Gene flow and genetic connectivity of Bursera linanoe (La Llave) Rzed., Calderón & Medina in a fragmented landscape
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.29298/rmcf.v17i97.1662Keywords:
conservation biology, biotic dispersal, seed dispersal, genetic structure, landscape genetics, deciduous forestAbstract
Habitat fragmentation threatens the survival of species by reducing gene flow. Bursera linanoe, a tree that is endemic to and of cultural importance in South-Central Mexico, is experiencing a population decline due to harvesting pressure and habitat loss. The genetic structure and population connectivity of this species were analyzed using molecular genetic tools, spatial modeling, and ecological analyses. Four populations were analyzed using ISSR (Inter-Simple Sequence Repeats) markers, and moderate to high genetic differentiation was observed (FST=0.31), indicating limited genetic connectivity among locations. Multivariate and Bayesian analyses identified three major genetic groups associated with geographic regions (Morelos, Guerrero, and Oaxaca); this suggests that both physical barriers and habitat fragmentation have influenced genetic structuring. The Mantel test revealed distance-based isolation, while the migration network analysis showed an asymmetric flow, with connectivity between central populations, suggesting possible source-sink dynamics. Landscape genetics models revealed that geographic distance and landscape resistance have similar effects, suggesting that connectivity does not depend on a single factor, but rather on their interaction. In addition, niche modeling revealed spatial overlap between B. linanoe and fruit-eating birds (primarily Myiarchus and Tyrannus), which supports their role as a key disperser. The study highlights the importance of preserving biological corridors and plant-disperser interactions to maintain the species’ genetic viability.
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