Evidence of Recent Fine-Scale Population Structuring in South American Puma concolor

摘要: Habitat loss and fragmentation are considered the major treats to worldwide biodiversity. Carnivores in particular can be more sensitive landscape modification due their low occurrence density large home ranges. Population structuring of Puma concolor has been already reported as a consequence extensive human activities North American continent. Here, we investigated fine-scale population South cougar population, contrasting two conservation areas immersed highly human-fragmented dominated by presence sugar cane monoculture, roads, urbanization, including series dams Tiete River which enlarges its water body. Seven microsatellites were amplified using non-invasive DNA obtained from fecal samples. We conducted genetic clustering analyses Bayesian factorial components. also performed differentiation fixation indices (Fst Dest). Two clusters represented individuals each area found, indicating gene flow reduction between areas. The intense human-induced modification—which includes body enlargement, imposing physical barriers movement individuals—could explain reduction. Increasing connectivity among preserved mitigate such effects, creation corridors or further management actions individual translocation ensure highly-modified may essential for maintaining demographic health species long-term persistence.