Ilpo Kojola - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Ilpo Kojola

Research paper thumbnail of Limited gene flow among brown bear populations in far Northern Europe? Genetic analysis of the east-west border population in the Pasvik Valley

Research paper thumbnail of Interactions between wolves Canis lupus and dogs C. familiaris in Finland

Research paper thumbnail of Recovery of large carnivores in Europe's modern human-dominated landscapes

by Luděk Bufka, Olof Liberg, Henrik Andrén, Jon Swenson, P.-y. Quenette, Vaidas Balys, Aleksandar Stojanov, Klemen Jerina, Hubert Potočnik, Robin Rigg, Jakub Kubala, Sasa Kunovac, Fridolin Zimmermann, Janis Ozoliņš, Aleksandër Trajçe, Yorgos Mertzanis, Ilpo Kojola, Katja Holmala, Paolo Ciucci, Peter Bedo, Miroslav Kutal, László Szemethy, and Aleksandar Dutsov

Science (New York, N.Y.), Jan 19, 2014

The conservation of large carnivores is a formidable challenge for biodiversity conservation. Usi... more The conservation of large carnivores is a formidable challenge for biodiversity conservation. Using a data set on the past and current status of brown bears (Ursus arctos), Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx), gray wolves (Canis lupus), and wolverines (Gulo gulo) in European countries, we show that roughly one-third of mainland Europe hosts at least one large carnivore species, with stable or increasing abundance in most cases in 21st-century records. The reasons for this overall conservation success include protective legislation, supportive public opinion, and a variety of practices making coexistence between large carnivores and people possible. The European situation reveals that large carnivores and people can share the same landscape.

Research paper thumbnail of Sudden expansion of a single brown bear maternal lineage across northern continental Eurasia after the last ice age: a general demographic model for mammals?

Research paper thumbnail of Dispersal in an Expanding Wolf Population in Finland

Journal of Mammalogy, 2006

Research paper thumbnail of Predation has a greater impact in less productive environments: variation in roe deer, Capreolus capreolus , population density across Europe

Global Ecology and Biogeography, 2009

Research paper thumbnail of Distance-Dependent Effect of the Nearest Neighbor: Spatiotemporal Patterns in Brown Bear Reproduction

Research paper thumbnail of Genetic structure of the northwestern Russian wolf populations and gene flow between Russia and Finland

Conservation Genetics, 2009

Research paper thumbnail of Is the Fear of Wolves Justified? A Fennoscandian Perspective

Acta Zoologica Lituanica, 2003

Research paper thumbnail of Ulv i Skandinavia

Research paper thumbnail of Long-Range Gene Flow and the Effects of Climatic and Ecological Factors on Genetic Structuring in a Large, Solitary Carnivore: The Eurasian Lynx

PLoS ONE, 2014

Due to their high mobility, large terrestrial predators are potentially capable of maintaining hi... more Due to their high mobility, large terrestrial predators are potentially capable of maintaining high connectivity, and therefore low genetic differentiation among populations. However, previous molecular studies have provided contradictory findings in relation to this. To elucidate patterns of genetic structure in large carnivores, we studied the genetic variability of the Eurasian lynx, Lynx lynx throughout north-eastern Europe using microsatellite, mitochondrial DNA control region and Y chromosome-linked markers. Using SAMOVA we found analogous patterns of genetic structure based on both mtDNA and microsatellites, which coincided with a relatively little evidence for male-biased dispersal. No polymorphism for the cytochrome b and ATP6 mtDNA genes and Y chromosome-linked markers were found. Lynx inhabiting a large area encompassing Finland, the Baltic countries and western Russia formed a single genetic unit, while some marginal populations were clearly divergent from others. The existence of a migration corridor was suggested to correspond with distribution of continuous forest cover. The lowest variability (in both markers) was found in lynx from Norway and Białowieża Primeval Forest (BPF), which coincided with a recent demographic bottleneck (Norway) or high habitat fragmentation (BPF). The Carpathian population, being monomorphic for the control region, showed relatively high microsatellite diversity, suggesting the effect of a past bottleneck (e.g. during Last Glacial Maximum) on its present genetic composition. Genetic structuring for the mtDNA control region was best explained by latitude and snow cover depth. Microsatellite structuring correlated with the lynx's main prey, especially the proportion of red deer (Cervus elaphus) in its diet. Eurasian lynx are capable of maintaining panmictic populations across eastern Europe unless they are severely limited by habitat continuity or a reduction in numbers. Different correlations of mtDNA and microsatellite population divergence patterns with climatic and ecological factors may suggest separate selective pressures acting on males and females in this solitary carnivore.

Research paper thumbnail of Recovery of large carnivores in Europe's modern human-dominated landscapes

by Martin Váňa, Miha Krofel, Petter Wabakken, Aleksandër Trajçe, Robin Rigg, Yorgos Mertzanis, Ferdinand Bego, Ilpo Kojola, Ovidiu M . Ionescu, Katja Holmala, Paolo Ciucci, Vaidas Balys, Peter Bedo, László Szemethy, and Miroslav Kutal

Science (New York, N.Y.), Jan 19, 2014

The conservation of large carnivores is a formidable challenge for biodiversity conservation. Usi... more The conservation of large carnivores is a formidable challenge for biodiversity conservation. Using a data set on the past and current status of brown bears (Ursus arctos), Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx), gray wolves (Canis lupus), and wolverines (Gulo gulo) in European countries, we show that roughly one-third of mainland Europe hosts at least one large carnivore species, with stable or increasing abundance in most cases in 21st-century records. The reasons for this overall conservation success include protective legislation, supportive public opinion, and a variety of practices making coexistence between large carnivores and people possible. The European situation reveals that large carnivores and people can share the same landscape.

Research paper thumbnail of Direct and Correlative Phenotypic Selection on Life-History Traits in Three Pre-Industrial Human Populations

Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, 1996

Because natural selection acts simultaneously on several correlated traits, can be under both dir... more Because natural selection acts simultaneously on several correlated traits, can be under both direct and correlative selection simultaneously. Correlative selection may either weaken or magnify the association between a trait and fitness. Direct effect of a single trait on fitness can be assessed by removing the effects of correlative selection with multivariate techniques. We studied the phenotypic selection on demographic life-history traits in three pre-industrial human populations, which experienced different mortality environments. We used path-analysis to estimate direct and correlative selection on different traits in females and males. Our results indicate substantial differences among the sexes in the force of phenotypic selection on key life-history traits. For females, the most important component of reproductive success was the age at first reproduction. Most important component of fitness for males was the quality of mate. In addition, our analysis revealed considerable among-population variation in the selection on life-history traits. These differences are in accord with the historical notes of among-population variation in the lifestyle and harshness of the environment, suggesting that among-population variation in life-history traits may have been a response to the environmental variation.

Research paper thumbnail of Rescue of a severely bottlenecked wolf (Canis lupus) population by a single immigrant

Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, 2003

Research paper thumbnail of Summer movements, predation and habitat use of wolves in human modified boreal forests

Research paper thumbnail of Sudden expansion of a single brown bear maternal lineage across northern continental Eurasia after the last ice age: a general demographic model for mammals?

Research paper thumbnail of Predation on European wild forest reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) by wolves (Canis lupus) in Finland

Research paper thumbnail of Multistage, Long-Range Natal Dispersal by a Global Positioning System–Collared Scandinavian Wolf

Journal of Wildlife Management, 2007

Research paper thumbnail of Mitogenetic structure of brown bears (Ursus arctos L.) in northeastern Europe and a new time frame for the formation of European brown bear lineages

Molecular ecology, 2007

We estimated the phylogenetic relationships of brown bear maternal haplotypes from countries of n... more We estimated the phylogenetic relationships of brown bear maternal haplotypes from countries of northeastern Europe (Estonia, Finland and European Russia), using sequences of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region of 231 bears. Twenty-five mtDNA haplotypes were identified. The brown bear population in northeastern Europe can be divided into three haplogroups: one with bears from all three countries, one with bears from Finland and Russia, and the third composed almost exclusively of bears from European Russia. Four haplotypes from Finland and European Russia matched exactly with haplotypes from Slovakia, suggesting the significance of the current territory of Slovakia in ancient demographic processes of brown bears. Based on the results of this study and those from the recent literature, we hypothesize that the West Carpathian Mountains have served either as one of the northernmost refuge areas or as an important movement corridor for brown bears of the Eastern lineage towards nor...

Research paper thumbnail of Sexual Conf lict and Remarriage in Preindustrial Human Populations Causes and Fitness Consequences

Evolution and Human Behavior, 1998

Research paper thumbnail of Limited gene flow among brown bear populations in far Northern Europe? Genetic analysis of the east-west border population in the Pasvik Valley

Research paper thumbnail of Interactions between wolves Canis lupus and dogs C. familiaris in Finland

Research paper thumbnail of Recovery of large carnivores in Europe's modern human-dominated landscapes

by Luděk Bufka, Olof Liberg, Henrik Andrén, Jon Swenson, P.-y. Quenette, Vaidas Balys, Aleksandar Stojanov, Klemen Jerina, Hubert Potočnik, Robin Rigg, Jakub Kubala, Sasa Kunovac, Fridolin Zimmermann, Janis Ozoliņš, Aleksandër Trajçe, Yorgos Mertzanis, Ilpo Kojola, Katja Holmala, Paolo Ciucci, Peter Bedo, Miroslav Kutal, László Szemethy, and Aleksandar Dutsov

Science (New York, N.Y.), Jan 19, 2014

The conservation of large carnivores is a formidable challenge for biodiversity conservation. Usi... more The conservation of large carnivores is a formidable challenge for biodiversity conservation. Using a data set on the past and current status of brown bears (Ursus arctos), Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx), gray wolves (Canis lupus), and wolverines (Gulo gulo) in European countries, we show that roughly one-third of mainland Europe hosts at least one large carnivore species, with stable or increasing abundance in most cases in 21st-century records. The reasons for this overall conservation success include protective legislation, supportive public opinion, and a variety of practices making coexistence between large carnivores and people possible. The European situation reveals that large carnivores and people can share the same landscape.

Research paper thumbnail of Sudden expansion of a single brown bear maternal lineage across northern continental Eurasia after the last ice age: a general demographic model for mammals?

Research paper thumbnail of Dispersal in an Expanding Wolf Population in Finland

Journal of Mammalogy, 2006

Research paper thumbnail of Predation has a greater impact in less productive environments: variation in roe deer, Capreolus capreolus , population density across Europe

Global Ecology and Biogeography, 2009

Research paper thumbnail of Distance-Dependent Effect of the Nearest Neighbor: Spatiotemporal Patterns in Brown Bear Reproduction

Research paper thumbnail of Genetic structure of the northwestern Russian wolf populations and gene flow between Russia and Finland

Conservation Genetics, 2009

Research paper thumbnail of Is the Fear of Wolves Justified? A Fennoscandian Perspective

Acta Zoologica Lituanica, 2003

Research paper thumbnail of Ulv i Skandinavia

Research paper thumbnail of Long-Range Gene Flow and the Effects of Climatic and Ecological Factors on Genetic Structuring in a Large, Solitary Carnivore: The Eurasian Lynx

PLoS ONE, 2014

Due to their high mobility, large terrestrial predators are potentially capable of maintaining hi... more Due to their high mobility, large terrestrial predators are potentially capable of maintaining high connectivity, and therefore low genetic differentiation among populations. However, previous molecular studies have provided contradictory findings in relation to this. To elucidate patterns of genetic structure in large carnivores, we studied the genetic variability of the Eurasian lynx, Lynx lynx throughout north-eastern Europe using microsatellite, mitochondrial DNA control region and Y chromosome-linked markers. Using SAMOVA we found analogous patterns of genetic structure based on both mtDNA and microsatellites, which coincided with a relatively little evidence for male-biased dispersal. No polymorphism for the cytochrome b and ATP6 mtDNA genes and Y chromosome-linked markers were found. Lynx inhabiting a large area encompassing Finland, the Baltic countries and western Russia formed a single genetic unit, while some marginal populations were clearly divergent from others. The existence of a migration corridor was suggested to correspond with distribution of continuous forest cover. The lowest variability (in both markers) was found in lynx from Norway and Białowieża Primeval Forest (BPF), which coincided with a recent demographic bottleneck (Norway) or high habitat fragmentation (BPF). The Carpathian population, being monomorphic for the control region, showed relatively high microsatellite diversity, suggesting the effect of a past bottleneck (e.g. during Last Glacial Maximum) on its present genetic composition. Genetic structuring for the mtDNA control region was best explained by latitude and snow cover depth. Microsatellite structuring correlated with the lynx's main prey, especially the proportion of red deer (Cervus elaphus) in its diet. Eurasian lynx are capable of maintaining panmictic populations across eastern Europe unless they are severely limited by habitat continuity or a reduction in numbers. Different correlations of mtDNA and microsatellite population divergence patterns with climatic and ecological factors may suggest separate selective pressures acting on males and females in this solitary carnivore.

Research paper thumbnail of Recovery of large carnivores in Europe's modern human-dominated landscapes

by Martin Váňa, Miha Krofel, Petter Wabakken, Aleksandër Trajçe, Robin Rigg, Yorgos Mertzanis, Ferdinand Bego, Ilpo Kojola, Ovidiu M . Ionescu, Katja Holmala, Paolo Ciucci, Vaidas Balys, Peter Bedo, László Szemethy, and Miroslav Kutal

Science (New York, N.Y.), Jan 19, 2014

The conservation of large carnivores is a formidable challenge for biodiversity conservation. Usi... more The conservation of large carnivores is a formidable challenge for biodiversity conservation. Using a data set on the past and current status of brown bears (Ursus arctos), Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx), gray wolves (Canis lupus), and wolverines (Gulo gulo) in European countries, we show that roughly one-third of mainland Europe hosts at least one large carnivore species, with stable or increasing abundance in most cases in 21st-century records. The reasons for this overall conservation success include protective legislation, supportive public opinion, and a variety of practices making coexistence between large carnivores and people possible. The European situation reveals that large carnivores and people can share the same landscape.

Research paper thumbnail of Direct and Correlative Phenotypic Selection on Life-History Traits in Three Pre-Industrial Human Populations

Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, 1996

Because natural selection acts simultaneously on several correlated traits, can be under both dir... more Because natural selection acts simultaneously on several correlated traits, can be under both direct and correlative selection simultaneously. Correlative selection may either weaken or magnify the association between a trait and fitness. Direct effect of a single trait on fitness can be assessed by removing the effects of correlative selection with multivariate techniques. We studied the phenotypic selection on demographic life-history traits in three pre-industrial human populations, which experienced different mortality environments. We used path-analysis to estimate direct and correlative selection on different traits in females and males. Our results indicate substantial differences among the sexes in the force of phenotypic selection on key life-history traits. For females, the most important component of reproductive success was the age at first reproduction. Most important component of fitness for males was the quality of mate. In addition, our analysis revealed considerable among-population variation in the selection on life-history traits. These differences are in accord with the historical notes of among-population variation in the lifestyle and harshness of the environment, suggesting that among-population variation in life-history traits may have been a response to the environmental variation.

Research paper thumbnail of Rescue of a severely bottlenecked wolf (Canis lupus) population by a single immigrant

Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, 2003

Research paper thumbnail of Summer movements, predation and habitat use of wolves in human modified boreal forests

Research paper thumbnail of Sudden expansion of a single brown bear maternal lineage across northern continental Eurasia after the last ice age: a general demographic model for mammals?

Research paper thumbnail of Predation on European wild forest reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) by wolves (Canis lupus) in Finland

Research paper thumbnail of Multistage, Long-Range Natal Dispersal by a Global Positioning System–Collared Scandinavian Wolf

Journal of Wildlife Management, 2007

Research paper thumbnail of Mitogenetic structure of brown bears (Ursus arctos L.) in northeastern Europe and a new time frame for the formation of European brown bear lineages

Molecular ecology, 2007

We estimated the phylogenetic relationships of brown bear maternal haplotypes from countries of n... more We estimated the phylogenetic relationships of brown bear maternal haplotypes from countries of northeastern Europe (Estonia, Finland and European Russia), using sequences of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region of 231 bears. Twenty-five mtDNA haplotypes were identified. The brown bear population in northeastern Europe can be divided into three haplogroups: one with bears from all three countries, one with bears from Finland and Russia, and the third composed almost exclusively of bears from European Russia. Four haplotypes from Finland and European Russia matched exactly with haplotypes from Slovakia, suggesting the significance of the current territory of Slovakia in ancient demographic processes of brown bears. Based on the results of this study and those from the recent literature, we hypothesize that the West Carpathian Mountains have served either as one of the northernmost refuge areas or as an important movement corridor for brown bears of the Eastern lineage towards nor...

Research paper thumbnail of Sexual Conf lict and Remarriage in Preindustrial Human Populations Causes and Fitness Consequences

Evolution and Human Behavior, 1998