Population genetic structure and sex-biased dispersal of the hazel dormouse ( Muscardinus avellanarius ) in a continuous and in a fragmented landscape in central Italy

摘要: Habitat fragmentation hinders the dispersal process, which, in turn, causes changes to genetic variability of populations. The aim this study was evaluate effects on population features hazel dormouse (Muscardinus avellanarius), a small rodent living forest habitats, using seven microsatellite loci. We compared (i) and structure, (ii) scale spatial structuring, (iii) possible presence effect sex-biased two populations living, respectively, continuous fragmented landscape central Italy. Although all loci were always polymorphic, observed heterozygosity usually lower than expected, 5 out 7 not at Hardy–Weinberg Equilibrium. found be strongly structured. These results showed that there hindrance gene flow between subpopulations, some cases even virtual ecological isolation, as confirmed by absence covariation pairwise Euclidean distances. Some clues female-biased found, but dispersing sex problems several cases. strong differences population, indicate suffers from habitat fragmentation. This happens when neighbouring habitats remnants persist remain partially connected verges along crop fields. Thus, needs urgent measures restore connectivity through more effective management plan hedgerows network.