Rattus population genomics across the Haida Gwaii archipelago provides a framework for guiding invasive species management.

摘要: Invasive species have led to precipitous declines in biodiversity, especially island systems. Brown (Rattus norvegicus) and black rats (R. rattus) are among the most invasive animals on planet, with eradication being primary tool for established populations. The need increased research defining units monitoring outcomes has been highlighted as a means maximize success. Haida Gwaii is an archipelago ~100 km off northern coast of British Columbia, Canada, that hosts globally significant breeding populations seabirds at risk due rats. Here, we paired sampling brown (n = 287) (n = 291) across genotyping by sequencing (10,770-27,686 SNPs) investigate patterns population connectivity infer levels/direction gene flow rat Gwaii. We reconstructed three regional clusters both (north, central south), proximate within regions largely more related than those were distant, consistent predictions from biogeography theory. Population assignment recently detected individuals post-eradication Faraday, Murchison Bischof Islands revealed all re-invaders Lyell Island, rather on-island survivors. Based these results, identified six constituting single or islands would limit potential reinvasion, some which will be combined biosecurity measures. Overall, our results highlight importance targeted prior conducting eradications demonstrate framework applying genomics guiding management