1
|
Hendrickson EC, Cruzan MB. Effective dispersal patterns in prairie plant species across human-modified landscapes. Mol Ecol 2024; 33:e17354. [PMID: 38656619 DOI: 10.1111/mec.17354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Effective dispersal among plant populations is dependent on vector behaviour, landscape features and availability of adequate habitats. To capture landscape feature effects on dispersal, studies must be conducted at scales reflecting single-generation dispersal events (mesoscale). Many studies are conducted at large scales where genetic differentiation is due to dispersal occurring over multiple generations, making it difficult to interpret the effects of specific landscape features on vector behaviour. Genetic structure at the mesoscale may be determined by ecological and evolutionary processes, such as the consequences of vector behaviour on patterns of gene flow. We used chloroplast haplotypes and nuclear genome SNP surveys to identify landscape features influencing seed and pollen dispersal at a mesoscale within the Rogue River Valley in southern Oregon. We evaluated biotic and abiotic vector behaviour by contrasting two annual species with differing dispersal mechanisms; Achyrachaena mollis (Asteraceae) is a self-pollinating and anemochoric species, and Plectritis congesta (Caprifoliaceae) is biotically pollinated with barochoric seeds. Using landscape genetics methods, we identified features of the study region that conduct or restrict dispersal. We found chloroplast haplotypes were indicative of historic patterns of gene flow prior to human modification of landscapes. Seed dispersal of A. mollis was best supported by models of isolation by distance, while seed-driven gene flow of P. congesta was determined by the distribution of preserved natural spaces and quality habitat. Nuclear genetic structure was driven by both pollen and seed dispersal, and both species responded to contemporary landscape changes, such as urban and agricultural conversion, and habitat availability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Mitchell B Cruzan
- Department of Biology, Portland State University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Santos JL, Hradsky BA, Keith DA, Rowe KC, Senior KL, Sitters H, Kelly LT. Beyond inappropriate fire regimes: A synthesis of fire‐driven declines of threatened mammals in Australia. Conserv Lett 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/conl.12905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Julianna L. Santos
- School of Ecosystem and Forest Sciences The University of Melbourne Parkville Australia
| | - Bronwyn A. Hradsky
- School of Ecosystem and Forest Sciences The University of Melbourne Parkville Australia
| | - David A. Keith
- Centre for Ecosystem Science, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences The University of New South Wales Sydney Australia
- New South Wales Department of Planning Infrastructure and Environment Parramatta Australia
| | - Kevin C. Rowe
- Sciences Department Museums Victoria Melbourne Australia
- School of BioSciences The University of Melbourne Parkville Australia
| | - Katharine L. Senior
- School of Ecosystem and Forest Sciences The University of Melbourne Parkville Australia
| | - Holly Sitters
- School of Ecosystem and Forest Sciences The University of Melbourne Parkville Australia
| | - Luke T. Kelly
- School of Ecosystem and Forest Sciences The University of Melbourne Parkville Australia
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Lees DM, Watchorn DJ, Driscoll DA, Doherty TS. Microhabitat selection by small mammals in response to fire. AUST J ZOOL 2022. [DOI: 10.1071/zo21022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
|
4
|
Abstract
The conservation field is experiencing a rapid increase in the amount, variety, and quality of spatial data that can help us understand species movement and landscape connectivity patterns. As interest grows in more dynamic representations of movement potential, modelers are often limited by the capacity of their analytic tools to handle these datasets. Technology developments in software and high-performance computing are rapidly emerging in many fields, but uptake within conservation may lag, as our tools or our choice of computing language can constrain our ability to keep pace. We recently updated Circuitscape, a widely used connectivity analysis tool developed by Brad McRae and Viral Shah, by implementing it in Julia, a high-performance computing language. In this initial re-code (Circuitscape 5.0) and later updates, we improved computational efficiency and parallelism, achieving major speed improvements, and enabling assessments across larger extents or with higher resolution data. Here, we reflect on the benefits to conservation of strengthening collaborations with computer scientists, and extract examples from a collection of 572 Circuitscape applications to illustrate how through a decade of repeated investment in the software, applications have been many, varied, and increasingly dynamic. Beyond empowering continued innovations in dynamic connectivity, we expect that faster run times will play an important role in facilitating co-production of connectivity assessments with stakeholders, increasing the likelihood that connectivity science will be incorporated in land use decisions.
Collapse
|
5
|
Driscoll DA, Armenteras D, Bennett AF, Brotons L, Clarke MF, Doherty TS, Haslem A, Kelly LT, Sato CF, Sitters H, Aquilué N, Bell K, Chadid M, Duane A, Meza-Elizalde MC, Giljohann KM, González TM, Jambhekar R, Lazzari J, Morán-Ordóñez A, Wevill T. How fire interacts with habitat loss and fragmentation. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2021; 96:976-998. [PMID: 33561321 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Revised: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Biodiversity faces many threats and these can interact to produce outcomes that may not be predicted by considering their effects in isolation. Habitat loss and fragmentation (hereafter 'fragmentation') and altered fire regimes are important threats to biodiversity, but their interactions have not been systematically evaluated across the globe. In this comprehensive synthesis, including 162 papers which provided 274 cases, we offer a framework for understanding how fire interacts with fragmentation. Fire and fragmentation interact in three main ways: (i) fire influences fragmentation (59% of 274 cases), where fire either destroys and fragments habitat or creates and connects habitat; (ii) fragmentation influences fire (25% of cases) where, after habitat is reduced in area and fragmented, fire in the landscape is subsequently altered because people suppress or ignite fires, or there is increased edge flammability or increased obstruction to fire spread; and (iii) where the two do not influence each other, but fire interacts with fragmentation to affect responses like species richness, abundance and extinction risk (16% of cases). Where fire and fragmentation do influence each other, feedback loops are possible that can lead to ecosystem conversion (e.g. forest to grassland). This is a well-documented threat in the tropics but with potential also to be important elsewhere. Fire interacts with fragmentation through scale-specific mechanisms: fire creates edges and drives edge effects; fire alters patch quality; and fire alters landscape-scale connectivity. We found only 12 cases in which studies reported the four essential strata for testing a full interaction, which were fragmented and unfragmented landscapes that both span contrasting fire histories, such as recently burnt and long unburnt vegetation. Simulation and empirical studies show that fire and fragmentation can interact synergistically, multiplicatively, antagonistically or additively. These cases highlight a key reason why understanding interactions is so important: when fire and fragmentation act together they can cause local extinctions, even when their separate effects are neutral. Whether fire-fragmentation interactions benefit or disadvantage species is often determined by the species' preferred successional stage. Adding fire to landscapes generally benefits early-successional plant and animal species, whereas it is detrimental to late-successional species. However, when fire interacts with fragmentation, the direction of effect of fire on a species could be reversed from the effect expected by successional preferences. Adding fire to fragmented landscapes can be detrimental for species that would normally co-exist with fire, because species may no longer be able to disperse to their preferred successional stage. Further, animals may be attracted to particular successional stages leading to unexpected responses to fragmentation, such as higher abundance in more isolated unburnt patches. Growing human populations and increasing resource consumption suggest that fragmentation trends will worsen over coming years. Combined with increasing alteration of fire regimes due to climate change and human-caused ignitions, interactions of fire with fragmentation are likely to become more common. Our new framework paves the way for developing a better understanding of how fire interacts with fragmentation, and for conserving biodiversity in the face of these emerging challenges.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Don A Driscoll
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Melbourne Burwood Campus, 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood, VIC, 3125, Australia
| | - Dolors Armenteras
- Laboratorio de Ecología del Paisaje y Modelación de Ecosistemas ECOLMOD, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Sede Bogotá, Edificio 421, Oficina 223, Cra. 30 # 45-03, Bogotá, 111321, Colombia
| | - Andrew F Bennett
- Research Centre for Future Landscapes, Department Ecology, Environment & Evolution, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, 3086, Australia
| | - Lluís Brotons
- InForest JRU (CTFC-CREAF), Carretera vella de Sant Llorenç de Morunys km. 2, Solsona, 25280, Spain.,CREAF, Bellaterra, Barcelona, 08193, Spain.,CSIC, Bellaterra, Barcelona, 08193, Spain
| | - Michael F Clarke
- Research Centre for Future Landscapes, Department Ecology, Environment & Evolution, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, 3086, Australia
| | - Tim S Doherty
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Melbourne Burwood Campus, 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood, VIC, 3125, Australia
| | - Angie Haslem
- Research Centre for Future Landscapes, Department Ecology, Environment & Evolution, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, 3086, Australia
| | - Luke T Kelly
- School of Ecosystem and Forest Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Chloe F Sato
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Melbourne Burwood Campus, 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood, VIC, 3125, Australia
| | - Holly Sitters
- School of Ecosystem and Forest Sciences, University of Melbourne, 4 Water Street, Creswick, VIC, 3363, Australia
| | - Núria Aquilué
- InForest JRU (CTFC-CREAF), Carretera vella de Sant Llorenç de Morunys km. 2, Solsona, 25280, Spain
| | - Kristian Bell
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Melbourne Burwood Campus, 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood, VIC, 3125, Australia
| | - Maria Chadid
- Laboratorio de Ecología del Paisaje y Modelación de Ecosistemas ECOLMOD, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Sede Bogotá, Edificio 421, Oficina 223, Cra. 30 # 45-03, Bogotá, 111321, Colombia
| | - Andrea Duane
- InForest JRU (CTFC-CREAF), Carretera vella de Sant Llorenç de Morunys km. 2, Solsona, 25280, Spain
| | - María C Meza-Elizalde
- Laboratorio de Ecología del Paisaje y Modelación de Ecosistemas ECOLMOD, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Sede Bogotá, Edificio 421, Oficina 223, Cra. 30 # 45-03, Bogotá, 111321, Colombia
| | | | - Tania Marisol González
- Laboratorio de Ecología del Paisaje y Modelación de Ecosistemas ECOLMOD, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Sede Bogotá, Edificio 421, Oficina 223, Cra. 30 # 45-03, Bogotá, 111321, Colombia
| | - Ravi Jambhekar
- Azim Premji University, PES Campus, Pixel Park, B Block, Hosur Road, beside NICE Road, Electronic City, Bengaluru, Karnataka, 560100, India
| | - Juliana Lazzari
- Fenner School of Environment and Society, Australian National University, Building 141, Linnaeus Way, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
| | - Alejandra Morán-Ordóñez
- InForest JRU (CTFC-CREAF), Carretera vella de Sant Llorenç de Morunys km. 2, Solsona, 25280, Spain
| | - Tricia Wevill
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Melbourne Burwood Campus, 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood, VIC, 3125, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Castilla AR, Méndez-Vigo B, Marcer A, Martínez-Minaya J, Conesa D, Picó FX, Alonso-Blanco C. Ecological, genetic and evolutionary drivers of regional genetic differentiation in Arabidopsis thaliana. BMC Evol Biol 2020; 20:71. [PMID: 32571210 PMCID: PMC7310121 DOI: 10.1186/s12862-020-01635-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Disentangling the drivers of genetic differentiation is one of the cornerstones in evolution. This is because genetic diversity, and the way in which it is partitioned within and among populations across space, is an important asset for the ability of populations to adapt and persist in changing environments. We tested three major hypotheses accounting for genetic differentiation-isolation-by-distance (IBD), isolation-by-environment (IBE) and isolation-by-resistance (IBR)-in the annual plant Arabidopsis thaliana across the Iberian Peninsula, the region with the largest genomic diversity. To that end, we sampled, genotyped with genome-wide SNPs, and analyzed 1772 individuals from 278 populations distributed across the Iberian Peninsula. RESULTS IBD, and to a lesser extent IBE, were the most important drivers of genetic differentiation in A. thaliana. In other words, dispersal limitation, genetic drift, and to a lesser extent local adaptation to environmental gradients, accounted for the within- and among-population distribution of genetic diversity. Analyses applied to the four Iberian genetic clusters, which represent the joint outcome of the long demographic and adaptive history of the species in the region, showed similar results except for one cluster, in which IBR (a function of landscape heterogeneity) was the most important driver of genetic differentiation. Using spatial hierarchical Bayesian models, we found that precipitation seasonality and topsoil pH chiefly accounted for the geographic distribution of genetic diversity in Iberian A. thaliana. CONCLUSIONS Overall, the interplay between the influence of precipitation seasonality on genetic diversity and the effect of restricted dispersal and genetic drift on genetic differentiation emerges as the major forces underlying the evolutionary trajectory of Iberian A. thaliana.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antonio R Castilla
- Centre for Applied Ecology "Prof. Baeta Neves", InBIO, School of Agriculture, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
- Departamento de Ecología Integrativa, Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Sevilla, Spain
| | - Belén Méndez-Vigo
- Departamento de Genética Molecular de Plantas, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología (CNB), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Arnald Marcer
- CREAF, Centre de Recerca Ecològica i Aplicacions Forestals, Bellaterra, E08193, Cerdanyola de Vallès, Catalonia, Spain
- Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, E08193, Cerdanyola de Vallès, Catalonia, Spain
| | | | - David Conesa
- Departament d'Estadística i Investigació Operativa, Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain
| | - F Xavier Picó
- Departamento de Ecología Integrativa, Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Sevilla, Spain.
| | - Carlos Alonso-Blanco
- Departamento de Genética Molecular de Plantas, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología (CNB), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Sitters H, Di Stefano J. Integrating functional connectivity and fire management for better conservation outcomes. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2020; 34:550-560. [PMID: 31777984 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.13446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2018] [Revised: 11/11/2019] [Accepted: 11/22/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Globally, the mean abundance of terrestrial animals has fallen by 50% since 1970, and populations face ongoing threats associated with habitat loss, fragmentation, climate change, and disturbance. Climate change can influence the quality of remaining habitat directly and indirectly by precipitating increases in the extent, frequency, and severity of natural disturbances, such as fire. Species face the combined threats of habitat clearance, changing climates, and altered disturbance regimes, each of which may interact and have cascading impacts on animal populations. Typically, conservation agencies are limited in their capacity to mitigate rates of habitat clearance, habitat fragmentation, or climate change, yet fire management is increasingly used worldwide to reduce wildfire risk and achieve conservation outcomes. A popular approach to ecological fire management involves the creation of fire mosaics to promote animal diversity. However, this strategy has 2 fundamental limitations: the effect of fire on animal movement within or among habitat patches is not considered and the implications of the current fire regime for long-term population persistence are overlooked. Spatial and temporal patterns in fire history can influence animal movement, which is essential to the survival of individual animals, maintenance of genetic diversity, and persistence of populations, species, and ecosystems. We argue that there is rich potential for fire managers to manipulate animal movement patterns; enhance functional connectivity, gene flow, and genetic diversity; and increase the capacity of populations to persist under shifting environmental conditions. Recent methodological advances, such as spatiotemporal connectivity modeling, spatially explicit individual-based simulation, and fire-regime modeling can be integrated to achieve better outcomes for biodiversity in human-modified, fire-prone landscapes. Article impact statement: Land managers may conserve populations by using fire to sustain or enhance functional connectivity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Holly Sitters
- School of Ecosystem and Forest Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Creswick, Victoria, 3363, Australia
| | - Julian Di Stefano
- School of Ecosystem and Forest Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Creswick, Victoria, 3363, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Washburn BA, Cashner MF, Blanton RE. Small fish, large river: Surprisingly minimal genetic structure in a dispersal-limited, habitat specialist fish. Ecol Evol 2020; 10:2253-2268. [PMID: 32128153 PMCID: PMC7042738 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.6064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2019] [Revised: 12/23/2019] [Accepted: 01/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic connectivity is expected to be lower in species with limited dispersal ability and a high degree of habitat specialization (intrinsic factors). Also, gene flow is predicted to be limited by habitat conditions such as physical barriers and geographic distance (extrinsic factors). We investigated the effects of distance, intervening pools, and rapids on gene flow in a species, the Tuxedo Darter (Etheostoma lemniscatum), a habitat specialist that is presumed to be dispersal-limited. We predicted that the interplay between these intrinsic and extrinsic factors would limit dispersal and lead to genetic structure even at the small spatial scale of the species range (a 38.6 km river reach). The simple linear distribution of E. lemniscatum allowed for an ideal test of how these factors acted on gene flow and allowed us to test expectations (e.g., isolation-by-distance) of linearly distributed species. Using 20 microsatellites from 163 individuals collected from 18 habitat patches, we observed low levels of genetic structure that were related to geographic distance and rapids, though these factors were not barriers to gene flow. Pools separating habitat patches did not contribute to any observed genetic structure. Overall, E. lemniscatum maintains gene flow across its range and is comprised of a single population. Due to the linear distribution of the species, a stepping-stone model of dispersal best explains the maintenance of gene flow across its small range. In general, our observation of higher-than-expected connectivity likely stems from an adaptation to disperse due to temporally unstable and patchy habitat.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brooke A. Washburn
- Department of BiologyCenter of Excellence for Field BiologyAustin Peay State UniversityClarksvilleTNUSA
- Present address:
Department of Biological SciencesUniversity of DenverDenverCOUSA
| | - Mollie F. Cashner
- Department of BiologyCenter of Excellence for Field BiologyAustin Peay State UniversityClarksvilleTNUSA
| | - Rebecca E. Blanton
- Department of BiologyCenter of Excellence for Field BiologyAustin Peay State UniversityClarksvilleTNUSA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Firman RC, Ottewell KM, Fisher DO, Tedeschi JN. Range-wide genetic structure of a cooperative mouse in a semi-arid zone: Evidence for panmixia. J Evol Biol 2019; 32:1014-1026. [PMID: 31211909 DOI: 10.1111/jeb.13498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2018] [Revised: 06/05/2019] [Accepted: 06/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Landscape topography and the mobility of individuals will have fundamental impacts on a species' population structure, for example by enhancing or reducing gene flow and therefore influencing the effective size and genetic diversity of the population. However, social organization will also influence population genetic structure. For example, species that live and breed in cooperative groups may experience high levels of inbreeding and strong genetic drift. The western pebble-mound mouse (Pseudomys chapmani), which occupies a highly heterogeneous, semi-arid landscape in Australia, is an enigmatic social mammal that has the intriguing behaviour of working cooperatively in groups to build permanent pebble mounds above a subterranean burrow system. Here, we used both nuclear (microsatellite) and mitochondrial (mtDNA) markers to analyse the range-wide population structure of western pebble-mound mice sourced from multiple social groups. We observed high levels of genetic diversity at the broad scale, very weak genetic differentiation at a finer scale and low levels of inbreeding. Our genetic analyses suggest that the western pebble-mound mouse population is both panmictic and highly viable. We conclude that high genetic connectivity across the complex landscape is a consequence of the species' ability to permeate their environment, which may be enhanced by "boom-bust" population dynamics driven by the semi-arid climate. More broadly, our results highlight the importance of sampling strategies to infer social structure and demonstrate that sociality is an important component of population genetic structure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Renée C Firman
- Centre for Evolutionary Biology, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Kym M Ottewell
- Science and Conservation, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Bentley Delivery Centre, Kensington, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Diana O Fisher
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Jamie N Tedeschi
- Centre for Evolutionary Biology, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Increase of genetic diversity indicates ecological opportunities in recurrent-fire landscapes for wall lizards. Sci Rep 2019; 9:5383. [PMID: 30926838 PMCID: PMC6441018 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-41729-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2018] [Accepted: 03/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Socioeconomic and climatic factors are modifying fire regimes with an increase of fire frequency and extension. Unfortunately, the effects of recurrent fires on biological processes that ultimately affect the genetic diversity of animal populations are mostly unknown. We examined genetic patterns of diversity in the wall lizard Podarcis guadarramae in northern Portugal, one of the European regions with the highest percentage of burnt land. This species is a small saxicolous lizard as it inhabits natural outcrops and artificial stone walls, likely in recurrent-fire landscapes. We genotyped nine microsatellites from ten populations selected according to a gradient in fire recurrence, and compared genetic diversity indexes and demographic patterns among them. At the population level, we hypothesize that a high level of mortality and population bottlenecks are expected to reduce genetic heterozygosity in sampled localities affected by recurrent fires. Alternatively, genetic signatures are expected to be absent whether fire did not cause high mortality. Regardless of levels of mortality, we expect a gain in genetic diversity whether recurrent fires facilitate lizard dispersal and migration due to the increased quality of the habitat for wall lizards. At the regional level, we examine whether a recurrent fire regime may disrupt the spatial structure of populations. Our results showed an increase in genetic diversity in recurrently burnt populations, and a decline in longer-unburnt populations. We did not detect bottleneck effects in repeatedly-burnt populations. High genetic diversity in recurrent fire populations suggests a high dispersion rate between adjacent metapopulations and perhaps immigration from outside the fire boundary. At the regional level, lizard populations show low differentiation and weak genetic structure, suggesting no effects of fire. This study confirms field-based censuses showing that recurrent-fire regimes give ecological opportunities to wall lizards that benefit from habitat openness.
Collapse
|
11
|
Nimmo DG, Avitabile S, Banks SC, Bliege Bird R, Callister K, Clarke MF, Dickman CR, Doherty TS, Driscoll DA, Greenville AC, Haslem A, Kelly LT, Kenny SA, Lahoz‐Monfort JJ, Lee C, Leonard S, Moore H, Newsome TM, Parr CL, Ritchie EG, Schneider K, Turner JM, Watson S, Westbrooke M, Wouters M, White M, Bennett AF. Animal movements in fire‐prone landscapes. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2018; 94:981-998. [DOI: 10.1111/brv.12486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2018] [Revised: 11/08/2018] [Accepted: 11/14/2018] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Dale G. Nimmo
- School of Environmental Science Institute for Land, Water and Society, Charles Sturt University Albury New South Wales 2640 Australia
| | - Sarah Avitabile
- Department of Ecology, Environment and Evolution, School of Life Sciences La Trobe University Bundoora Victoria 3086 Australia
| | - Sam C. Banks
- Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods, College of Engineering, IT and the Environment, Charles Darwin University Casuarina Northern Territory 0810 Australia
| | - Rebecca Bliege Bird
- Department of Anthropology Pennsylvania State University University Park PA 16802 U.S.A
| | - Kate Callister
- Department of Ecology, Environment and Evolution, School of Life Sciences La Trobe University Bundoora Victoria 3086 Australia
| | - Michael F. Clarke
- Department of Ecology, Environment and Evolution, School of Life Sciences La Trobe University Bundoora Victoria 3086 Australia
- Research Centre for Future Landscapes, La Trobe University Bundoora Victoria 3086 Australia
| | - Chris R. Dickman
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales 2006 Australia
| | - Tim S. Doherty
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences Centre for Integrative Ecology (Burwood campus), Deakin University Geelong Victoria 3220 Australia
| | - Don A. Driscoll
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences Centre for Integrative Ecology (Burwood campus), Deakin University Geelong Victoria 3220 Australia
| | - Aaron C. Greenville
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales 2006 Australia
| | - Angie Haslem
- Department of Ecology, Environment and Evolution, School of Life Sciences La Trobe University Bundoora Victoria 3086 Australia
| | - Luke T. Kelly
- School of Ecosystem and Forest Sciences The University of Melbourne Parkville Victoria 3010 Australia
| | - Sally A. Kenny
- Victorian Department of Environment, Land Water & Planning Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research 123 Brown St, Heidelberg Victoria 3081 Australia
| | - José J. Lahoz‐Monfort
- School of Ecosystem and Forest Sciences The University of Melbourne Parkville Victoria 3010 Australia
| | - Connie Lee
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences Centre for Integrative Ecology (Burwood campus), Deakin University Geelong Victoria 3220 Australia
| | - Steven Leonard
- Department of Ecology, Environment and Evolution, School of Life Sciences La Trobe University Bundoora Victoria 3086 Australia
| | - Harry Moore
- School of Environmental Science Institute for Land, Water and Society, Charles Sturt University Albury New South Wales 2640 Australia
| | - Thomas M. Newsome
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales 2006 Australia
| | - Catherine L. Parr
- School of Environmental Sciences University of Liverpool Liverpool L69 3GP U.K
- Department of Zoology & Entomology University of Pretoria Pretoria 0002 South Africa
- School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences University of the Witwatersrand Wits 2050 South Africa
| | - Euan G. Ritchie
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales 2006 Australia
| | | | - James M. Turner
- School of Environmental Science Institute for Land, Water and Society, Charles Sturt University Albury New South Wales 2640 Australia
| | - Simon Watson
- Department of Ecology, Environment and Evolution, School of Life Sciences La Trobe University Bundoora Victoria 3086 Australia
| | - Martin Westbrooke
- School of Environmental Science Federation University Ballarat Victoria 3350 Australia
| | - Mike Wouters
- Fire & Flood Management, Department for Environment and Water Adelaide South Australia 5000 Australia
| | - Matthew White
- School of Ecosystem and Forest Sciences The University of Melbourne Parkville Victoria 3010 Australia
| | - Andrew F. Bennett
- Department of Ecology, Environment and Evolution, School of Life Sciences La Trobe University Bundoora Victoria 3086 Australia
- Research Centre for Future Landscapes, La Trobe University Bundoora Victoria 3086 Australia
- Victorian Department of Environment, Land Water & Planning Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research 123 Brown St, Heidelberg Victoria 3081 Australia
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Population genetic patterns in an irruptive species, the long-nosed bandicoot (Perameles nasuta). CONSERV GENET 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s10592-017-1044-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
|
13
|
Crowther MS, Tulloch AI, Letnic M, Greenville AC, Dickman CR. Interactions between wildfire and drought drive population responses of mammals in coastal woodlands. J Mammal 2018. [DOI: 10.1093/jmammal/gyy003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Mathew S Crowther
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Ayesha I Tulloch
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, The University of Queensland, Australia
| | - Mike Letnic
- Centre for Ecosystem Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Aaron C Greenville
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Chris R Dickman
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Robertson JM, Fitzpatrick SW, Rothermel BB, Chan LM. Fire Does Not Strongly Affect Genetic Diversity or Structure of a Common Treefrog in the Endangered Florida Scrub. J Hered 2017; 109:243-252. [DOI: 10.1093/jhered/esx088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2017] [Accepted: 10/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jeanne M Robertson
- Department of Biology, California State University, Northridge, Northridge, CA
| | - Sarah W Fitzpatrick
- W.K. Kellogg Biological Station, Department of Integrative Biology, Michigan State University, Hickory Corners, MI
| | | | - Lauren M Chan
- Department of Biology, Pacific University, Forest Grove, OR
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Banks SC, Davies ID, Cary GJ. When can refuges mediate the genetic effects of fire regimes? A simulation study of the effects of topography and weather on neutral and adaptive genetic diversity in fire‐prone landscapes. Mol Ecol 2017; 26:4935-4954. [DOI: 10.1111/mec.14250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2017] [Accepted: 07/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sam C. Banks
- The Fenner School of Environment and Society Australian National University Acton ACT Australia
| | - Ian D. Davies
- The Fenner School of Environment and Society Australian National University Acton ACT Australia
| | - Geoffrey J. Cary
- The Fenner School of Environment and Society Australian National University Acton ACT Australia
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Smith AL, Landguth EL, Bull CM, Banks SC, Gardner MG, Driscoll DA. Dispersal responses override density effects on genetic diversity during post-disturbance succession. Proc Biol Sci 2016; 283:20152934. [PMID: 27009225 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2015.2934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2015] [Accepted: 02/26/2016] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Dispersal fundamentally influences spatial population dynamics but little is known about dispersal variation in landscapes where spatial heterogeneity is generated predominantly by disturbance and succession. We tested the hypothesis that habitat succession following fire inhibits dispersal, leading to declines over time in genetic diversity in the early successional gecko Nephrurus stellatus We combined a landscape genetics field study with a spatially explicit simulation experiment to determine whether successional patterns in genetic diversity were driven by habitat-mediated dispersal or demographic effects (declines in population density leading to genetic drift). Initial increases in genetic structure following fire were likely driven by direct mortality and rapid population expansion. Subsequent habitat succession increased resistance to gene flow and decreased dispersal and genetic diversity inN. stellatus Simulated changes in population density alone did not reproduce these results. Habitat-mediated reductions in dispersal, combined with changes in population density, were essential to drive the field-observed patterns. Our study provides a framework for combining demographic, movement and genetic data with simulations to discover the relative influence of demography and dispersal on patterns of landscape genetic structure. Our results suggest that succession can inhibit connectivity among individuals, opening new avenues for understanding how disturbance regimes influence spatial population dynamics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Annabel L Smith
- Fenner School of Environment and Society, Australian National University, Fenner Building 141, Linnaeus Way, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 2601, Australia
| | - Erin L Landguth
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, 32 Campus Drive, Missoula, MT 59812, USA
| | - C Michael Bull
- School of Biological Sciences, Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide, South Australia 5001, Australia
| | - Sam C Banks
- Fenner School of Environment and Society, Australian National University, Fenner Building 141, Linnaeus Way, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 2601, Australia
| | - Michael G Gardner
- School of Biological Sciences, Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide, South Australia 5001, Australia Evolutionary Biology Unit, South Australian Museum, North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia 5000, Australia
| | - Don A Driscoll
- Fenner School of Environment and Society, Australian National University, Fenner Building 141, Linnaeus Way, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 2601, Australia School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University Geelong, 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood, Victoria 3125, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Amaral KE, Palace M, O'Brien KM, Fenderson LE, Kovach AI. Anthropogenic Habitats Facilitate Dispersal of an Early Successional Obligate: Implications for Restoration of an Endangered Ecosystem. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0148842. [PMID: 26954014 PMCID: PMC4783018 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0148842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2015] [Accepted: 01/25/2016] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Landscape modification and habitat fragmentation disrupt the connectivity of natural landscapes, with major consequences for biodiversity. Species that require patchily distributed habitats, such as those that specialize on early successional ecosystems, must disperse through a landscape matrix with unsuitable habitat types. We evaluated landscape effects on dispersal of an early successional obligate, the New England cottontail (Sylvilagus transitionalis). Using a landscape genetics approach, we identified barriers and facilitators of gene flow and connectivity corridors for a population of cottontails in the northeastern United States. We modeled dispersal in relation to landscape structure and composition and tested hypotheses about the influence of habitat fragmentation on gene flow. Anthropogenic and natural shrubland habitats facilitated gene flow, while the remainder of the matrix, particularly development and forest, impeded gene flow. The relative influence of matrix habitats differed between study areas in relation to a fragmentation gradient. Barrier features had higher explanatory power in the more fragmented site, while facilitating features were important in the less fragmented site. Landscape models that included a simultaneous barrier and facilitating effect of roads had higher explanatory power than models that considered either effect separately, supporting the hypothesis that roads act as both barriers and facilitators at all spatial scales. The inclusion of LiDAR-identified shrubland habitat improved the fit of our facilitator models. Corridor analyses using circuit and least cost path approaches revealed the importance of anthropogenic, linear features for restoring connectivity between the study areas. In fragmented landscapes, human-modified habitats may enhance functional connectivity by providing suitable dispersal conduits for early successional specialists.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katrina E Amaral
- Department of Natural Resources and the Environment, University of New Hampshire, Durham, New Hampshire, United States of America
| | - Michael Palace
- Department of Natural Resources and the Environment, University of New Hampshire, Durham, New Hampshire, United States of America.,Institute for the Study of Earth, Oceans, and Space, University of New Hampshire, Durham, New Hampshire, United States of America
| | - Kathleen M O'Brien
- United States Fish and Wildlife Service, Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge, Wells, Maine, United States of America
| | - Lindsey E Fenderson
- United States Fish and Wildlife Service, Northeast Fishery Center, Conservation Genetics Lab, Lamar, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Adrienne I Kovach
- Department of Natural Resources and the Environment, University of New Hampshire, Durham, New Hampshire, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Davies ID, Cary GJ, Landguth EL, Lindenmayer DB, Banks SC. Implications of recurrent disturbance for genetic diversity. Ecol Evol 2016; 6:1181-96. [PMID: 26839689 PMCID: PMC4725449 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.1948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2015] [Accepted: 11/23/2015] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Exploring interactions between ecological disturbance, species’ abundances and community composition provides critical insights for ecological dynamics. While disturbance is also potentially an important driver of landscape genetic patterns, the mechanisms by which these patterns may arise by selective and neutral processes are not well‐understood. We used simulation to evaluate the relative importance of disturbance regime components, and their interaction with demographic and dispersal processes, on the distribution of genetic diversity across landscapes. We investigated genetic impacts of variation in key components of disturbance regimes and spatial patterns that are likely to respond to climate change and land management, including disturbance size, frequency, and severity. The influence of disturbance was mediated by dispersal distance and, to a limited extent, by birth rate. Nevertheless, all three disturbance regime components strongly influenced spatial and temporal patterns of genetic diversity within subpopulations, and were associated with changes in genetic structure. Furthermore, disturbance‐induced changes in temporal population dynamics and the spatial distribution of populations across the landscape resulted in disrupted isolation by distance patterns among populations. Our results show that forecast changes in disturbance regimes have the potential to cause major changes to the distribution of genetic diversity within and among populations. We highlight likely scenarios under which future changes to disturbance size, severity, or frequency will have the strongest impacts on population genetic patterns. In addition, our results have implications for the inference of biological processes from genetic data, because the effects of dispersal on genetic patterns were strongly mediated by disturbance regimes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ian D Davies
- The Fenner School of Environment and Society The Australian National University Canberra ACT Australia
| | - Geoffrey J Cary
- The Fenner School of Environment and Society The Australian National University Canberra ACT Australia
| | - Erin L Landguth
- Division of Biological Sciences University of Montana Missoula Montana
| | - David B Lindenmayer
- The Fenner School of Environment and Society The Australian National University Canberra ACT Australia
| | - Sam C Banks
- The Fenner School of Environment and Society The Australian National University Canberra ACT Australia
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Chiappero MB, Sommaro LV, Priotto JW, Wiernes MP, Steinmann AR, Gardenal CN. Spatio-temporal genetic structure of the rodent
Calomys venustus
in linear, fragmented habitats. J Mammal 2015. [DOI: 10.1093/jmammal/gyv186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Studies about habitat fragmentation, in terms of how it affects gene flow and genetic variability, have traditionally been conducted on island-like systems in which the remaining habitats form patches embedded in a matrix. However, in agroecosystems, remaining habitats usually form linear strips along fence lines, roads, and water courses (“border” habitats). We used the rodent Calomys venustus , a species inhabiting borders in central Argentina agroecosystems, as a model to address how genetic variability is structured in linear habitats. A total of 359 rodents were captured seasonally from spring 2005 to winter 2006. Genetic variability at microsatellite loci was uniformly high, despite significant variation in population size during the sampling period. Genetic differentiation, spatial autocorrelation, and causal modeling analyses suggested that dispersion patterns in this species depend mainly on geographic distance, with unfavorable habitat like dirt roads and crop fields posing only weak (or no) resistance to dispersal. Small-scale spatial genetic structure was related to different space use patterns by females and males. Our results showed that, although greatly reduced in area, border habitats can support stable populations of species without loss of either variability or genetic connectivity.
Los efectos de la fragmentación del hábitat sobre el flujo génico y la variabilidad genética, se han estudiado tradicionalmente en sistemas tipo islas, en los cuales los hábitats remanentes forman parches embebidos en una matriz. Sin embargo, en los agroecosistemas, éstos suelen tener forma lineal a lo largo de alambrados, caminos y corrientes de agua (hábitats de “borde”). En este trabajo, utilizamos al roedor Calomys venustus , especie típica de ambientes de borde en los agroecosistemas del centro de Argentina, como modelo para estudiar cómo la variabilidad genética se estructura en hábitats lineales. Un total de 359 roedores se capturaron estacionalmente desde la primavera de 2005 hasta el invierno de 2006. La variabilidad genética encontrada en loci de microsatélites fue siempre alta, a pesar de una variación significativa del tamaño poblacional a lo largo del período de estudio. Los análisis de diferenciación genética, autocorrelación genética espacial y modelado causal sugieren que los patrones de dispersión en esta especie dependen principalmente de la distancia geográfica, y que los hábitats desfavorables como caminos de tierra y campos de cultivo representan una barrera débil (o nula) para la dispersión. La estructura genética a escala pequeña estuvo relacionada al diferente uso del espacio por parte de machos y hembras. Nuestros resultados mostraron que a pesar de tener un área reducida, los hábitat de bordes pueden mantener poblaciones estables sin pérdida de variabilidad genética o reducción del flujo génico.
Collapse
|
20
|
Vázquez-Miranda H, Barr KR, Farquhar CC, Zink RM. Fluctuating fire regimes and their historical effects on genetic variation in an endangered shrubland specialist. Ecol Evol 2015; 5:5487-98. [PMID: 27069600 PMCID: PMC4813106 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.1811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2015] [Revised: 10/03/2015] [Accepted: 10/05/2015] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The Pleistocene was characterized by worldwide shifts in community compositions. Some of these shifts were a result of changes in fire regimes, which influenced the distribution of species belonging to fire‐dependent communities. We studied an endangered juniper–oak shrubland specialist, the black‐capped vireo (Vireo atricapilla). This species was locally extirpated in parts of Texas and Oklahoma by the end of the 1980s as a result of habitat change and loss, predation, brood parasitism, and anthropogenic fire suppression. We sequenced multiple nuclear loci and used coalescence methods to obtain a deeper understanding of historical population trends than that typically available from microsatellites or mtDNA. We compared our estimated population history, a long‐term history of the fire regime and ecological niche models representing the mid‐Holocene, last glacial maximum, and last interglacial. Our Bayesian skyline plots showed a pattern of historical population fluctuation that was consistent with changing fire regimes. Genetic data suggest that the species is genetically unstructured, and that the current population should be orders of magnitude larger than it is at present. We suggest that fire suppression and habitat loss are primary factors contributing to the recent decline of the BCVI, although the role of climate change since the last glacial maximum is unclear at present.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hernán Vázquez-Miranda
- Bell Museum and Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior University of Minnesota St. Paul Minnesota 55108 USA
| | - Kelly R Barr
- Hopkins Marine Station Stanford University Pacific Grove California 93950 USA
| | - C Craig Farquhar
- Wildlife Division Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Austin Texas 78744 USA
| | - Robert M Zink
- Bell Museum and Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior University of Minnesota St. Paul Minnesota 55108 USA
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Cerame B, Cox JA, Brumfield RT, Tucker JW, Taylor SS. Adaptation to ephemeral habitat may overcome natural barriers and severe habitat fragmentation in a fire-dependent species, the Bachman's Sparrow (Peucaea aestivalis). PLoS One 2014; 9:e105782. [PMID: 25180939 PMCID: PMC4152175 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0105782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2014] [Accepted: 07/18/2014] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Bachman's Sparrow (Peucaea aestivalis) is a fire-dependent species that has undergone range-wide population declines in recent decades. We examined genetic diversity in Bachman's Sparrows to determine whether natural barriers have led to distinct population units and to assess the effect of anthropogenic habitat loss and fragmentation. Genetic diversity was examined across the geographic range by genotyping 226 individuals at 18 microsatellite loci and sequencing 48 individuals at mitochondrial and nuclear genes. Multiple analyses consistently demonstrated little genetic structure and high levels of genetic variation, suggesting that populations are panmictic. Based on these genetic data, separate management units/subspecies designations or translocations to promote gene flow among fragmented populations do not appear to be necessary. Panmixia in Bachman's Sparrow may be a consequence of an historical range expansion and retraction. Alternatively, high vagility in Bachman's Sparrow may be an adaptation to the ephemeral, fire-mediated habitat that this species prefers. In recent times, high vagility also appears to have offset inbreeding and loss of genetic diversity in highly fragmented habitat.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Blain Cerame
- School of Renewable Natural Resources, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, United States of America
| | - James A Cox
- Tall Timbers Research Station and Land Conservancy, Tallahassee, Florida, United States of America
| | - Robb T Brumfield
- Museum of Natural Science and Department of Biological Sciences, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, United States of America
| | - James W Tucker
- Archbold Biological Station, Venus, Florida, United States of America
| | - Sabrina S Taylor
- School of Renewable Natural Resources, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Barton PS, Westgate MJ, Lane PW, MacGregor C, Lindenmayer DB. Robustness of habitat-based surrogates of animal diversity: a multitaxa comparison over time. J Appl Ecol 2014. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2664.12290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Philip S. Barton
- Fenner School of Environment and Society; The Australian National University; Canberra ACT 0200, Australia
| | - Martin J. Westgate
- Fenner School of Environment and Society; The Australian National University; Canberra ACT 0200, Australia
| | - Peter W. Lane
- Fenner School of Environment and Society; The Australian National University; Canberra ACT 0200, Australia
| | - Christopher MacGregor
- Fenner School of Environment and Society; The Australian National University; Canberra ACT 0200, Australia
| | - David B. Lindenmayer
- Fenner School of Environment and Society; The Australian National University; Canberra ACT 0200, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Smith AL, Bull CM, Gardner MG, Driscoll DA. Life history influences how fire affects genetic diversity in two lizard species. Mol Ecol 2014; 23:2428-41. [DOI: 10.1111/mec.12757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2013] [Revised: 04/01/2014] [Accepted: 04/13/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Annabel L. Smith
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Environmental Decisions and the National Environmental Research Program Environmental Decisions Hub; Fenner School of Environment and Society; The Australian National University; Fenner Building 141 Canberra ACT 0200 Australia
| | - C. Michael Bull
- School of Biological Sciences; Flinders University; GPO Box 2100 Adelaide SA 5001 Australia
| | - Michael G. Gardner
- School of Biological Sciences; Flinders University; GPO Box 2100 Adelaide SA 5001 Australia
- Evolutionary Biology Unit; South Australian Museum; North Terrace Adelaide SA 5000 Australia
| | - Don A. Driscoll
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Environmental Decisions and the National Environmental Research Program Environmental Decisions Hub; Fenner School of Environment and Society; The Australian National University; Fenner Building 141 Canberra ACT 0200 Australia
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Castillo JA, Epps CW, Davis AR, Cushman SA. Landscape effects on gene flow for a climate-sensitive montane species, the American pika. Mol Ecol 2014; 23:843-56. [DOI: 10.1111/mec.12650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2013] [Revised: 12/06/2013] [Accepted: 12/18/2013] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica A. Castillo
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife; Oregon State University; 104 Nash Hall Corvallis OR 97331 USA
| | - Clinton W. Epps
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife; Oregon State University; 104 Nash Hall Corvallis OR 97331 USA
| | - Anne R. Davis
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife; Oregon State University; 104 Nash Hall Corvallis OR 97331 USA
| | - Samuel A. Cushman
- U.S. Forest Service; Rocky Mountain Research Station; 2500 S. Pine Knoll Dr. Flagstaff AZ 86001 USA
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Robinson NM, Leonard SW, Ritchie EG, Bassett M, Chia EK, Buckingham S, Gibb H, Bennett AF, Clarke MF. REVIEW: Refuges for fauna in fire-prone landscapes: their ecological function and importance. J Appl Ecol 2013. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2664.12153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Steve W.J. Leonard
- Department of Zoology; La Trobe University; Melbourne Vic 3086 Australia
| | - Euan G. Ritchie
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences; Deakin University; Burwood Vic 3125 Australia
| | - Michelle Bassett
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences; Deakin University; Burwood Vic 3125 Australia
| | - Evelyn K. Chia
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences; Deakin University; Burwood Vic 3125 Australia
| | | | - Heloise Gibb
- Department of Zoology; La Trobe University; Melbourne Vic 3086 Australia
| | - Andrew F. Bennett
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences; Deakin University; Burwood Vic 3125 Australia
| | - Michael F. Clarke
- Department of Zoology; La Trobe University; Melbourne Vic 3086 Australia
| |
Collapse
|