Ancient, but not recent, population declines have had a genetic impact on alpine yellow-bellied toad populations, suggesting potential for complete recovery

摘要: Reduction in population size and local extinctions have been reported for the yellow-bellied toad, Bombina variegata, but genetic impact of this is not yet known. In study, we genotyped 200 individuals, using mtDNA cytochrome b 11 nuclear microsatellites. We investigated fine-scale structure tested signatures historical recent decline, several statistical approaches, including likelihood methods approximate Bayesian computation. Five major genetically divergent groups were found, largely corresponding to geography with a clear exception high isolation highly touristic area. The effective sizes last few generations, as estimated from random association among markers, never exceeded dozen individuals. Our most important result that analyses converge suggesting variation was shaped all by 7- 45-fold demographic which occurred between hundred 1000 years ago. Remarkably, only weak evidence supports related human activities. believe alpine B. variegata populations should be monitored protected stop their decline prevent extinctions, highest priority given isolated populations. Nonetheless, current pattern, being mostly earlier times, suggests complete recovery can achieved. general, our study an example how potential inferred even under co-occurrence low variation, bottleneck signals.