Genetic Consequences of Habitat Fragmentation in Black-and-Gold Howler (<Emphasis Type="BoldItalic">Alouatta caraya</Emphasis>) Populations from Northern Argentina |
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Authors: | Luciana Ines Oklander Martin M Kowalewski Daniel Corach |
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Institution: | 1.SDHG (Servicio de Huellas Digitales Genéticas), Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica,Universidad de Buenos Aires,Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires,Argentina;2.Estación Biológica Corrientes, Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales Bernardino Rivadavia,Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires,Argentina |
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Abstract: | Human-induced habitat fragmentation might seriously affect behavioural patterns and the survival of species whose ecological
requirements strongly depend on specific environmental conditions. We compared the genetic structure and dispersal patterns
of 2 populations of Alouatta caraya (Plathyrrhini, Atelidae) to understand how habitat reduction and fragmentation affect gene flow in this species. We sampled
individuals from 7 groups living in continuous forest (CF, n = 46, 22 males and 24 females), and 11 groups that inhabit a fragmented forest (FF, n = 50, 24 males and 26 females). FST values based on 11 microsatellite loci showed a recent genetic differentiation among
groups in the FF. In contrast, the CF showed no differentiation among groups. Further, FST values between sexes, as well as
kinship relationships, also exhibited differences between habitats. In the CF, both males and females disperse, leading to
nondifferentiated groups composed of adults that are not close relatives. Conversely, in the FF, some groups are differentiated,
males disperse more than females, and groups are composed of closely related adult females. Our results suggest that habitat
fragmentation modifies the dispersal patterns of black-and-gold howlers. These differences between habitats may reflect a
reduced gene flow, providing genetic evidence that suggests that habitat fragmentation severely limits the howler’s ability
to disperse. An increasing level of isolation due to uncontrolled deforestation may cause similar loss of genetic diversity
on other arboreal primates, and nonprimates that depend on forest continuity to disperse, reducing their abilities to cope
with environmental changes. |
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