Spatial genetic patterns indicate mechanism and consequences of large carnivore cohabitation within development

Abstract

Patterns of human development are shifting from concentrated housing toward sprawled housing intermixed with natural land cover, and wildlife species increasingly persist in close proximity to housing, roads, and other anthropogenic features. These associations can alter population dynamics and evolutionary trajectories. Large carnivores increasingly occupy urban peripheries, yet the ecological consequences for populations established entirely within urban and exurban landscapes are largely unknown. We applied a spatial and landscape genetics approach, using noninvasively collected genetic data, to identify differences in black bear spatial genetic patterns across a rural‐to‐urban gradient and quantify how development affects spatial genetic processes. We quantified differences in black bear dispersal, spatial genetic structure, and migration between differing levels of development within a population primarily occupying areas with >6 houses/km2 in western Connecticut. Increased development disrupted spatial genetic structure, and we found an association between increased housing densities and longer dispersal. We also found evidence that roads limited gene flow among bears in more rural areas, yet had no effect among bears in more developed ones. These results suggest dispersal behavior is condition‐dependent and indicate the potential for landscapes intermixing development and natural land cover to facilitate shifts toward increased dispersal. These changes can affect patterns of range expansion and the phenotypic and genetic composition of surrounding populations. We found evidence that subpopulations occupying more developed landscapes may be sustained by male‐biased immigration, creating potentially detrimental demographic shifts.

High frequency GPS bursts and path-level analysis reveal linear feature tracking by red foxes

“…Linear feature tracking (hereafter, LFT) may for instance be motivated by increased movement efficiency 10 , signaling/scent marking 20 , and foraging opportunities 21 . Linear features can serve as corridors during the dispersal process of both plants 22 and animals 23,24 . Nevertheless, LFT can have inadvertent negative effects on survival 11,12 , which may eventually lead to ecological traps 25 .…”

City divided: Unveiling family ties and genetic structuring of coyotes in Seattle

“…Frequent migrants can maintain high population genetic diversity and higher population‐wide adaptive capacity, but this connectivity can also homogenize populations and inhibit localized adaptation (Hoeksema & Forde, 2008; Sundqvist et al., 2016). Many features of the urban landscapes such as linear barriers (e.g., fences and roadways) can affect gene flow of carnivore species in rural and wildland areas (Frantz et al., 2010; Litvaitis et al., 2015; Riley et al., 2006; Sawaya et al., 2014, 2019) and limit gene flow between conspecifics in urban and non‐urban regions (Adducci et al., 2020; Evans et al., 2018; Huffmeyer et al., 2022; Smith et al., 2020). Few studies, however, have investigated the implications of fine‐scale genetic structuring for wildlife within cities (Fusco et al., 2021; Kimmig et al., 2019; Serieys et al., 2015).…”

“…between conspecifics in urban and non-urban regions (Adducci et al, 2020;Evans et al, 2018;Huffmeyer et al, 2022;Smith et al, 2020). Few studies, however, have investigated the implications of fine-scale genetic structuring for wildlife within cities (Fusco et al, 2021;Kimmig et al, 2019;Serieys et al, 2015).…”

A review of philopatry and dispersal in felids living in an anthropised world

“…In general, large carnivores have large spatial needs and substantial nutritional demands, frequently requiring exclusive home ranges, and undertaking long dispersal distances in search of available resources. In this way, these species are particularly predisposed to interact with humans (Linnell et al 2001, Treves & Karanth 2003, Newby et al 2013) and can have their spatial dynamics affected by anthropogenic drivers, such as habitat loss and fragmentation, urbanisation, hunting and roadkills (Proctor et al 2005, Ngoprasert et al 2007, Maletzke et al 2014, Evans et al 2018). For example, unsuccessful attempts at dispersal by male cougars Puma concolor have been linked to intense habitat isolation and fragmentation caused by human modifications on the landscape, which forces them to return to near their natal area (i.e.…”