Estimating genetic and demographic parameters relevant for the conservation of the Neotropical otter, Lontra longicaudis, in Mexico

摘要: Habitat deterioration and fragmentation increase the risk of wildlife extirpation as they have strong impacts on population size, genetic diversity gene flow. Small populations are more susceptible to these factors because loss by drift inbreeding occurs at faster rates. Therefore, estimates sizes threatened small in deteriorated landscapes critical for managing conservation. Here, we used a non-invasive sampling approach combination with eleven microsatellite loci evaluate diversity, structure, demographic parameters Neotropical otter (Lontra longicaudis) three river basins (Actopan, La Antigua Jamapa), which priority conservation areas Veracruz, Mexico. Our results revealed moderate structure among basins. However, detected first-generation migrants basins, suggesting current Effective size each basin was considerably lower than value (Ne < 100) suggested maintain variation short-term. Similarly, census reported L. longicaudis conserved region We did not find evidence recent bottlenecks any basin. suggest that could be experiencing isolation erosion, being most vulnerable Natural habitat seem shaping observed patterns otter.