Moderate Genetic Diversity and Demographic Reduction in the Threatened Giant Anteater, Myrmecophaga tridactyla

Autor(es)

Barragan-Ruiz, Carmen Elena ^[1] ; Silva-Santos, Rosane ^[1] ; Saranholi, Bruno H. ^{[2, 1]} ; Desbiez, Arnaud L. J. ^{[3, 4, 5]} ; Galetti Jr, Pedro Manoel

Afiliação do(s) autor(es)

^[1] Univ Fed Sao Carlos, Dept Genet & Evolucao, Sao Carlos - Brazil

^[2] Imperial Coll London, Dept Life Sci, Ascot, Berks - England

^[3] Inst Pesquisas Ecol, Nazare Paulista - Brazil

^[4] Royal Zool Soc Scotland, Edinburgh, Midlothian - Scotland

^[5] Inst Conservacao Anim Silvestres, Campo Grande, MS - Brazil

• Tipo de documento: Artigo Científico
• Fonte: FRONTIERS IN GENETICS; v. 12, JUL 1 2021.
• Citações Web of Science: 0

Resumo

In general, large mammal species with highly specialized feeding behavior and solitary habits are expected to suffer genetic consequences from habitat loss and fragmentation. To test this hypothesis, we analyzed the genetic diversity distribution of the threatened giant anteater inhabiting a human-modified landscape. We used 10 microsatellite loci to assess the genetic diversity and population structure of 107 giant anteaters sampled in the Brazilian Central-Western region. No genetic population structuring was observed in this region suggesting no gene flow restriction within the studied area. On the other hand, the moderate level of genetic diversity (Ho = 0.54), recent bottleneck detected and inbreeding (F-is, 0.13; p <= 0.001) signatures suggest potential impacts on the genetic variation of this Xenarthra. Additionally, a previous demographic reduction was suggested. Thus, considering the increased human-promoted impacts across the entire area of distribution of the giant anteater, our results can illustrate the potential effects of these disturbances on the genetic variation, allowing us to request the long-term conservation of this emblematic species. (AU)

• Processo FAPESP: 13/24453-4 - Diversidade genética de felinos (Puma concolor, Leopardus pardalis, Leopardus tigrinus e Puma yagouaroundi) e efeito da presença do mesopredador (Leopardus pardalis) na densidade e diversidade genética das espécies de felinos de menor porte
• Beneficiário: Bruno Henrique Saranholi
• Modalidade de apoio: Bolsas no Brasil - Doutorado