Restricted gene flow in the endangered pygmy bluetongue lizard ( Tiliqua adelaidensis ) in a fragmented agricultural landscape

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dc.contributor.authorSmith, Annabel
dc.contributor.authorGardner, Michael
dc.contributor.authorFenner, Aaron L.
dc.contributor.authorBull, C. Michael
dc.date.accessioned2015-12-10T23:18:46Z
dc.date.issued2009
dc.date.updated2015-12-10T10:08:53Z
dc.description.abstractHabitat fragmentation can have several adverse genetic impacts on populations. Assessing the extent of these threatening processes is essential in conservation management. In the present study, we investigated the genetic population structure of the endangered pygmy bluetongue lizard, Tiliqua adelaidensis, which is now restricted to a few small fragments of its previously more extensive grassland habitat. The aim of our study was to investigate genetic diversity and gene flow both among and within sample sites. The information will assist in making recommendations for habitat conservation and translocation programs. We collected DNA from 229 individuals from six isolated sample sites and genotyped them for 16 polymorphic microsatellite loci. Across all six sample sites, observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.75 to 0.82. There was no evidence of population bottlenecks and little evidence of inbreeding due to consanguineous mating. Genetic differentiation was low to moderate although significant for all pairs of sample sites (FSTā‰¤0.0210.091). Results from Bayesian clustering analyses revealed distinct clusters in the overall sample and suggested restricted gene flow between sample sites separated by distances ranging from 1.7 to 71.6km. By using spatial autocorrelation, we also found a significant genetic structure within sample sites at distances up to 30m, suggesting restricted gene flow even in small patches of continuous habitat. It will be important to preserve this finely clustered population structure in captive breeding and translocation programs. Increasing opportunities for gene flow through habitat corridors or population augmentation may help maintain genetic diversity and prevent an increase in differentiation. Although endangered species do not always present model systems for studying fragmentation, our approach shows how important genetic information can be acquired to aid conservation in highly fragmented ecosystems.
dc.identifier.issn1035-3712
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/1885/65770
dc.publisherCSIRO Publishing
dc.sourceWildlife Research
dc.titleRestricted gene flow in the endangered pygmy bluetongue lizard ( Tiliqua adelaidensis ) in a fragmented agricultural landscape
dc.typeJournal article
local.bibliographicCitation.issue6
local.bibliographicCitation.lastpage478
local.bibliographicCitation.startpage466
local.contributor.affiliationSmith, Annabel, College of Medicine, Biology and Environment, ANU
local.contributor.affiliationGardner, Michael, Flinders University
local.contributor.affiliationFenner, Aaron L., University of South Australia
local.contributor.affiliationBull, C. Michael, Flinders University
local.contributor.authoremailu4446845@anu.edu.au
local.contributor.authoruidSmith, Annabel, u4446845
local.description.embargo2037-12-31
local.description.notesImported from ARIES
local.identifier.absfor050202 - Conservation and Biodiversity
local.identifier.absfor050104 - Landscape Ecology
local.identifier.absfor060207 - Population Ecology
local.identifier.absseo960811 - Sparseland, Permanent Grassland and Arid Zone Flora, Fauna and Biodiversity
local.identifier.ariespublicationu4279067xPUB1157
local.identifier.citationvolume36
local.identifier.doi10.1071/WR08171
local.identifier.scopusID2-s2.0-70350107173
local.identifier.uidSubmittedByu4279067
local.type.statusPublished Version

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