Fine-scale spatial genetic structure and dispersal among Italian smooth newt populations in a rural landscape.

ABSTRACT: Amphibians are particularly sensitive to habitat loss and fragmentation caused by the intensification and modernization of farming occurring in the second half of the twentieth century in the Mediterranean basin. However, artificial water bodies, associated with traditional husbandry, proved to be important surrogate for amphibian feeding and reproduction. Here, multilocus genotypes were used to investigate the spatial population structure of Lissotriton vulgaris meridionalis and the role of drinking troughs in supporting viable breeding populations within a rural landscape interested by traditional husbandry and agriculture. Our genetic analysis highlighted the conservation value and the potential stepping-stone function of artificial aquatic sites in the dispersal of the species and for

SUBMITTER: Buono V 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10651844 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature