Population genomics of Sitka black-tailed deer supports invasive species management and ecological restoration on islands.

ABSTRACT: Invasive mammals represent a critical threat to island biodiversity; eradications can result in ecological restoration yet may fail in the absence of key population parameters. Over-browsing by invasive Sitka black-tailed deer (Odocoileus hemionus sitkensis) is causing severe ecological and cultural impacts across the Haida Gwaii archipelago (Canada). Previous eradication attempts demonstrate forest regeneration upon deer removal, but reinvasion reverses conservation gains. Here we use restriction-site associated DNA sequencing (12,947 SNPs) to investigate connectivity and gene flow of invasive deer (n = 181) across 15 islands, revealing little structure throughout Haida Gwaii and identifying the large, central island of Moresby (>2600 km²) as the greatest source of migrants. As

SUBMITTER: Burgess BT 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8913846 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature