Expert-based versus habitat-suitability models to develop resistance surfaces in landscape genetics

摘要: Landscape genetics aims to investigate functional connectivity among wild populations by evaluating the impact of landscape features on gene flow. Genetic distances or individuals are generally better explained least-cost path (LCP) derived from resistance surfaces than simple Euclidean distances. Resistance reflect cost for an organism move through particular elements. However, determining effects types movements is challenging. Because a general lack empirical data movements, mostly rely expert knowledge. Habitat-suitability models potentially provide more objective method estimate opinions, but they have rarely been applied in so far. We compared LCP based knowledge with habitat-suitability evaluate their performance genetics. related all genetic linear mixed effect set wolves (Canis lupus) Italy. All showed highly significant (P ≤ 0.0001) standardized β coefficients and R2 values, LCPs higher values those resulting Moreover, distances, irrespective approaches used. Considering our results, we encourage researchers use habitat suitability which performed expert-based explaining patterns flow connectivity.