Genetic diversity and population divergence in fragmented habitats: Conservation of Idaho ground squirrels |
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Authors: | Alisse?Garner Email author" target="_blank">Janet L?RachlowEmail author Lisette P?Waits |
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Institution: | (1) Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, University of Idaho, College of Natural Resources, Room 105, Moscow, ID 83844-1136, USA |
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Abstract: | The Idaho ground squirrel, which consists of a northern (Spermophilus brunneus brunneus) and a southern subspecies (S. b. endemicus), has suffered from habitat loss and fragmentation, resulting in a reduction in both numbers and geographic range of the
species. The northern Idaho ground squirrel (NIDGS) is listed as a threatened subspecies under the Endangered Species Act,
and the southern Idaho ground squirrel (SIDGS) is a candidate. Because Idaho ground squirrel populations are small and often
isolated, they are susceptible to inbreeding and loss of genetic diversity through drift. This research evaluates levels of
genetic diversity and patterns of population divergence in both subspecies of Idaho ground squirrels. We hypothesized that
NIDGS would exhibit lower genetic diversity and greater population divergence due to a longer period of population isolation
relative to most SIDGS populations. Genetic diversity and divergence were quantified using 8 microsatellite loci. Contrary
to expectations, SIDGS populations exhibited consistently lower levels of microsatellite diversity. Additionally, NIDGS exhibited
only modest divergence among populations, while divergence levels among SIDGS populations were highly varied. Preliminary
evaluations of mitochondrial DNA diversity and structure revealed lower diversity in NIDGS and some differences in gene flow
that warrant further study. Based on our results, we suggest different management strategies for the two subspecies. Habitat
restoration appears to be the most desirable conservation strategy for NIDGS populations. In contrast, low genetic diversity
observed in SIDGS may warrant supplementation of isolated populations through translocations or captive breeding to mitigate
further loss of genetic variability. |
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Keywords: | genetic diversity ground squirrels habitat fragmentation microsatellites Spermophilus brunneus |
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