Assessing the extent and conservation implications of introgression between domesticated and wild arctic foxes

Domesticated species diverge from their wild ancestors through artificial selection on specific traits and random genetic changes arising from relaxed selection pressure and genetic drift.

When domesticated and wild species come in secondary contact, hybridization can cause loss of local adaptations as well as increased expression of recessive deleterious alleles through inbreeding if the recipient population is small.

Farming of arctic foxes (Vulpes lagopus) was initiated in the early 1900s with initial founders from high Arctic coastal areas. The origin and evolution in captivity has caused strong  divergence to wild arctic foxes. Escapes from farms is a severe threat to the endangered Scandinavian arctic fox, adapted to inland tundra conditions.

A recent pilot study comparing whole genome sequences between wild and farmed foxes found signatures of admixture, but the extent and mechanism is unresolved.

In this project, we will combine genomics, life history data and simulations to investigate 1) the origin and artificial selection in the domesticated lineage, 2) the extent of introgression in wild arctic foxes, and 3) fitness consequences of introgression. Important stakeholders are natural resource authorities and the fur farm industry.

Results will be directly implemented in a management plan.

Scientifically, we will contribute to key questions addressed already by pioneering evolutionary biologists, and to the emerging field of conservation genomics.