Landscape genetics identifies streams and drainage infrastructure as dispersal corridors for an endangered wetland bird.

ABSTRACT: Anthropogenic alterations to landscape structure and composition can have significant impacts on biodiversity, potentially leading to species extinctions. Population-level impacts of landscape change are mediated by animal behaviors, in particular dispersal behavior. Little is known about the dispersal habits of rails (Rallidae) due to their cryptic behavior and tendency to occupy densely vegetated habitats. The effects of landscape structure on the movement behavior of waterbirds in general are poorly studied due to their reputation for having high dispersal abilities. We used a landscape genetic approach to test hypotheses of landscape effects on dispersal behavior of the Hawaiian gallinule (Gallinula galeata sandvicensis), an endangered subspecies endemic to the Hawaiian Islands.

SUBMITTER: van Rees CB 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6145004 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature