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Despite the fact that the Swedish elk tribe has at times been close to extinction, the species retains its historical genetic diversity. This is shown by a new study.
“Overall, the moose’s genetic health looks good in Sweden without major disturbances in the genetic material,” says Professor Linda Laikre.
In Sweden, there are approximately 320,000 moose, of which almost 60,000 are shot every year. An increase in moose hunting in the 15th century resulted in the species being almost completely extirpated. Reduced population in return increases the risk of inbreeding.
But from 1930 onwards, hunting decreased and forestry began, which benefited the moose population, explains Linda Laikre, professor of population genetics at Stockholm University.
– We wanted to investigate whether we could see signs that the moose lost large amounts of genetic variation from the 19th century until the present day, but we find no clear such signs. On the other hand, we see traces in the genetic material that indicate sharp reductions in stocks before the 19th century.
The survival of the species
She further explains that it is important to maintain genetic diversity in order for the species to survive in the long term and not suffer from inbreeding that can lead to genetic defects. Genetic diversity is also needed for adaptability.
– In southern Sweden there is more inbreeding than in the north. There are no acute genetic threats, but it is something we will research further by collecting more moose from southern Sweden, she says.
More finds
The study also shows that special genetic predispositions have changed rapidly over time. Linda Laikre tells us that from 1980 to 2020 they can see changes in genes linked to horn development, fertility, metabolism and body weight.
– Overall, the moose’s genetic health looks good in Sweden, but our study also shows that continued monitoring of the genetic variation is important, she says.
The investigation is based on 87 moose from the 1840s to 2019 from all over Sweden, including Öland, where the researchers have extracted DNA and read the entire genome of each individual.
The study is carried out by Stockholm University led by researcher Nicolas Dussex together with Linda Laikre.
FACTS Facts about the moose
The moose is the largest animal in the Swedish forest and has become a symbolic animal for Sweden.
An adult moose weighs 200–550 kilos and can be measured up to 230 cm in height at the withers.
The lifespan is about ten years, but they can be up to 20 years.
Give birth to one to three young (calves), but usually one.
Only the moose bulls have horns. The horns are shed every winter but grow back after a few months.
Source: Skansen
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