Genetic variation and structuring in the threatened koala populations of Southeast Queensland |
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Authors: | Kristen E Lee Jennifer M Seddon Sean W Corley William A H Ellis Stephen D Johnston Deidré L de Villiers Harriet J Preece Frank N Carrick |
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Institution: | (1) Koala Study Program, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia;(2) School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia;(3) Animal Genetics Laboratory, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia;(4) School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia;(5) School of Animal Studies, The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD, 4343, Australia;(6) Department of Environment and Resource Management, PO Box 64, Bellbowrie, QLD, 4070, Australia;(7) Centre for Mined Land Rehabilitation, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia |
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Abstract: | Habitat fragmentation can act to cause reproductive isolation between conspecifics and undermine species’ persistence, though
most studies have reported the genetic condition of populations that have already declined to a very small size. We examined
genetic diversity within the vulnerable, declining koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) population in Southeast Queensland, Australia to determine the genetic impact of ongoing threatening processes. Five hundred
and twelve koalas from ten Southeast Queensland Local Government Areas on the mainland and one island were genotyped at six
polymorphic microsatellite loci. Based on Bayesian cluster analysis incorporating spatial data, the regional koala population
was subdivided into six clusters, with location of major roads and rivers appearing to be consistent with being barriers to
gene flow. The distribution of mtDNA control region haplotypes identified distinct coastal and inland clades suggesting that
historically there was gene flow between koalas along the coast (though little interchange between coastal and inland animals).
In contrast, koalas from the Koala Coast (Brisbane City, Logan City and Redland Shire) were shown by microsatellite analysis
to be genetically distinct from adjacent areas. It is likely, therefore, that more recent reductions in population size and
restricted gene flow through urbanisation have contributed to the genetic differentiation of koalas in the Koala Coast region. |
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