Conservation implications of the distribution of genetic diversity at different scales: a case study using the marsh fritillary butterfly (Euphydryas aurinia)

摘要: Abstract In the UK, Euphydryas aurinia exists in fragmented habitat patches, and undergoes population fluctuations as a result of larval parasitoid. Its range is declining UK conservation thought to require landscape approach since populations spread over large areas some years contract core breeding patches others. We examined at geographic scales using allozyme electrophoresis look for evidence gene flow differences genetic diversity among populations. Nationally, our F ST value was 0.1542 but between groups within suspected colonisation butterfly (ca. 20 km), values were not significantly different from zero. Genetic terms number alleles heterozygosity reasonably high natural ( H e =0.267) low an introduced, isolated population. infer that migration closely spaced subpopulations (in metapopulation) maintains effective size (large individuals contribute genes next generation) which offsets any local reductions numbers due stochastic extinctions or parasitoid effects. therefore conclude species must seek provide networks suitable subpopulations, rather than maintaining