Evidence of Recent Fine-Scale Population Structuring in South American Puma concolor

Abstract

Habitat loss and fragmentation are considered the major treats to worldwide biodiversity. Carnivores in particular can be more sensitive to landscape modification due to their low occurrence density and large home ranges. Population structuring of Puma concolor has been already reported as a consequence of extensive human activities in the North American continent. Here, we investigated the occurrence of fine-scale population structuring in the South American cougar population, contrasting two conservation areas immersed in a highly human-fragmented landscape dominated by the presence of sugar cane monoculture, roads, and urbanization, including a series of dams in the Tietê River which enlarges its water body. Seven microsatellites were amplified using non-invasive DNA obtained from fecal samples. We conducted genetic clustering analyses using Bayesian and factorial components. We also performed genetic differentiation analyses by fixation indices (F st and D est ). Two genetic clusters represented by individuals from each area were found, indicating the occurrence of gene flow reduction between the areas. The intense human-induced landscape modification-which includes the Tietê River water body enlargement, imposing physical barriers to the movement of the individuals-could explain the gene flow reduction. Increasing connectivity among the preserved areas can mitigate such effects, and the creation of corridors or further management actions such as individual translocation to ensure gene flow in the highly-modified landscape may be essential for maintaining the genetic and demographic health of the species and its long-term persistence.

Mammals in São Paulo State: diversity, distribution, ecology, and conservation

“…For instance, tapirs inhabiting the large Atlantic Forest corridor are genetically different from the inland and coastal populations (Saranholi et al 2022). It appears that even within large-sized mammals, fine-scale genetic differentiation may be more frequent than thought before, and this can be increased by landscape modifications, as also reported within Puma concolor (Saranholi et al 2017).…”

“…For instance, the Maned wolves of São Paulo are genetically differentiated from the western Mato Grosso do Sul populations and show reduced genetic variation, probably caused by the extensive landscape modifications across the São Paulo state (Rodriguez-Castro et al 2022) semideciduous forests and we need to create new ways to protect the remaining forest patches without burdening agricultural lands. Focusing on the restoration and promoting connectivity between patches of riparian forest in the savanna area is crucial to maintaining the movement of mammals and restoring their genetic diversity (Saranholi et al 2017. Some important remnants in the Cerrado and semideciduous forests deserve priority of conservation because they maintain several endangered species and can act as source individuals for the smaller fragments nearby (e.g., Fazenda Barreiro Rico/Bacury) (Antunes andEston 2009, Beca et al 2017).…”

Non-invasive genetic sampling reveals a habitat use extension of Chrysocyon brachyurus and Leopardus guttulus inside a protected area of Southeastern Brazil

“…Furthermore, the increased interest in molecular techniques among ecologists has been improving our knowledge of the biology and ecology of these large mammals. As an example, the use of noninvasive samples as DNA sources (Deyoung and Honeycutt 2005;Ruell and Crooks 2007) for species identification or for assessing social organization system, demographic history, and population dynamics (Marker et al 2007;Miotto et al 2014;Riley et al 2006;Saranholi et al 2017;Souza et al 2017).…”

A review of philopatry and dispersal in felids living in an anthropised world

“…The use of telemetry, camera trapping and, more recently, molecular tools has enabled researchers to monitor various ecological traits of elusive species (Blundell et al 2002, Zedrosser et al 2007, Balme et al 2010, Saranholi et al 2017). Telemetry is often used to assess individually monitored animals and is useful to infer data on home range and dispersal characteristics (total distance travelled, pathways, corridors and potential barriers of dispersal, and size and settlement of home ranges), and possible spatial associations between individuals and habitat selection.…”