de 102.000 juveniles de Lutjanus guttatus con la participación activa de pescadores artesanales, estudiantes, padres de familia y educadores en el Golfo de Nicoya, Costa Rica. Se determinó la percepción sobre el efecto ambiental de las jornadas de liberación en 310 participantes. Se encontró que fueron los pescadores quienes presentaron el mayor conocimiento sobre este tipo de actividades y además de considerar en su mayoría, que las jornadas podrían aumentar la sensibilización hacia la disminución de la sobrepesca. El 80,1% de los padres de familia afirmaron que este tipo de actividades aumenta la conciencia ambiental de los participantes hacia la protección de los recursos marinos. Las respuestas con respecto a la relación entre las actividades de liberación y el aumento de los ingresos entre los pescadores no fueron consistentes, sin embargo, entre educadores y entrevistados entre 11-19 años presentaron el menor grado de conocimiento acerca de estas actividades ambientales. Se considera que liberaciones de peces marinos que incluyen la participación activa de la población, educa y sensibiliza para la conservación de los recursos marino-costeros.

The European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) is endemic to Mediterranean ecosystems in the Iberian Peninsula, where it is a key species. In recent years its populations have declined due to several factors including habitat transformation and viral diseases. At the same time, corrective measures including population restocking in areas with low population densities using rabbits from other geographical areas have been performed. In this study we evaluate the impact restocking has had on the population dynamics of native rabbits in the Doñana National Park. As part of the natural processes monitoring program carried out in the Doñana Biological Station (ESPN-EBD-CSIC), rabbit censuses were conducted in spring and late summer in 2005–2015 at dusk and at night along six fixed transects in habitats harbouring rabbit populations. In order to take into account restocked rabbit numbers, annual reports from the Doñana Natural Area and data provided by the Lynx team of the LIFE project were incorporated into the study. In all, 52 336 rabbits from different parts of western Andalusia were released in the Doñana Biosphere Reserve in 2005–2015. Yet, rabbit populations underwent significant declines, above all in 2013 and 2015, with decreases in some areas of up to 80%. These results show intensive rabbit restocking did not increase the native rabbit populations numbers. The impact of the release of rabbits on the population dynamics of the species in Doñana is discussed.

The paper industry is a large-scale processing industry where a continuous production, around the clock is necessary This means that it is necessary to carry an inventory of spare parts. This however comes with costs in the form of mainly cost of capital and handing costs. Inventory management is about balancing the cost of keeping inventory and the service level to the production. This study explores the possibilities of outsourcing the spare part inventory management at a paper mill. The study is a case study that uses a mixed-method approach. The study finds that by outsourcing the spare part sourcing and inventory control to a third-party logistics provider (3PLP) potential cost savings can be reached primarily by a more streamlined re-stocking process and taking advantage of specialization, aggregation and economics of scale. The major motive behind outsourcing is saving costs and making sure that the company can focus on value-adding activities and its core-compentence. The items that are best suitable for an outsourcing solution is generic low-value items such as Tools, Utensils and Bearings., Pappersindustrin är en storskalig processindustri där ständig production dygnet runt är nödvändig. Detta innebär att det är nödvändigt med ett reservdelslager. Detta kommer dock med kostnader i form av främst kapital- och hanteringskostnad. Lagerhantering handlar om att balansera servicenivån till production och kostnaden för lagerhållningen. Detta arbete undersöker möjligheterna för en outsourcinglösning för reservdelshanteringen på ett pappersbruk. Arbetet är en fallstudie som använder sig av flermetodsforskning. Genom att outsourca reservdelsanskaffandet och dess lagerkontroll till ett tredjepartslogistikföretag kan potentiella kostnadsbesparing bli nådda genom främst en effektivare anskaffningsprocess. Detta genom att dra fördel av specialisering, aggregering och skalfördelar. Den stora anledningen till att pröva implementera en outsourcinglösning är kostnadsbesparingar och försäkra sig om att man kan ägna sig åt värdeadderande aktiviteter och fokusera på sin kärnverksamhet. Reservdelar mest lämpade för outsourcing är generiska delar av lågt värde såsom Verktyg, Förnödenheter och Hjullager.

The impact of escapees from aquaculture is of general concern for the sustainability of natural resources. Turbot Scophthalmus maximus is a marine flatfish of great commercial value whose land-based aquaculture started approx. 40 yr ago; hence, a low impact of escapees is expected on wild populations. However, enhancement of wild stocks using farmed turbot has been carried out along the Northeast Atlantic coasts in the last decades. Recently, a broad panel of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers (755 SNPs; 1 SNP Mb−1) has been used to evaluate the genetic structure of turbot throughout its distribution range, constituting the baseline to evaluate the impact of farmed fish in the wild. Two distinct origins were identified for farmed turbot (F_ORI1 and F_ORI2; FST = 0.049), which differentiated from wild populations after 5 generations of selection (average FST = 0.059), and consistent evidence of adaptation to domestication was de - tected. A notable proportion of fish of farmed ancestry was detected in the wild (15.5%), mainly in the North Sea, where restocking activities have taken place, determining genetic introgression in wild populations. Conversely, effects of land-based aquaculture appear negligible. A simulation exercise supported panels of 40 and 80 SNPs to identify fishes of F_ORI1 and F_ORI2 ancestry in the wild, respectively. Application to empirical data showed an assignment success (wild/farmed ancestry) of approx. 95% in comparison with the full SNP dataset. The SNP tools will be useful to monitor turbot of farmed ancestry in the wild, which might represent a risk, considering the lower fitness of farmed individuals

Disruption of naturally evolved spatial patterns of genetic variation and local adaptations is a growing concern in wildlife management and conservation. During the last decade, releases of native taxa with potentially non-native genotypes have received increased attention. This has mostly concerned conservation programs, but releases are also widely carried out to boost harvest opportunities. The mallard, Anas platyrhynchos, is one of few terrestrial migratory vertebrates subjected to large-scale releases for hunting purposes. It is the most numerous and widespread duck in the world, yet each year more than three million farmed mallard ducklings are released into the wild in the European Union alone to increase the harvestable population. This study aimed to determine the genetic effects of such large-scale releases of a native species, specifically if wild and released farmed mallards differ genetically among subpopulations in Europe, if there are signs of admixture between the two groups, if the genetic structure of the wild mallard population has changed since large-scale releases began in the 1970s, and if the current data matches global patterns across the Northern hemisphere. We used Bayesian clustering (Structure software) and Discriminant Analysis of Principal Components (DAPC) to analyze the genetic structure of historical and present-day wild (n = 171 and n = 209, respectively) as well as farmed (n = 211) mallards from six European countries as inferred by 360 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Both methods showed a clear genetic differentiation between wild and farmed mallards. Admixed individuals were found in the present-day wild population, implicating introgression of farmed genotypes into wild mallards despite low survival among released farmed mallards. Such cryptic introgression would alter the genetic composition of wild populations and may have unknown long-term consequences for conservation.

Petik laut is a tradition routinely done by people around the beach area Sendang Biru for seven days. This tradition is carried out as a form of gratitude to the yields obtained within one year. Most of the crops used as offerings below to sea and drowned. Petik laut is a local wisdom that is ingrained and believed to be a respect for nature. However, it would be better if the culture can work together and in harmony with nature that has provided many benefits. So that local knowledge can provide added value to the environment, particularly the marine environment that will have a positive impact. Therefore, the necessary insertion of several activities in the tradition of sea quotation. Implementation of the activities discussed in this proposal is to transplant coral reefs, Restocking Groupers and clean beach. Hopefully this program can be a benchmark for the success of environment l conservation in the marine waters buadaya integration and local knowledge, as well as an example for the ceremony Pick Sea in all regions in Indonesia.

Petik laut is a tradition routinely done by people around the beach area Sendang Biru for seven days. This tradition is carried out as a form of gratitude to the yields obtained within one year. Most of the crops used as offerings below to sea and drowned. Petik laut is a local wisdom that is ingrained and believed to be a respect for nature. However, it would be better if the culture can work together and in harmony with nature that has provided many benefits. So that local knowledge can provide added value to the environment, particularly the marine environment that will have a positive impact. Therefore, the necessary insertion of several activities in the tradition of sea quotation. Implementation of the activities discussed in this proposal is to transplant coral reefs, Restocking Groupers and clean beach. Hopefully this program can be a benchmark for the success of environment l conservation in the marine waters buadaya integration and local knowledge, as well as an example for the ceremony Pick Sea in all regions in Indonesia.

Postcopulatory sexual selection plays an important role in the reproductive success of males in many species. Differences in fertilization success could affect rates of admixture and genetic introgression between divergent lineages. We investigated sperm precedence in matings in captivity involving Common quails (Coturnix coturnix) and farm quails of hybrid origin (C. coturnix × domestic Japanese quail, C. japonica), the last used in restocking practices to increase hunting bags. These inter-specific matings in natural conditions are claimed to represent an important threat to the conservation of native Common quail populations. Results showed that fertilization success of each male depended on (1) the time it spent with the female, (2) the presence of sperm from a previous male in the female oviduct, (3) the time that the previous partner had been copulating with the female, and, most importantly, (4) the genetic origin of the male (wild or farm). Farm hybrid males showed higher fertilization success than wild Common males, and they required less time with the female to fertilize the same proportion of eggs. The presence of sperm from another male in the female oviduct reduced the percentage of fertilized eggs by a male. However, this reduction was higher for wild males when the precedent mate was a farm male. In summary, the sperm of farm hybrid males may outcompete the sperm of native males and this could be favoring the introgression of domestic Japanese alleles into the Common quail population, thus constituting a severe conservation threat to wild Common quail populations., [GER]In vielen Arten spielt die postkopulative sexuelle Selektion für den Fortpflanzungserfolg von Männchen eine große Rolle. Unterschiede im Befruchtungserfolg können Einfluss haben auf die Rate der genetische Introgression und Vermischung zwischen verschiedenen Abstammungslinien. Um Unterschiede in der Spermienwettbewerbsstärke zwischen wilden Wachteln (Coturnix coturnix) und Japanischen Wirtschaftswachtelaus stammenden Hybridwachteln (C. coturnix × C. japonica), die für die Aufstockung von Beständen zur Jagd genutzt wurden, zu untersuchen, haben wir Verpaarungen in der Gefangenschaft durchgeführt. Es wird vermutet, dass solche zwischenartlichen Verpaarungen unter natürlichen Bedingungen ein Risiko für den Erhalt des Artbestandes von Wachteln darstellen. Unsere Ergebnisse zeigten, dass der Fortpflanzungserfolg eines Männchen davon beeinflusst wurde (1) wie viel Zeit es mit dem Weibchen verbrachte, (2) ob bereits Spermien eines anderen Männchen im Ovidukt waren, (3) wie lange ein vorheriger Partner mit dem Weibchen kopuliert hatte, und vor allem (4) welchen genetischen Hintergrund das Männchen (Wildtier oder Wirtschaftswachtel) hatte. Hybride Wirtschaftswachteln hatten den höchsten Fortpflanzungserfolg und befruchteten die gleiche Anzahl Eier eines Weibchens schneller. Wenn bereits Spermien eines anderen Männchens im Ovidukt waren, verringerte dies den prozentualen Anteil erfolgreicher Befruchtungen des nächsten Männchen. Dieser Effekt war am stärksten für wilde Männchen, wenn der vorherige Partner eine Wirtschaftswachtel war. Zusammenfassend lässt sich sagen, dass Spermien von Hybridmännchen wettbewerbsstärker zu sein scheinen als Spermien frei lebender Wachteln. Dies mag die Introgression der Allele von Japanischen Wirtschaftswachteln in die Wildpopulation unterstützen und eine ernste Bedrohung für den Erhalt wilder Wachtelpopulationen darstellen.

Human alteration of natural systems, and its consequences are of great concern and the impact on global ecosystems is one of the biggest threats that biodiversity stands before. Translocations of invasive species, as well as intraspecific contingents with non-native genotypes, whether they are deliberate or unintentional, are one such alteration and its consequences are continuously being assessed. The mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) is the most numerous and widespread duck in the world and a flagship in wetland conservation. It is also an important game species which is heavily restocked for hunting purposes, especially in Europe where over three million ducklings are released every year. Because of its hunted status, its abundance, and the number of released individuals, it can serve as a model species to study effects of releases, both for conservation and restocking for hunting, on wild populations. In this thesis the status of the mallard was assessed in the Nordic countries and the effects of releases on the wild populations were studied by mining historical ringing data, comparing morphology of present-day wild, farmed, and historical mallards, and analyzing phylogeography of wild and farmed mallards in Europe. The status of the mallard population in the Nordic countries are generally good, however, a joint effort of European countries is needed to monitor and manage the population. A significant difference between wild and farmed mallards concerning longevity, migration, bill morphology and genetic structure was also found, together with signs of cryptic introgression of farmed genotypes in the wild population with potential fitness reduction as a result. The effect is however limited by that only a fraction of released farmed mallards reach the breeding season due to low survival. A natural captive environment is crucial to keep individuals wild-like with high survival rates after release. However, with an introgression of potentially maladapted farmed genotyp

In Sweden, intense human land use, especially forestry, has led to profound changes in the landscape over time, especially within the forest ecosystems. A consequence of this is that several specialist species have become endangered. One group of specialists is the woodpeckers. The middle spotted woodpecker became extinct in Sweden in 1982 and the white-backed woodpecker is today Sweden’s most critically endangered forest-living bird. The white-backed woodpecker is dependent on old deciduous forests, rich in dead wood. The woodpecker is areademanding and hence one of the best indicators or umbrella species for biodiversity in this region. A long-term goal within the conservation of the species is to be able to make more accurate predictions of what is needed in the species habitat to establish a viable population, both in terms of composition of landscape and breeding territories. In addition to earlier studies better tools are needed for measuring the distribution of suitable and potential habitats and finding faster ways of creating optimal habitats. In an attempt to secure the future existence of the white-backed woodpecker in Sweden, restocking of birds are carried out. This presupposes availability of suitable habitats as well as strong enough landscape. Due to intense forestry the presumption for the species is, as stated above, alarming. Comparing the different populations around the Baltic Sea and Norway, great differences but also similarities can be seen, in landscape as well as in territory composition. It seems that fragmentation of foraging patches as well as amount of dead deciduous wood within the breeding territory is critical matters. Grey alder stands in Sweden should have high priority in conservation of habitat for the species., Funding agency: Swedish Society for Nature Conservation (SSNC)

Human alteration of natural systems, and its consequences are of great concern and the impact on global ecosystems is one of the biggest threats that biodiversity stands before. Translocations of invasive species, as well as intraspecific contingents with non-native genotypes, whether they are deliberate or unintentional, are one such alteration and its consequences are continuously being assessed. The mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) is the most numerous and widespread duck in the world and a flagship in wetland conservation. It is also an important game species which is heavily restocked for hunting purposes, especially in Europe where over three million ducklings are released every year. Because of its hunted status, its abundance, and the number of released individuals, it can serve as a model species to study effects of releases, both for conservation and restocking for hunting, on wild populations. In this thesis the status of the mallard was assessed in the Nordic countries and the effects of releases on the wild populations were studied by mining historical ringing data, comparing morphology of present-day wild, farmed, and historical mallards, and analyzing phylogeography of wild and farmed mallards in Europe. The status of the mallard population in the Nordic countries are generally good, however, a joint effort of European countries is needed to monitor and manage the population. A significant difference between wild and farmed mallards concerning longevity, migration, bill morphology and genetic structure was also found, together with signs of cryptic introgression of farmed genotypes in the wild population with potential fitness reduction as a result. The effect is however limited by that only a fraction of released farmed mallards reach the breeding season due to low survival. A natural captive environment is crucial to keep individuals wild-like with high survival rates after release. However, with an introgression of potentially maladapted farmed genotyp

Domestication of the world’s oceans has resulted in many new environmental and ecological interactions between farmed and wild fish. For aquaculture, a particular concern is farm fish escapees, which can have negative effects on wild conspecifics thorough the transfer of diseases, genetic mixing, and competition for resources. In contrast to concerns associated with escapees, a second major area of anthropogenic influence is the process of restocking wild fish populations through the intentional release of hatchery-bred fish. Assessing the impacts of farmed fish, whether because of unintended escapees, or through intended release from restocking, can be difficult due to the vast volumes of fish being farmed (> 60 million tonnes) and restocked (> 5 billion fish) annually. Currently, fish used for sea cage farming are not marked. For restocking, most fish are marked, yet the methods used to identify restocked fish post release, for example otolith thermal marking, adipose fin clipping, coded wire tags, fluorescent staining, or chemical marking, all have some limitations in terms of ease and cost of application, mark retention and detectability, or fish welfare. In this thesis I investigate an alternate potential mass marking technique, known as enriched stable isotope marking, to develop delivery methods for mass marking farmed fish for the purposes of monitoring and tracing escapees, and as an alternative mass marking method to those currently used in restocking programs. Marking the otoliths of fish with enriched stable isotopes has been validated in many freshwater and marine species, but never before tested as an industry applicable mass marking tool. Using farmed Atlantic salmon, a common escapee from aquaculture, I tested three potential stable isotope mark delivery methods: vaccination, egg immersion, and transgenerational marking, with combinations of seven enriched isotopes (86Sr, 87Sr, 134Ba, 135Ba, 136Ba, 137Ba, and 26Mg). Marks were detected using laser ab

Human alteration of natural systems, and its consequences are of great concern and the impact on global ecosystems is one of the biggest threats that biodiversity stands before. Translocations of invasive species, as well as intraspecific contingents with non-native genotypes, whether they are deliberate or unintentional, are one such alteration and its consequences are continuously being assessed. The mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) is the most numerous and widespread duck in the world and a flagship in wetland conservation. It is also an important game species which is heavily restocked for hunting purposes, especially in Europe where over three million ducklings are released every year. Because of its hunted status, its abundance, and the number of released individuals, it can serve as a model species to study effects of releases, both for conservation and restocking for hunting, on wild populations. In this thesis the status of the mallard was assessed in the Nordic countries and the effects of releases on the wild populations were studied by mining historical ringing data, comparing morphology of present-day wild, farmed, and historical mallards, and analyzing phylogeography of wild and farmed mallards in Europe. The status of the mallard population in the Nordic countries are generally good, however, a joint effort of European countries is needed to monitor and manage the population. A significant difference between wild and farmed mallards concerning longevity, migration, bill morphology and genetic structure was also found, together with signs of cryptic introgression of farmed genotypes in the wild population with potential fitness reduction as a result. The effect is however limited by that only a fraction of released farmed mallards reach the breeding season due to low survival. A natural captive environment is crucial to keep individuals wild-like with high survival rates after release. However, with an introgression of potentially maladapted farmed genotyp

Interbreeding of two species in the wild implies introgression of alleles from one species into the other only when admixed individuals survive and successfully backcross with the parental species. Consequently, estimating the proportion of first generation hybrids in a population may not inform about the evolutionary impact of hybridization. Samples obtained over a long time span may offer a more accurate view of the spreading of introgressed alleles in a species’ gene pool. Common quail (Coturnix coturnix) populations in Europe have been restocked extensively with farm quails of hybrid origin (crosses with Japanese quails, C. japonica). We genetically monitored a common quail population over 15 years to investigate whether genetic introgression is occurring and used simulations to investigate our power to detect it. Our results revealed that some introgression has occurred, but we did not observe a significant increase over time in the proportion of admixed individuals. However, simulations showed that the degree of admixture may be larger than anticipated due to the limited power of analyses over a short time span, and that observed data was compatible with a low rate of introgression, probably resulting from reduced fitness of admixed individuals. Simulations predicted this could result in extensive admixture in the near future.

In Sweden, intense human land use, especially forestry, has led to profound changes in the landscape over time, especially within the forest ecosystems. A consequence of this is that several specialist species have become endangered. One group of specialists is the woodpeckers. The middle spotted woodpecker became extinct in Sweden in 1982 and the white-backed woodpecker is today Sweden’s most critically endangered forest-living bird. The white-backed woodpecker is dependent on old deciduous forests, rich in dead wood. The woodpecker is areademanding and hence one of the best indicators or umbrella species for biodiversity in this region. A long-term goal within the conservation of the species is to be able to make more accurate predictions of what is needed in the species habitat to establish a viable population, both in terms of composition of landscape and breeding territories. In addition to earlier studies better tools are needed for measuring the distribution of suitable and potential habitats and finding faster ways of creating optimal habitats. In an attempt to secure the future existence of the white-backed woodpecker in Sweden, restocking of birds are carried out. This presupposes availability of suitable habitats as well as strong enough landscape. Due to intense forestry the presumption for the species is, as stated above, alarming. Comparing the different populations around the Baltic Sea and Norway, great differences but also similarities can be seen, in landscape as well as in territory composition. It seems that fragmentation of foraging patches as well as amount of dead deciduous wood within the breeding territory is critical matters. Grey alder stands in Sweden should have high priority in conservation of habitat for the species., Funding agency: Swedish Society for Nature Conservation (SSNC)

In Sweden, intense human land use, especially forestry, has led to profound changes in the landscape over time, especially within the forest ecosystems. A consequence of this is that several specialist species have become endangered. One group of specialists is the woodpeckers. The middle spotted woodpecker became extinct in Sweden in 1982 and the white-backed woodpecker is today Sweden’s most critically endangered forest-living bird. The white-backed woodpecker is dependent on old deciduous forests, rich in dead wood. The woodpecker is areademanding and hence one of the best indicators or umbrella species for biodiversity in this region. A long-term goal within the conservation of the species is to be able to make more accurate predictions of what is needed in the species habitat to establish a viable population, both in terms of composition of landscape and breeding territories. In addition to earlier studies better tools are needed for measuring the distribution of suitable and potential habitats and finding faster ways of creating optimal habitats. In an attempt to secure the future existence of the white-backed woodpecker in Sweden, restocking of birds are carried out. This presupposes availability of suitable habitats as well as strong enough landscape. Due to intense forestry the presumption for the species is, as stated above, alarming. Comparing the different populations around the Baltic Sea and Norway, great differences but also similarities can be seen, in landscape as well as in territory composition. It seems that fragmentation of foraging patches as well as amount of dead deciduous wood within the breeding territory is critical matters. Grey alder stands in Sweden should have high priority in conservation of habitat for the species., Funding agency: Swedish Society for Nature Conservation (SSNC)

Human alteration of natural systems, and its consequences are of great concern and the impact on global ecosystems is one of the biggest threats that biodiversity stands before. Translocations of invasive species, as well as intraspecific contingents with non-native genotypes, whether they are deliberate or unintentional, are one such alteration and its consequences are continuously being assessed. The mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) is the most numerous and widespread duck in the world and a flagship in wetland conservation. It is also an important game species which is heavily restocked for hunting purposes, especially in Europe where over three million ducklings are released every year. Because of its hunted status, its abundance, and the number of released individuals, it can serve as a model species to study effects of releases, both for conservation and restocking for hunting, on wild populations. In this thesis the status of the mallard was assessed in the Nordic countries and the effects of releases on the wild populations were studied by mining historical ringing data, comparing morphology of present-day wild, farmed, and historical mallards, and analyzing phylogeography of wild and farmed mallards in Europe. The status of the mallard population in the Nordic countries are generally good, however, a joint effort of European countries is needed to monitor and manage the population. A significant difference between wild and farmed mallards concerning longevity, migration, bill morphology and genetic structure was also found, together with signs of cryptic introgression of farmed genotypes in the wild population with potential fitness reduction as a result. The effect is however limited by that only a fraction of released farmed mallards reach the breeding season due to low survival. A natural captive environment is crucial to keep individuals wild-like with high survival rates after release. However, with an introgression of potentially maladapted farmed genotyp

In Sweden, intense human land use, especially forestry, has led to profound changes in the landscape over time, especially within the forest ecosystems. A consequence of this is that several specialist species have become endangered. One group of specialists is the woodpeckers. The middle spotted woodpecker became extinct in Sweden in 1982 and the white-backed woodpecker is today Sweden’s most critically endangered forest-living bird. The white-backed woodpecker is dependent on old deciduous forests, rich in dead wood. The woodpecker is areademanding and hence one of the best indicators or umbrella species for biodiversity in this region. A long-term goal within the conservation of the species is to be able to make more accurate predictions of what is needed in the species habitat to establish a viable population, both in terms of composition of landscape and breeding territories. In addition to earlier studies better tools are needed for measuring the distribution of suitable and potential habitats and finding faster ways of creating optimal habitats. In an attempt to secure the future existence of the white-backed woodpecker in Sweden, restocking of birds are carried out. This presupposes availability of suitable habitats as well as strong enough landscape. Due to intense forestry the presumption for the species is, as stated above, alarming. Comparing the different populations around the Baltic Sea and Norway, great differences but also similarities can be seen, in landscape as well as in territory composition. It seems that fragmentation of foraging patches as well as amount of dead deciduous wood within the breeding territory is critical matters. Grey alder stands in Sweden should have high priority in conservation of habitat for the species., Funding agency: Swedish Society for Nature Conservation (SSNC)

In Sweden, intense human land use, especially forestry, has led to profound changes in the landscape over time, especially within the forest ecosystems. A consequence of this is that several specialist species have become endangered. One group of specialists is the woodpeckers. The middle spotted woodpecker became extinct in Sweden in 1982 and the white-backed woodpecker is today Sweden’s most critically endangered forest-living bird. The white-backed woodpecker is dependent on old deciduous forests, rich in dead wood. The woodpecker is areademanding and hence one of the best indicators or umbrella species for biodiversity in this region. A long-term goal within the conservation of the species is to be able to make more accurate predictions of what is needed in the species habitat to establish a viable population, both in terms of composition of landscape and breeding territories. In addition to earlier studies better tools are needed for measuring the distribution of suitable and potential habitats and finding faster ways of creating optimal habitats. In an attempt to secure the future existence of the white-backed woodpecker in Sweden, restocking of birds are carried out. This presupposes availability of suitable habitats as well as strong enough landscape. Due to intense forestry the presumption for the species is, as stated above, alarming. Comparing the different populations around the Baltic Sea and Norway, great differences but also similarities can be seen, in landscape as well as in territory composition. It seems that fragmentation of foraging patches as well as amount of dead deciduous wood within the breeding territory is critical matters. Grey alder stands in Sweden should have high priority in conservation of habitat for the species., Funding agency: Swedish Society for Nature Conservation (SSNC)

© 2015, Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg. The use of restocking of animals is common practice in the management of populations subject to hunting or recreational fishing. This practice encompasses the release of large numbers of individuals in an area where the species already exists, and thus it can have detrimental genetic impacts on the target populations, especially when captive-reared animals are involved. To better understand this practice and its conservation implications, we chose as a model the wild rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus), a species of high economic and ecological importance, and often under intense management for hunting or conservation purposes, particularly after the large decline caused by rabbit hemorrhagic disease in the 90′s. We studied the genetics of rabbit populations in an area where restocking with captive, wild–domestic hybrids was common. We collected a total of 503 samples from 15 hunting estates that had experienced differing restocking levels, as well as from five locations with no historical restocking and five game farms. All samples were analyzed to determine the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) lineage typical of the two European wild rabbit subspecies and domestic rabbit. Game farms and never restocked populations were very different in their haplotypic composition. In restocked areas, the proportion of the domestic lineage was higher when releases were recent and repeated, but this declined rapidly over time, in part due to selective removal by hunting. The extended use of this practice, considering the pronounced genetic and genotypic differences between domestic and wild rabbits, represents a potential danger to natural populations, especially given the marked decrease in wild rabbit numbers experienced in recent years in its original distribution range.

Human alteration of natural systems, and its consequences are of great concern and the impact on global ecosystems is one of the biggest threats that biodiversity stands before. Translocations of invasive species, as well as intraspecific contingents with non-native genotypes, whether they are deliberate or unintentional, are one such alteration and its consequences are continuously being assessed. The mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) is the most numerous and widespread duck in the world and a flagship in wetland conservation. It is also an important game species which is heavily restocked for hunting purposes, especially in Europe where over three million ducklings are released every year. Because of its hunted status, its abundance, and the number of released individuals, it can serve as a model species to study effects of releases, both for conservation and restocking for hunting, on wild populations. In this thesis the status of the mallard was assessed in the Nordic countries and the effects of releases on the wild populations were studied by mining historical ringing data, comparing morphology of present-day wild, farmed, and historical mallards, and analyzing phylogeography of wild and farmed mallards in Europe. The status of the mallard population in the Nordic countries are generally good, however, a joint effort of European countries is needed to monitor and manage the population. A significant difference between wild and farmed mallards concerning longevity, migration, bill morphology and genetic structure was also found, together with signs of cryptic introgression of farmed genotypes in the wild population with potential fitness reduction as a result. The effect is however limited by that only a fraction of released farmed mallards reach the breeding season due to low survival. A natural captive environment is crucial to keep individuals wild-like with high survival rates after release. However, with an introgression of potentially maladapted farmed genotyp

The success of restocking (releasing hatchery-reared juveniles in the wild) depends on the capacity of phenotypes that are already adapted to captivity to readapt to the natural environment. Changes in growth rate after release can be monitored to determine whether released fish are adapting well to the natural environment or failing to adjust to wild conditions. Nevertheless, it is not known whether released individual fish experience a shift in growth rate. Alternatively, the fish showing long-term survival could be those that were already larger before release. This question is relevant for the maximization of stocking success because certain phenotypes (those with a better probability of readapting) could be selected for release. This study compared the somatic growth of released and recaptured meagre, Argyrosomus regius, with control (captive) meagre belonging to the same cohort. Recaptures that had spent less than 3. months at liberty showed the same length-at-age as the control fish, but the length-at-age of many recaptured fish that had spent more than 3. months at liberty was greater than expected. The otolith radius of the growth mark corresponding to the first year of life (i.e., when all fish were still in captivity) was significantly greater for fish that had spent more than 3. months at liberty, indicating that these meagre were larger and had a higher growth rate when they were released. Moreover, the analysis of daily otolith growth before and after release showed that most of the recaptured meagre that had spent less than 3. months at liberty grew an equal or lesser amount in the wild than before release. In contrast, most of the recaptures that had spent more than 3. months at liberty showed a higher growth rate after release. Therefore, results are discussed in light of the combined effect of differential survival and increased growth, although the low sample size requires interpreting the results carefully. © 2014 Elsevier B.V.

The release of farm-reared game is considered a conflictive management tool because of its potential harmful ecological effects on wildlife and associated habitats. Estimates of the number of animals released and the area where this game management takes place could give an idea of the magnitude of their potential impacts. We aimed to quantitatively assess the release of farm-reared red-legged partridges (Alectoris rufa) in the province of Ciudad Real, central Spain, one of the main hunting areas in this country. We analysed the official permits that the regional government granted to the hunting estates to release farm-reared partridges between 2006 and 2012. Our results show that an average of 800,000 partridges were released annually in the study area. A decrease in the number of hunting estates that used this game management practice, as well as in the number of red-legged partridges officially released, was observed during the last years within the study period. This might be a consequence of the current economic crisis, rather than a change in management styles. Release intensity was spatially heterogeneous, being higher in the southeast of the study area, where historically red-legged partridge was more abundant. Most of the red-legged partridges released came from only four farms placed in northern Spain. Our results suggest that this management activity should be better monitored and that spatial regulations should also be considered.