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Population genetic structure at the northern range limit of the threatened eastern hog-nosed snake (Heterodon platirhinos)

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Abstract

Habitat loss and fragmentation have important consequences for population persistence by reducing dispersal, connectivity, and population size. Characterizing patterns of population genetic structure and gene flow, and testing for the genetic signature of population declines and inbreeding can provide key insights into conservation for at-risk species. We use 12 microsatellite DNA markers to quantify the spatial structuring across two regional populations of the threatened eastern hog-nosed snake (Heterodon platirhinos) in Ontario, Canada. We further test for inbreeding and recent, rapid population declines, for the latter using both a ‘heterozygosity excess’ approach and Approximate Bayesian computation. Spatial Bayesian assignment tests revealed four distinct genetic clusters that were not apparent from species occurrence data, suggesting that the current designation of a single management unit for this species is invalid. We found some evidence for inbreeding in all studied locales. However, heterozygosity excess tests provided only weak evidence for recent bottlenecks and varied according to mutational model specified. In contrast, ABC provided strong support for a recent and rapid reduction in population size within one sample locale (Wasaga Beach), where individuals are largely confined to a small area circumscribed by expanding urban areas. For three other locales investigated, we found equal support for either recent rapid or gradual population declines. Immediate action is required for Wasaga Beach if this population is to persist.

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Acknowledgments

We thank L. Robson, M. Gartshore, D. Jacobs, T. Tully, A. MacKenzie, K. Otterbein, T. Cameron, S. Sutton, R. Willson, G. Buck, R. Gould, C. Godwin, J. Feltham, T. Moore, G. Cundall, R. Hornsby, C. Jamison, and J. Quan for assistance with sample collection and Z. Sun for genotyping and J.D. Austin for microsatellite development. Funding was provided by NSERC (Discovery Grant to S.C.L. and CGS-M to A.T.J.X.) and the Species at Risk Research Fund for Ontario (SARRFO). We acknowledge support of Parks Canada, Ontario Parks, and Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. Field collections were sanctioned by the Queen’s University Animal Care Committee (Lougheed-2008-059-R3), Endangered Species Act (PS-B-004-11), and Wildlife Scientific Collector’s Authorization (1062799, 1062623).

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  1. Amanda T. J. Xuereb

    Present address: Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, 25 Harbord St., Toronto, ON, M5S 3G5, Canada

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biology, Queen’s University, 116 Barrie St., Kingston, ON, K7L 3N6, Canada

    Amanda T. J. Xuereb & Stephen C. Lougheed

  2. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, 7 Bay St., Parry Sound, ON, P2A 1S4, Canada

    Jeremy D. Rouse

  3. RiverStone Environmental Solutions Inc., 1-310 Taylor Rd., Bracebridge, ON, P1L 1K1, Canada

    Glenn Cunnington

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  1. Amanda T. J. Xuereb
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Correspondence to Stephen C. Lougheed.

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Xuereb, A.T.J., Rouse, J.D., Cunnington, G. et al. Population genetic structure at the northern range limit of the threatened eastern hog-nosed snake (Heterodon platirhinos). Conserv Genet 16, 1265–1276 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10592-015-0737-x

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