Landscape genetics of the nonnative red fox of California. Issue 14 (16th June 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sacks, Benjamin N.; Brazeal, Jennifer L.; Lewis, Jeffrey C.
• Is Part Of: Ecology and evolution. Volume 6:Issue 14(2016:Aug.)
• Page Start: 4775
• Page End: 4791
• Publication Date: 2016-06-16
• Subjects: Invasive species -- landscape genetics -- predator control -- red fox -- Vulpes fulva -- Vulpes vulpes; Ecology -- Periodicals; Evolution -- Periodicals; 577.05
• DOI: 10.1002/ece3.2229
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2045-7758

Abstract

Abstract: Invasive mammalian carnivores contribute disproportionately to declines in global biodiversity. In California, nonnative red foxes ( Vulpes vulpes ) have significantly impacted endangered ground‐nesting birds and native canids. These foxes derive primarily from captive‐reared animals associated with the fur‐farming industry. Over the past five decades, the cumulative area occupied by nonnative red fox increased to cover much of central and southern California. We used a landscape‐genetic approach involving mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequences and 13 microsatellites of 402 nonnative red foxes removed in predator control programs to investigate source populations, contemporary connectivity, and metapopulation dynamics. Both markers indicated high population structuring consistent with origins from multiple introductions and low subsequent gene flow. Landscape‐genetic modeling indicated that population connectivity was especially low among coastal sampling sites surrounded by mountainous wildlands but somewhat higher through topographically flat, urban and agricultural landscapes. The genetic composition of populations tended to be stable for multiple generations, indicating a degree of demographic resilience to predator removal programs. However, in two sites where intensive predator control reduced fox abundance, we observed increases in immigration, suggesting potential for recolonization to counter eradication attempts. These findings, along with continued genetic monitoring, can help guide localized management of foxes by identifying points of introductions and routes of spread and evaluating the relative importance of reproduction and immigration in maintaining populations. More generally, the study illustrates the utility of a landscape‐genetic approach for understanding invasion dynamics and metapopulation structure of one of the world's most destructive invasive mammals, the red fox. Abstract : We used mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequences and 13 microsatellites of 402 nonnative red foxes sampled throughout California to show that the metapopulation originated from multiple introductions. Gene flow was low among coastal sites surrounded by mountainous wildlands but somewhat higher through topographically flat, urban and agricultural landscapes. We found evidence of demographic resilience to predator removal programs and increased immigration where predator control was most intense.