Spatial genetic patterns indicate mechanism and consequences of large carnivore cohabitation within development. Issue 10 (17th April 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Evans, Michael J.; Rittenhouse, Tracy A. G.; Hawley, Jason E.; Rego, Paul W.; Eggert, Lori S.
• Is Part Of: Ecology and evolution. Volume 8:Issue 10(2018)
• Page Start: 4815
• Page End: 4829
• Publication Date: 2018-04-17
• Subjects: conservation genetics -- landscape genetics -- mammals -- population ecology -- wildlife management; Ecology -- Periodicals; Evolution -- Periodicals; 577.05
• DOI: 10.1002/ece3.4033
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2045-7758

Abstract

Abstract: Patterns of human development are shifting from concentrated housing toward sprawled housing intermixed with natural land cover, and wildlife species increasingly persist in close proximity to housing, roads, and other anthropogenic features. These associations can alter population dynamics and evolutionary trajectories. Large carnivores increasingly occupy urban peripheries, yet the ecological consequences for populations established entirely within urban and exurban landscapes are largely unknown. We applied a spatial and landscape genetics approach, using noninvasively collected genetic data, to identify differences in black bear spatial genetic patterns across a rural‐to‐urban gradient and quantify how development affects spatial genetic processes. We quantified differences in black bear dispersal, spatial genetic structure, and migration between differing levels of development within a population primarily occupying areas with >6 houses/km 2 in western Connecticut. Increased development disrupted spatial genetic structure, and we found an association between increased housing densities and longer dispersal. We also found evidence that roads limited gene flow among bears in more rural areas, yet had no effect among bears in more developed ones. These results suggest dispersal behavior is condition‐dependent and indicate the potential for landscapes intermixing development and natural land cover to facilitate shifts toward increased dispersal. These changes can affect patterns of range expansion and the phenotypic and genetic composition of surrounding populations. We found evidence that subpopulations occupying more developed landscapes may be sustained by male‐biased immigration, creating potentially detrimental demographic shifts. Abstract : In this study, we used spatial and landscape genetic approaches to quantify changes in the spatial ecology of American black bear living entirely within developed landscapes. Longer dispersal through high‐density housing explained disrupted female philopatry in these areas, suggesting condition dependence in dispersal behavior. Asymmetrical male immigration indicated ecological vulnerability of these populations. These findings demonstrate potential ecological shifts incurred by seemingly human‐adapted species, contributing to an ability to predict the impact of human land use on wildlife ecology and evolution.