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Habitat loss is the main threat to biodiversity conservation worldwide.
Some species may be particularly susceptible to the effects of
fragmentation and the isolation of populations. The impacts of human
activity on wild animal populations may be understood through
relationships between individual genetic data and spatial landscape
variables, particularly when considering local population dynamics
influenced by fragmented habitats. Thus, the objective of this study was
to analyze the population structure and genetic diversity of the giant
anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) using an individual sampling scheme
(ISS) on a regional geographic scale. Data were collected from 41
specimens from twenty different locations in São Paulo State, Brazil, and
six polymorphic microsatellite loci were genotyped. Our results indicate
that barriers to gene flow exist and have segregated individuals of the
farther away areas into two spatially structured clusters. The populations
were also found to have high genetic diversity. The experimental sampling
approach used herein enabled an analysis of the population dynamics of the
giant anteater on a regional scale, as well as the identification of
priority populations for genetic resource conservation for this species.
The results reflect the need for adequate management plans. The efficacy
of the sampling scheme may vary based on the study model used, but we
argue that the use of an ISS combined with suitable molecular markers and
statistical methods may serve as an important tool for initial analyses of
threatened or vulnerable species, particularly in anthropized regions
where species populations are small or hard to characterize.
190 views reported since publication in 2020.