A de novo genome assembly and annotation of the southern flying squirrel (Glaucomys volans).

ABSTRACT: Northern (Glaucomys sabrinus) and southern (Glaucomys volans) flying squirrels are widespread species distributed across North America. Northern flying squirrels are common inhabitants of the boreal forest, also occurring in coniferous forest remnants farther south, whereas the southern flying squirrel range is centered in eastern temperate woodlands. These two flying squirrel species exhibit a hybrid zone across a latitudinal gradient in an area of recent secondary contact. Glaucomys hybrid offspring are viable and can successfully backcross with either parental species, however, the fitness implications of such events are currently unknown. Some populations of G. sabrinus are endangered, and thus, interspecific hybridization is a key conservation concern in flying squirrels. To provide a

SUBMITTER: Wolf JF 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8727995 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature