Projects per year
Abstract
Functional connectivity is crucial for the persistence of a metapopulation, because migration among subpopulations enables recolonization and counteracts genetic drift, which is especially important in small subpopulations. We studied the degree and drivers of connectivity among occupied patches of a coastal dune metapopulation of the Natterjack Toad (Epidalea calamita Laurenti), on the basis of microsatellite variation. As spatial landscape heterogeneity is expected to influence dispersal and genetic structure, we analyzed which landscape features affect functional connectivity and to what extent. Sixty different landscape resistance scenarios as well as the isolation-by-distance model were compared using two landscape genetics approaches. We identified three subpopulations with unidirectional levels of gene flow among the two most geographically separated subpopulations, while inferred gene flow into the geographically intermediate subpopulation was limited. Urbanization and vegetation height negatively affected connectivity. Low estimates of genetic diversity and effective population size indicate that conservation measures in the smallest and most isolated subpopulation are required.
Original language | English |
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Journal | Conservation Genetics |
Volume | 18 |
Issue number | 6 |
Pages (from-to) | 1359-1375 |
ISSN | 1566-0621 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2017 |
Taxonomic list
- amphibians (Amphibia)
Geographic list
- dunes
- coast
- West Flanders
Technological
- genetic technologies
- statistics and modelling
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Dive into the research topics of 'Effect of the landscape matrix on gene flow in a coastal amphibian metapopulation'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.Projects
- 1 Finished
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Genetic population estimates
Vanden Broeck, A. (Project leader), Brys, R. (Cooperator), Cox, K. (Cooperator), Halfmaerten, D. (Cooperator), Maes, D. (Cooperator), Mergeay, J. (Cooperator), Neyrinck, S. (Cooperator), Speybroeck, J. (Cooperator), Thomaes, A. (Cooperator), Van Breusegem, A. (Cooperator), Van Liefferinge, N. (Cooperator), Verschaeve, L. (Cooperator) & Vught, I. (Cooperator)
1/04/14 → 30/06/19
Project: Legally bound
Research output
- 1 Poster
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Effects of a heterogeneous landscape on gene flow in a coastal Natterjack Toad metapopulation
Cox, K., Maes, J., Van Calster, H. & Mergeay, J., 2017.Research output: Contribution to conference › Poster
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