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Dispersal via stream corridors structures populations of the endangered St. Francis’ satyr butterfly (Neonympha mitchellii francisci)

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Abstract

Habitat fragmentation may reduce gene flow and population viability of rare species. We tested whether riparian corridors enhanced gene flow and if human habitat modification between riparian corridors subsequently reduced dispersal and gene flow of a wetland butterfly, the US federally endangered St. Francis’ satyr butterfly (Neonympha mitchellii francisci). We surveyed nine populations throughout the taxon’s range using five polymorphic microsatellite loci. We found that genetic diversity of N. m. francisci was relatively high despite its restricted distribution, and that there is little evidence of population bottlenecks or extensive inbreeding within populations. We found substantial gene flow and detectable first generation migration, suggesting that N. m. francisci is unlikely to be currently endangered by genetic factors. Pairwise population differentiation and clustering indicate some structuring between populations on different drainages and suggest that dispersal probably occurs mainly via a stepping stone from the closest riparian corridors. However, genetic differentiation between geographically close populations suggests that isolation by distance is not solely responsible for population structure, and that management actions should be targeted at maintaining connectivity of riparian and upland habitats.

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Acknowledgments

This work was supported by funds from Ft. Bragg Endangered Species Branch, Department of Defense, Department of the Army, MIPR# 8MUSGP3485. We thank Erich Hoffman of the Department of Public Works at Fort Bragg, DOD, Department of the Army and Brian Ball of the Endangered Species Branch at Fort Bragg, DOD, Department of the Army for their support. We are also grateful to Steve Hall of the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program for providing guidance, expertise, and DNA specimens at the outset of this project. We also wish to thank Heather Lessig for field assistance and Johnny Wilson for invaluable assistance with creating Fig. 1.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA

    Laura V. Milko & Nick M. Haddad

  2. Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, University of Georgia, Aiken, SC, 29802, USA

    Stacey L. Lance

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  1. Laura V. Milko
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  2. Nick M. Haddad
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  3. Stacey L. Lance
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Correspondence to Laura V. Milko.

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Table 4 Details for five polymorphic microsatellite loci developed for Neonympha mitchellii francisci
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Milko, L.V., Haddad, N.M. & Lance, S.L. Dispersal via stream corridors structures populations of the endangered St. Francis’ satyr butterfly (Neonympha mitchellii francisci). J Insect Conserv 16, 263–273 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10841-011-9413-8

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