Integrating population genetics to define conservation units from the core to the edge ofRhinolophus ferrumequinumwestern range

Abstract

The greater horseshoe bat (Rhinolophus ferrumequinum) is among the most widespread bat species in Europe but it has experienced severe declines, especially in Northern Europe. This species is listed Near Threatened in the European IUCN Red List of Threatened Animals and it is considered to be highly sensitive to human activities and particularly to habitat fragmentation. Therefore, understanding the population boundaries and demographic history of populations of this species is of primary importance to assess relevant conservation strategies. In this study, we used 17 microsatellite markers to assess the genetic diversity, the genetic structure and the demographic history of R. ferrumequinum colonies in the Western European part of its distribution. We found high levels of genetic diversity and large population size on the European mainland and lower estimates in England and Northern France. Analyses of clustering and isolation by distance showed a barrier effect of the Channel and potentially of the Mediterranean Sea on R. ferrumequinum bat dispersal. Conversely, we could not reveal any gene flow disruption from both sides of the Western Pyrenees. These results provide important information to improve the delineation of R. ferrumequinum management units in its western range. We suggest that a large management unit corresponding to the European mainland population must be considered. Particular attention should be given to mating territories as they seem to play a key role in maintaining the high levels of genetic mixing between colonies. Smaller management units corresponding to English and Northern France colonies must also be implemented. These insular or peripheral colonies could be at higher risk of extinction in a near future.

eDNA metabarcoding reveals a core and secondary diets of the greater horseshoe bat with strong spatio‐temporal plasticity

“…In particular, it is critical to assess whether these variations might significantly impact the demography and viability of R. ferrumequinum populations (Schweiger et al., 2015). This is all the more important given that it has recently been shown that some populations at the edge of the R. ferrumequinum distribution might be at higher risk of extinction in the near future (Tournayre et al., 2019).…”

Dispersal-based species pools as sources of connectivity area mismatches

“…Four species of amphibians, Triturus marmoratus, Hyla meridionalis, Epidalea calamita and Pelodytes punctatus were considered for a low dispersal group, and Rhinolophus ferrumequinum, Miniopterus schreibersii, Nyctalus leisleri and Pipistrellus pipistrellus, for a high dispersal group. While estimating the dispersal distances of species is challenging and may lead to underestimates (Santini et al 2013;Fonte et al 2019;Tournayre et al 2019), we deliberately performed our analyses while taking into account long distances for both groups. The aim was to consider the different life cycle processes of the species such as dispersal and migration (Runge et al 2014).…”