The genetic signature left by the range expansion of red foxes in Australia is detectable after more than 80 years of population stability.

ABSTRACT: Reconstructing biological invasions from historical sources can provide insights into how they occur but are difficult to do when invasions are poorly documented. Genetic signatures left by invaders can also offer insights into invasion routes, points of origin and general biology but often present conclusions that are contradictory to expectations. Here, we test the ability of continental-wide microsatellite genotype data from 29 loci and 3122 samples to reconstruct the well-documented invasion of red foxes Vulpes vulpes from the United Kingdom into Australia over 150 years ago, an invasion that has led to the extinction of many native species. Our analysis reveals several key signals of invasion evident in Australian foxes. They display lower levels of diversity than foxes sampled

SUBMITTER: Sarre SD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10994981 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature