Affiliation:
1. School of Biological Sciences The University of Western Australia Crawley WA Australia
2. Bush Heritage Australia Melbourne Victoria Australia
3. Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions Biodiversity and Conservation Science Bentley WA Australia
4. College of Science and Engineering Flinders University Adelaide SA Australia
5. School of Science Edith Cowan University Joondalup WA Australia
Abstract
Dispersal patterns can dictate genetic population structure and, ultimately, population resilience, through maintaining gene flow and genetic diversity. However, geographical landforms, such as peninsulas, can impact dispersal patterns and thus be a barrier to gene flow. Here, we use 13 375 genome‐wide single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) to evaluate genetic population structure and infer dispersal patterns of the Western Grasswren Amytornis textilis textilis (WGW, n = 140) in the Shark Bay region of Western Australia. We found high levels of genetic divergence between subpopulations on the mainland (Hamelin) and narrow peninsula (Peron). In addition, we found evidence of further genetic sub‐structuring within the Hamelin subpopulation, with individuals collected from the western and eastern regions of a conservation reserve forming separate genetic clusters. Spatial autocorrelation analysis within each subpopulation revealed significant local‐scale genetic structure up to 35 km at Hamelin and 20 km at Peron. In addition, there was evidence of male philopatry in both subpopulations. Our results suggest a narrow strip of land may be acting as a geographical barrier in the WGW, limiting dispersal between a peninsula and mainland subpopulation. In addition, heterogeneous habitat within Hamelin may be restricting dispersal at the local scale. Furthermore, there is evidence to suggest that the limited gene flow is asymmetrical, with directional dispersal occurring from the bounded peninsula subpopulation to the mainland. This study highlights the genetic structure existing within and between some of the few remaining WGW subpopulations, and shows a need to place equal importance on conservation efforts to maintain them in the future.
Funder
Gorgon Barrow Island Net Conservation Benefits Fund
Holsworth Wildlife Research Endowment
Wettenhall Environment Trust
University of Western Australia
Subject
Animal Science and Zoology,Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics
Cited by
2 articles.
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