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Preprint
Beyond boundaries -genetic implications of urbanisation and isolation in eastern grey kangaroos (Macropus giganteus)
Research Square, Vol.16 September 2024
Research Square Company
2024
Abstract
Understanding the long-term influences that urbanisation and associated habitat fragmentation can have on wildlife species is increasingly important for biodiversity conservation. Habitat fragmentation and subsequent isolation of previously connected populations can lead to smaller populations that are more likely to experience loss of genetic diversity. However, there is still a paucity of research directed at the genetic implications for species exposed to urbanisation. Eastern grey kangaroos (Macropus giganteus) are large macropodid marsupials that occur across a vast range on the eastern coast of Australia, inhabiting landscapes often subject to processes of habitat fragmentation and urbanisation. Using single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data obtained from scat and tissue samples, we compared genetic characteristics of urban and non-urban kangaroo populations across three study regions. We assessed the influence of habitat isolation characteristics on genetic diversity and relatedness of kangaroos at 18 study sites within these regions. On average, urban populations did not exhibit lower genetic diversity than those in less built-up areas (p > 0.05, Urban mean HO = 0.196, Non-urban mean HO = 0.188), but populations that were fully isolated by physical structures (i.e., roads, buildings and fences) had lower genetic diversity and higher rates of inbreeding. Significant regional differences were also found in the kangaroo population genetic characteristics. This study provides important insights into how attributes of complex and expanding urban landscapes can impact the genetics of large terrestrial mammals and has implications for guiding effective urban planning and management practices at an appropriate spatial scale.
Details
- Title
- Beyond boundaries -genetic implications of urbanisation and isolation in eastern grey kangaroos (Macropus giganteus)
- Authors
- Elizabeth Brunton (Corresponding Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Science, Technology and EngineeringAlexis L Levengood (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Science, Technology and EngineeringAaron Brunton (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Science, Technology and EngineeringNeil Clarke (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Science, Technology and EngineeringGraeme Coulson (Author) - The University of MelbourneClaire Wimpenny (Author) - ACT GovernmentGabriel Conroy (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Centre for Bioinnovation
- Publication details
- Research Square, Vol.16 September 2024
- Publisher
- Research Square Company
- Date published
- 2024
- DOI
- 10.21203/rs.3.rs-4935390/v1
- ISSN
- 2693-5015
- Copyright note
- This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
- Data Availability
- The datasets generated during and/or analysed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.
- Grant note
- Neil Clarke received a UniSC honours scholarship to support this work. ACT samples were collected during research projects funded by the ACT Government. QLD samples were collected during research projects funded by the Sunshine Coast Council and University of the Sunshine Coast collaborative research scheme.
- Organisation Unit
- Forest Industries Research Centre; School of Science, Technology and Engineering; Centre for Bioinnovation
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 991066896502621
- Output Type
- Preprint
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