Landscape modelling spatial bottlenecks: implications for raccoon rabies disease spread |
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| Authors: | Erin E. Rees Bruce A. Pond Catherine I. Cullingham Rowland R. Tinline David Ball Christopher J. Kyle Bradley N. White |
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| Affiliation: | 1.Natural Resources DNA Profiling and Forensic Centre, Trent University, DNA Building, 2140 East Bank Drive, Peterborough, Ontario K9J 7B8, Canada;2.Wildlife Research and Development Section, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Trent University, DNA Building, 2140 East Bank Drive, Peterborough, Ontario K9J 7B8, Canada;3.Department of Geography, Queen''s GIS Laboratory, Queen''s University, Kingston, Ontario K7L 3N6, Canada |
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| Abstract: | A landscape genetic simulation modelling approach is used to understand factors affecting raccoon rabies disease spread in southern Ontario, Canada. Using the Ontario Rabies Model, we test the hypothesis that landscape configuration (shape of available habitat) affects dispersal, as indicated by genetic structuring. We simulated range expansions of raccoons from New York into vacant landscapes in Ontario, in two areas that differed by the presence or absence of a landscape constriction. Our results provide theoretical evidence that landscape constriction acts as a vicariant bottleneck. We discuss implications for raccoon rabies spread. |
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| Keywords: | raccoon rabies landscape genetics infectious disease modelling Procyon lotor |
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