Dispersal via stream corridors structures populations of the endangered St. Francis’ satyr butterfly (Neonympha mitchellii francisci) |
| |
Authors: | Laura V Milko Nick M Haddad Stacey L Lance |
| |
Institution: | (1) Department of Biology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA;(2) Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, University of Georgia, Aiken, SC 29802, USA |
| |
Abstract: | Habitat fragmentation may reduce gene flow and population viability of rare species. We tested whether riparian corridors
enhanced gene flow and if human habitat modification between riparian corridors subsequently reduced dispersal and gene flow
of a wetland butterfly, the US federally endangered St. Francis’ satyr butterfly (Neonympha mitchellii francisci). We surveyed nine populations throughout the taxon’s range using five polymorphic microsatellite loci. We found that genetic
diversity of N. m. francisci was relatively high despite its restricted distribution, and that there is little evidence of population bottlenecks or extensive
inbreeding within populations. We found substantial gene flow and detectable first generation migration, suggesting that N. m. francisci is unlikely to be currently endangered by genetic factors. Pairwise population differentiation and clustering indicate some
structuring between populations on different drainages and suggest that dispersal probably occurs mainly via a stepping stone
from the closest riparian corridors. However, genetic differentiation between geographically close populations suggests that
isolation by distance is not solely responsible for population structure, and that management actions should be targeted at
maintaining connectivity of riparian and upland habitats. |
| |
Keywords: | |
本文献已被 SpringerLink 等数据库收录! |
|