High levels of variation despite genetic fragmentation in populations of the endangered mountain pygmy‐possum,Burramys parvus, in alpine Australia

Abstract

In endangered mammals, levels of genetic variation are often low and this is accompanied by genetic divergence among populations. The mountain pygmy-possum (Burramys parvus) is an endangered marsupial restricted to the alpine region of Victoria and New South Wales, Australia. By scoring variation at eight microsatellite loci, we found that B. parvus populations exhibit high levels of genetic divergence and fall into three distinct groups from the northern, central and southern areas of the distribution of this species, consistent with previous assessments of mitochondrial DNA variation. F(ST) values between populations from these regions ranged from 0.19 to 0.54. Within the central area, there was further genetic fragmentation, and a linear association between genetic and geographical distance. This pattern is likely to reflect limited dispersal across barriers despite the fact that individual B. parvus can move several kilometres. Levels of genetic variation within populations were high with the exception of a southern population where there was evidence of inbreeding. From a conservation perspective, all three areas where B. parvus are found should be considered as separate gene pools; management of populations within these areas needs to take into account the low gene flow between populations, as well as threats posed by roads, resorts and other developments in the alpine region. The low genetic variability and inbreeding in the southern population is of particular concern given the high levels of variability in other B. parvus populations.

Microsatellite markers confirm extensive population fragmentation of the endangered Balkan palaeoendemic Martino’s vole (Dinaromys bogdanovi)

“…We suggest that habitat fragmentation has also increased genetic differentiation between the Central populations, which is indicated by genetic clustering and follows an IBD pattern, as observed in other mountainous animals (Mitrovski et al 2007;Nyakaana et al 2008).…”

“…Kikuchi and Isagi 2002), others retain high levels of genetic diversity despite fragmentation and low census sizes (e.g. Mitrovski et al 2007). Information on the metapopulation dynamics of rare or endangered species is a fundamental prerequisite for effective conservation management, but is rarely available.…”

An evaluation of small-mammal use of constructed wildlife crossings in ski resorts

“…Where habitat was severely burnt, no animals have been trapped since the fires. However, impact varied between sites and for some sites in the Mt Bogong to Mt Higginbotham area, there was little difference between pre-fire and post-fire trapping rates and animal captures (Mitrovski et al 2007a). In NSW, habitat at Mt Blue Cow was severely damaged, with areas of boulderfield habitat losing old-growth (up to 400 years of age) Mountain Plum-pine stands (McDougall et al unpubl.…”

A Note on Estimating the Size of an Open Population of Stationary Size

“…Here we examine a simple model for such a population and develop an estimator of the mean of the stationary distribution. We are motivated by mark-recapture data on the mountain pygmy possum, Burramys Parvus (Heinze et al, 2004;Mitrovski et al, 2007). Female pygmy possums have a home range in boulder fields.…”