Genetic structure of island populations of the endangered bat Hipposideros turpis turpis: implications for conservation

Abstract

Efforts for the conservation of the endangered bat species Hipposideros turpis turpis in southern Japan are hampered by a lack of information about its biology and natural history and by the increasing effect of human activities. In an attempt to address some of the conservation challenges faced by this species, we studied the genetic structure and dispersal of intra-and interisland populations using six species-specific microsatellite markers. In particular, we sought to establish the relationship between island populations and to define effective management units for conservation. Pairwise co-ancestry index (F ST ) analysis, analysis of molecular variance, and Bayesian clustering suggested the presence of significant genetic differentiation between islands but little differentiation within them. The small Yonaguni Island population appeared to be not only geographically isolated, but also genetically isolated. This population is at the greatest risk of extinction, considering its size and low genetic variation. The larger populations on Iriomote and Ishigaki Islands are genetically related to each other to a greater degree and exhibit higher genetic variation than the Yonaguni Island population. This suggests that these two island populations should be included in a single management unit, while bats from Yonaguni Island should be managed independently and given higher priority for conservation. Actions such as defining vegetation corridors between colonies, as well as building gates at the entrance of the largest known colony, should be included in the conservation agenda of this still poorly known species.

Phylogeography and Population Genetic Structure of the Great Leaf-Nosed Bat (Hipposideros armiger) in China

“…These studies provide valuable sequencing data, undetectable through traditional biogeography and demography, which are essential for examining population dynamics and understanding evolutionary processes (Avise 1994). Further analysis of these elements could provide the foundation for formulating and implementing conservation and management plans (Echenique-Díaz et al 2009). In particular, these studies provide information about a species' demographic history, reveal colonization events, and past or present barriers to gene flow (Emerson et al 2001).…”

In the shadow of the rising sun: a systematic review of Japanese bat research and conservation

“…Accurate taxonomy is essential, as species, subspecies, and populations are the units used to identify conservation priorities (Mace 2004). For example, genetic differences have been used to suggest management units for Hipposideros turpis (Echenique‐Díaz et al 2009), Pteropus pselaphon (Okada et al 2014), and Pteropus dasymallus (Chen et al 2020, Taki et al 2020). The Rhinolophus pusillus complex demonstrates the conservation repercussions of differing taxonomies.…”

Systematics of the Hipposideros turpis complex and a description of a new subspecies from Vietnam

“…H. turpis is well known from the Yaeyama Islands in Japan (Yoshiyuki 1989, Echenique‐Diaz et al. 2009, Ohdachi et al.…”

“…H. turpis is well known from the Yaeyama Islands in Japan (Yoshiyuki 1989, Echenique-Diaz et al 2009, Ohdachi et al 2009). H. pendleburyi is known from three provinces in Peninsular Thailand: Krabi, Trang and Nakhon Si Thammarat (Lekagul & McNeely 1977, Puechmaille et al 2009).…”

“…In recent years, H. t. turpis from Japan has received attention in a scientific and conservation context (Hutson et al. 2001, Echenique‐Diaz et al. 2002, 2009).…”