Species‐level view of population structure and gene flow for a critically endangered primate (Varecia variegata)

Ecology and Evolution

Andrea L. Baden²  Sheila M. Holmes³  Steig E. Johnson³  Shannon E. Engberg¹  Edward E. Louis Jr¹ 

[1] Grewcock's Center for Conservation and Research – Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, Omaha, Nebraska;Department of Anthropology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut;Department of Anthropology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada

关键词: Conservation genetics;    dispersal;    genetic diversity;    lemur;    Madagascar;   

DOI  :  10.1002/ece3.1119

来源: Wiley

【 摘 要 】

Abstract

Lemurs are among the world's most threatened mammals. The critically endangered black-and-white ruffed lemur (Varecia variegata), in particular, has recently experienced rapid population declines due to habitat loss, ecological sensitivities to habitat degradation, and extensive human hunting pressure. Despite this, a recent study indicates that ruffed lemurs retain among the highest levels of genetic diversity for primates. Identifying how this diversity is apportioned and whether gene flow is maintained among remnant populations will help to diagnose and target conservation priorities. We sampled 209 individuals from 19 sites throughout the remaining V. variegata range. We used 10 polymorphic microsatellite loci and ~550 bp of mtDNA sequence data to evaluate genetic structure and population dynamics, including dispersal patterns and recent population declines. Bayesian cluster analyses identified two distinct genetic clusters, which optimally partitioned data into populations occurring on either side of the Mangoro River. Localities north of the Mangoro were characterized by greater genetic diversity, greater gene flow (lower genetic differentiation) and higher mtDNA haplotype and nucleotide diversity than those in the south. Despite this, genetic differentiation across all sites was high, as indicated by high average F_ST (0.247) and Φ_ST (0.544), and followed a pattern of isolation-by-distance. We use these results to suggest future conservation strategies that include an effort to maintain genetic diversity in the north and restore connectivity in the south. We also note the discordance between patterns of genetic differentiation and current subspecies taxonomy, and encourage a re-evaluation of conservation management units moving forward.

【 授权许可】

CC BY   
© 2014 The Authors. Ecology and Evolution published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.