Inbreeding depression in one of the last DFTD-free wild populations of Tasmanian devils.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Vulnerable species experiencing inbreeding depression are prone to localised extinctions because of their reduced fitness. For Tasmanian devils, the rapid spread of devil facial tumour disease (DFTD) has led to population declines and fragmentation across the species' range. Here we show that one of the few remaining DFTD-free populations of Tasmanian devils is experiencing inbreeding depression. Moreover, this population has experienced a significant reduction in reproductive success over recent years.

Methods

We used 32 microsatellite loci to examine changes in genetic diversity and inbreeding in the wild population at Woolnorth, alongside field data on breeding success from females to test for inbreeding depression.

Results

Wefound that maternal internal

SUBMITTER: Gooley RM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7304431 | biostudies-literature | 2020

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature