Assessing changes in functional connectivity in a desert bighorn sheep metapopulation after two generations.

摘要: Determining how species move across complex and fragmented landscapes interact with human-made barriers is a major research focus in conservation. Studies estimating functional connectivity from movement, dispersal or gene flow usually rely on single study period rarely consider variation over time. We contrasted genetic structure for metapopulation of desert bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis nelsoni) using genotypes collected 2000-2003 2013-2015. Based the recently observed but unexpected spread respiratory pathogen an interstate highway previously identified as barrier to flow, we hypothesized that changed they interacted barrier, shifts influenced diversity connectivity. Population assignment tests, recapture demonstrated crossed at least one location 2013-2015, sharply reducing between two populations, supported conclusions earlier such crossings were very infrequent unknown 2000-2003. A expanded population established new links caused decreases among multiple populations. Genetic showed only slight increases populations linked by connections. assignments revealed other undetected changes movements distribution, much was consistent. Thus, both structural just generations, specific locations. Movement patterns should be revisited periodically enable informed management, particularly dynamic systems.