Genetic structure of introduced populations: 120‐year‐old DNA footprint of historic introduction in an insular small mammal population

Ecology and Evolution

Siobhan Simpson³  Nick Blampied²  Gabriela Peniche¹  Anne Dozières⁵  Tiffany Blackett²  Stephen Coleman²  Nina Cornish⁴ 

[1] Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London, United Kingdom;JSPCA Animals' Shelter, St. Helier, Jersey, United Kingdom;Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent, Canterbury, United Kingdom;The Department of Environment, States of Jersey, Trinity, Jersey, United Kingdom;Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle, Département “Ecologie et Gestion de la Biodiversité”, UMR 7204 “Conservation des espèces, restauration et suivi des populations”, rue Buffon, Paris, France

关键词: Conservation;    genetic structure;    islands;    population genetics;    red squirrels;    reintroduction;   

DOI  :  10.1002/ece3.486

来源: Wiley

【 摘 要 】

Abstract

Wildlife populations have been introduced to new areas by people for centuries, but this human-mediated movement can disrupt natural patterns of genetic structure by altering patterns of gene flow. Insular populations are particularly prone to these influences due to limited opportunities for natural dispersal onto islands. Consequently, understanding how genetic patterns develop in island populations is important, particularly given that islands are frequently havens for protected wildlife. We examined the evolutionary origins and extent of genetic structure within the introduced island population of red squirrels (Sciurus vulgaris) on the Channel Island of Jersey using mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region sequence and nuclear microsatellite genotypes. Our findings reveal two different genetic origins and a genetic architecture reflective of the introductions 120 years ago. Genetic structure is marked within the maternally inherited mtDNA, indicating slow dispersal of female squirrels. However, nuclear markers detected only weak genetic structure, indicating substantially greater male dispersal. Data from both mitochondrial and nuclear markers support historic records that squirrels from England were introduced to the west of the island and those from mainland Europe to the east. Although some level of dispersal and introgression across the island between the two introductions is evident, there has not yet been sufficient gene flow to erase this historic genetic “footprint.” We also investigated if inbreeding has contributed to high observed levels of disease, but found no association. Genetic footprints of introductions can persist for considerable periods of time and beyond traditional timeframes of wildlife management.

【 授权许可】

CC BY   
© 2013 The Authors. Ecology and Evolution published by Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

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