Study: The dogs of Chernobyl

[JMCx4]

The dogs of Chernobyl: Demographic insights into populations inhabiting the nuclear exclusion zone​

Science Advances
3 Mar 2023
Vol 9, Issue 9
DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.ade2537

Abstract​

The 1986 Chernobyl nuclear disaster initiated a series of catastrophic events resulting in long-term and widespread environmental contamination. We characterize the genetic structure of 302 dogs representing three free-roaming dog populations living within the power plant itself, as well as those 15 to 45 kilometers from the disaster site. Genome-wide profiles from Chernobyl, purebred and free-breeding dogs, worldwide reveal that the individuals from the power plant and Chernobyl City are genetically distinct, with the former displaying increased intrapopulation genetic similarity and differentiation. Analysis of shared ancestral genome segments highlights differences in the extent and timing of western breed introgression. Kinship analysis reveals 15 families, with the largest spanning all collection sites within the radioactive exclusion zone, reflecting migration of dogs between the power plant and Chernobyl City. This study presents the first characterization of a domestic species in Chernobyl, establishing their importance for genetic studies into the effects of exposure to long-term, low-dose ionizing radiation. ...

INTRODUCTION ...​

In this study, we demonstrate that there are two locally distinct populations in this region, those from Chernobyl City, located 15 km from the CNPP, and dogs living in the CNPP. Within the CNPP itself, we describe discrete populations, including multiple nuclear families with connections to families in Chernobyl City. Further, by identifying differences in genetic diversity and breed ancestry, we characterize underlying genomic differences between the two primary populations within the CEZ, enabling a robust comparison of Chernobyl dogs to other free-breeding dogs throughout Ukraine and surrounding countries. These findings constitute a critical first step in the characterization of a unique target population that holds great promise for investigations into the effects of continuous environmental radiation exposure on a large-bodied mammalian species. Classification of discrete geographically defined populations, ancestry, and the existence of family structures within and among populations are areas of inquiry needed to design studies aimed at finding critical genetic variants that have accumulated for more than 30 years in this hostile, contaminated environment. ...


Read more at: https://www.science.org/doi/full/10.1126/sciadv.ade2537 | Science Advances

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