Long live the alien: is high genetic diversity a pivotal aspect of crested porcupine (Hystrix cristata ) long-lasting and successful invasion?

摘要: Studying the evolutionary dynamics of an alien species surviving and continuing to expand after several generations can provide fundamental information on relevant features clearly successful invasions. Here, we tackle this task by investigating genetic diversity in invasive crested porcupine (Hystrix cristata) populations, introduced Italy about 1500 years ago, which are still growing size, distribution range ecological niche. Using genome-wide RAD markers, describe structure demographic H. cristata populations compare their with that native African both its sister species, H. africaeaustralis. First, demonstrate is lower Italian North Africa source relative other from sub-Saharan South Africa. Second, find evidence multiple introduction events followed very limited gene flow. Through coalescence-based reconstructions, also show bottleneck at was mild did not affect diversity. Finally, reveal current spatial expansion northern boundary following a leading-edge model characterized general reduction towards edge expanding range. We conclude level less important explaining invasion than species-specific life-history traits or phylogeographic history