Genetic structure and gene flow in Myocastor coypus (Rodentia: Echimyidae) populations inhabiting a highly modified agroecosystem of the Pampas region

IBAÑEZ, EZEQUIEL ALEJANDRO; GUICHON MARIA LAURA; PERALTA, DIEGO MATÍAS; MARCELO HERNÁN CASSINI; TUNEZ, JUAN IGNACIO

Biological Journal of the Linnean Society

Oxford University Press

Año: 2024 vol. 141 p. 401 - 418

Assessing the genetic diversity and gene flow among populations in combination with ecological data providesvaluable insight into the spatial use and genetic structure of wildlife. Anthropic impact generates landscape changesthat threaten species by favouring their isolation in small patches and limiting their connectivity. However, in somecases, it can increase genetic exchange among wild populations. Here, we used a set of 16 microsatellites to studythe genetic diversity, population genetic structure, and historical and current gene flow of coypu (Myocastor coypus)populations, a semi-aquatic rodent that inhabits watercourses of the highly anthropized agroecosystems of thePampas region. Our results showed moderate to high levels of genetic diversity and revealed the existence of geneticstructure among populations. Bayesian analysis showed different patterns of genetic structure among and withinsampling sites. Also, the patterns of historical gene flow differed from that seen today. These results, together withprevious studies, suggest that anthropic pressure, habitat fragmentation and ephemeral landscapes in a highlymodifed ecosystem could alter the dispersal patterns of coypus in their native range, which would otherwise bedifferent in an environment with low anthropic impact. The results provide new information that could be used ineffective conservation programmes.