Population Genetic Structure and Habitat Connectivity for Jaguar (Panthera onca) Conservation in Central Belize.

Abstract

Background Connectivity among jaguar (Panthera onca) populations will ensure natural gene flow and the long-term survival of the species throughout its range. Jaguar conservation efforts have focused primarily on connecting suitable habitat in a broad-scale. Accelerated habitat reduction, human-wildlife conflict, limited funding, and the complexity of jaguar behaviour have proven challenging to maintain connectivity between populations effectively. Here, we used non-invasive genetic sampling and individual-based conservation genetic analyses to assess genetic diversity and levels of genetic connectivity between individuals in the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary and the Maya Forest Corridor. We used expert knowledge and scientific literature to develop models of landscape permeability based on circuit theory with fine-scale landscape features as ecosystem types, distance to human settlements and roads to predict the most probable jaguar movement across central Belize. Results We used 12 highly polymorphic microsatellite loci to identify 50 individual jaguars. We detected high levels of genetic diversity across loci (HE= 0.61, HO= 0.55, and NA=9.33). Using Bayesian clustering and multivariate models to assess gene flow and genetic structure, we identified one single group of jaguars (K = 1). We identified critical areas for jaguar movement that fall outside the boundaries of current protected areas in central Belize. We detected two main areas of high landscape permeability in a stretch of approximately 18 km between Sittee River Forest Reserve and Manatee Forest Reserve that may increase functional connectivity and facilitate jaguar dispersal from and to Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary. Our analysis provides important insights on fine-scale genetic and landscape connectivity of jaguars in central Belize, an area of conservation concern. Conclusions The results of our study demonstrate high levels of relatively recent gene flow for jaguars between two study sites in central Belize. Our landscape analysis detected corridors of expected jaguar movement between the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary and the Maya Forest Corridor. We highlight the importance of maintaining already established corridors and consolidating new areas that further promote jaguar movement across suitable habitat beyond the boundaries of currently protected areas. Continued conservation efforts within identified corridors will further maintain and increase genetic connectivity in central Belize.

Fine-scale landscape genetics unveiling contemporary asymmetric movement of red panda (Ailurus fulgens) in Kangchenjunga landscape, India

“…GWAS- 15,48 ; SNPs- 15,49 ) is fascinating to evaluate fine scale population genetic structure and investigating loci under natural selection facilitating populations to adapt in the changing climatic conditions 50 . However, to check the immediate effects of landscape features on the genetic variability and population contiguity, the assessment of wild populations using microsatellites is still most cost effective and widely applied way to genetic monitor of free ranging populations 30,51 . Further, consolidating landscape connectivity through mapping corridors, validating movement through genetics and expanding natural PAs is fundamental to make red panda conservation a long-term success across the distribution range.…”

“…However, with the emergence of landscape genetics, it is now feasible to explicitly quantify the effects of landscape features on the spatial patterns of genetic variation, population structure, gene flow, and adaptation [24][25][26] . Thus, population genetics integrated with landscape ecology and remote sensing data can be used to aid delineating shift, if any, in the identified corridors that maintain connectivity between habitat patches and facilitate biotic processes such as dispersal and gene flow [27][28][29][30] . In this view, the detailed population genetic assessment of red panda with respect to landscape connectivity and anthropogenic activities is imperative to prioritize the management strategies for ensuring long term population viability of red panda in Himalayas.…”

Environmental and anthropogenic influences of movement and foraging in a critically endangered lemur species, Propithecus tattersalli: implications for habitat conservation planning

“…Importantly, anthropogenic influences affect animal movement behaviors, can have deleterious effects on wildlife, and must be considered when establishing protected areas [30,31]. The presence of humans and road networks may negatively influence animal movement behavior by increasing human-wildlife interactions (e.g., hunting, poaching, vehicle collisions) and pushing animals out of prime habitat [32,33].…”