Genotypic detection of barriers to rat dispersal: Rattus rattus behind a peninsula predator-proof fence.

ABSTRACT: Clear delimitation of management units is essential for effective management of invasive species. Analysis of population genetic structure of target species can improve identification and interpretation of natural and artificial barriers to dispersal. In Aotearoa New Zealand where the introduced ship rat (Rattus rattus) is a major threat to native biodiversity, effective suppression of pest numbers requires removal and limitation of reinvasion from outside the managed population. We contrasted population genetic structure in rat populations over a wide scale without known barriers, with structure over a fine scale with potential barriers to dispersal. MtDNA D-loop sequences and microsatellite genotypes resolved little genetic structure in southern North Island population samples of

SUBMITTER: Yarita S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9900205 | biostudies-literature | 2023

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature