Genetic structure and effective size of an endangered population of woodland caribou

摘要: Human-driven habitat fragmentation is increasing worldwide, and consequently many wild populations are subdivided, isolated reduced in size. These changes population structure reduce dispersal among subpopulations, limiting gene flow, accelerating genetic differentiation, reducing diversity effective sizes. Habitat associated with a ability for species to respond changing environments, exacerbating extinction risks. The Atlantic-Gaspesie of woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) genetically differentiated from other Canada. It has been declining dramatically during the last century now considered Endangered. From management perspective, this as single unit ~ 80 individuals, but GPS telemetry suggests that three subgroups use separate geographical areas show limited dispersal. In study, we used 16 microsatellite loci (1) quantify compare observed within population, (2) evaluate extent spatiotemporal substructure them by assessing whether fine-scale differs between if it changed over 15 years, (3) estimate their We found no change among/within time. detected based on locations (Logan-Albert vs. McGerrigle) evidence increased recent years. size appears have declined 53% 15 years estimated at Ne = individuals. Management plans conservation actions should consider spatial prevent further decline endangered population.