Our team analyzed tissue samples from 11 canids found in the Netherlands using advanced single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis. The goal: determine the genetic lineage of these animals and detect any signs of hybridization. Using the high-density Illumina Canine HD Array, we examined over 170,000 SNP markers per sample to gain an in-depth view of their genetic profiles.

Our process included:

1. DNA extraction and pooling: Ensuring maximum accuracy for low-quality samples.
2. Genotyping and filtering: Retaining SNPs with high success rates for robust analysis.
3. Comparative assessment: Cross-referencing Dutch wolf samples with genetic profiles from wolves, domestic dogs, golden jackals, and known wolf-dog hybrids across Europe.

Of the 11 samples, 9 were conclusively identified as wolves with strong genetic ties to populations in Germany and Northern Poland. These findings suggest that Dutch wolves are natural migrants from Central European and Baltic wolf populations, reinforcing the narrative of natural recolonization. Our results provided no significant evidence of hybridization in the nine high-quality samples. This is an encouraging outcome for conservation efforts, ensuring the genetic integrity of the wolf population in the Netherlands. Two provided samples had low quality DNA so detailed genomic analysis was not possible.

SeaInsights aims to achieve it objectives by: (1) developing and implementing a joint pilot action to comprehensively assess marine biodiversity, including the detection of invasive species using environmental DNA (eDNA); (2) harmonizing and enhancing monitoring approaches and databases for bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus); (3) creating genetic markers for genotyping-by-sequencing of bottlenose dolphins; (4) testing innovative tools for collecting eDNA samples for individual recognition of marine mammals through eDNA analysis; (5) conducting a coordinated pilot study on the cultural ecosystem services provided by marine and coastal ecosystems; (6) engaging relevant stakeholders to develop practical guidelines for future transboundary collaboration in marine mammals and marine biodiversity conservation and monitoring, an integral part of Northern Adriatic management; and (7) raising awareness and promoting sustainable practices in line with the local communities' values. The Northern Adriatic's unique biogeographical characteristics and extensive human activity make it highly vulnerable to various environmental and ecological challenges, underscoring the importance of transboundary collaboration in addressing these issues.

SI

SeaInsights bo svoj cilj dosegel z: (1) razvojem in izvedbo skupnega pilotnega ukrepa za celovito oceno morske biotske raznovrstnosti, vključno z zaznavanjem invazivnih vrst, z uporabo okoljske DNA (eDNA); (2) uskladitvijo in izboljšanjem metod spremljanja in podatkovnih zbirk za delfine (Tursiops truncatus); (3) razvojem novih genetskih markerjev za delfine, ki bodo omogočili genotipizacijo s sekvenciranjem naslednje generacije; (4) razvojem in testiranjem inovativnih orodij za zbiranje vzorcev eDNA za individualno prepoznavo morskih sesalcev (5) izdelavo usklajene pilotne študije o kulturnih ekosistemskih storitvah, ki jih zagotavljajo morski in obalni ekosistemi; (6) pripravo
praktičnih smernic, z vključevanjem različnih deležnikov, za čezmejno sodelovanje pri varovanju in spremljanju morskih sesalcev in morske biotske raznovrstnosti kot ključnega segmenta varovanja in upravljanja Severnega Jadrana; ter (7) ozaveščanjem in spodbujanjem trajnostnih praks v skladu z
vrednotami lokalnih skupnosti. Severni Jadran je zaradi edinstvenih biogeografskih značilnosti in obsežne človekove dejavnosti zelo ranljiv za različne okoljske in ekološke izzive, kar še dodatno poudari pomen čezmejnega sodelovanja pri reševanju teh vprašanj.  

The project is ongoing. Read more to learn about results. ->