Genetic diversity and genetic structure of an endemic Mexican Dusky Rattlesnake (Crotalus triseriatus) in a highly modified agricultural landscape: implications for conservation.
It is necessary to determine genetic diversity of fragmented populations in highly modified landscapes to understand how populations respond to land-use change. This information will help guide future conservation and management strategies. We conducted a population genetic study on an endemic Mexican Dusky Rattlesnake (Crotalus triseriatus) in a highly modified landscape near the Toluca metropolitan area, in order to provide crucial information for the conservation of this species. There was medium levels of genetic diversity, with a few alleles and genotypes. We identified three genetically differentiated clusters, likely as a result of different habitat cover type. We also found evidence of an ancestral genetic bottleneck and medium values of effective population size. Inbreeding coefficients were low and there was a moderate gene flow. Our results can be used as a basis for future research and C. triseriatus conservation efforts, particularly considering that the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt is heavily impacted by destructive land-use practices.
Centro de Investigación en Ciencias Biológicas Aplicadas, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México, Instituto literario # 100, Colonia Centro, CP 50000, Toluca, Estado de México, Mexico.
Armando
A
Sunny
Centro de Investigación en Ciencias Biológicas Aplicadas, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México, Instituto literario # 100, Colonia Centro, CP 50000, Toluca, Estado de México, Mexico. tavomonroyvilchis@gmail.com.
Octavio
O
Monroy-Vilchis
Centro de Investigación en Ciencias Biológicas Aplicadas, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México, Instituto literario # 100, Colonia Centro, CP 50000, Toluca, Estado de México, Mexico.
Martha M
MM
Zarco-González
Departamento de Producción Agrícola y Animal, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana Xochimilco, Calz. Del Hueso 1100, 04960, Col. Villa Quietud, Mexico.
Germán David
GD
Mendoza-Martínez
Departamento de Producción Agrícola y Animal, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana Xochimilco, Calz. Del Hueso 1100, 04960, Col. Villa Quietud, Mexico.
Daniel
D
Martínez-Gómez
D000383:Agriculture; D000818:Animals; D003247:Conservation of Natural Resources; D017839:Crotalus / Q000235:genetics*; D051456:Gene Flow; D014644:Genetic Variation; D007178:Inbreeding; D008800:Mexico; D011156:Population Density
Conservation; Conservation genetics; Endemic species; Habitat fragmentation; Microsatellites; Rattlesnake