Evidence that disease-induced population decline changes genetic structure and alters dispersal patterns in the Tasmanian devil.

ABSTRACT: Infectious disease has been shown to be a major cause of population declines in wild animals. However, there remains little empirical evidence on the genetic consequences of disease-mediated population declines, or how such perturbations might affect demographic processes such as dispersal. Devil facial tumour disease (DFTD) has resulted in the rapid decline of the Tasmanian devil, Sarcophilus harrisii, and threatens to cause extinction. Using 10 microsatellite DNA markers, we compared genetic diversity and structure before and after DFTD outbreaks in three Tasmanian devil populations to assess the genetic consequences of disease-induced population decline. We also used both genetic and demographic data to investigate dispersal patterns in Tasmanian devils along the east coast of Tasmania.

SUBMITTER: Lachish S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3183847 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature