Spatial genetic structure and dispersal of giant pandas on a mountain-range scale

Abstract

Understanding the spatial genetic structure of populations can provide insight into the ecological or evolutionary processes of the species, and enable wise conservation decisions. We examined the spatial genetic structure of a giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) population in a heterogeneous mountainous landscape using noninvasive genetic sampling and 12 microsatellite loci. Nonrandom genetic structure was detected through spatial autocorrelation analysis, demonstrating a significantly positive autocorrelation over closer distances. Additional spatial analyses showed significantly positive genetic correlation among spatially-proximate males, and no correlation among females and among male-female pairs. These findings suggest a female-biased dispersal pattern and cryptic family grouping among giant pandas on a large mountain-range scale. The spatial extent of genetic structure occurred within 12.5 km, measured by a least-cost path distance model integrating information of habitat quality and habitat preferences of this species. Using the bearing analysis of PASSAGE, we found that directional genetic autocorrelations were in agreement with habitat structure, and habitat heterogeneity may affect the direction of giant panda dispersal. The characterization of spatial genetic structure can provide potentially valuable information for the conservation and management of giant pandas and their habitat.

The Parasites of Giant Pandas: Individual-Based Measurement in Wild Animals

“…We chose to score 12 giant panda specific microsatellite loci (Hu et al, 2010) using the multitubes approach (Taberlet et al, 1996). PCR products were resolved using an ABI 3730 prism automated sequencer and analyzed using GeneMarker V1.3 (Softgenetics, Pennsylvania, State College, USA).…”

“…The expected probability of identity among full sibs was estimated to give a theoretical upper limit to the probability that pairs of individuals will share genotypes, as suggested by Waits et al (2001). The approach of Zhan et al (2010) was used to calculate the microsatellite genotyping error rate.…”

Microsatellite variability reveals high genetic diversity and low genetic differentiation in a critical giant panda population

“…Protein electrophoresis (Su et al, 1994), mitochondrial DNA Lü et al, 2001;Zhang et al, 2007), minisatellite DNA (Fang et al, 1997;Wan et al, 2005) and microsatellite loci analysis (Lü et al, 2001;Zhan et al, 2006;Zhang et al, 2007;He et al, 2008;Shen et al, 2009;Hu et al, 2010) have been used to assess the amount and distribution of genetic variability present in wild giant pandas. Some researchers assumed that wild populations might have low genetic variability (Su et al, 1994;Zhang et al, 1997;Fang et al, 1997).…”

Assessing persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in the Sicily Island atmosphere, Mediterranean, using PUF disk passive air samplers

“…The estimated 1864 remaining giant pandas (State Forestry Administration of the People's Republic of China 2015) are facing many humaninduced threats including road construction, timber harvesting, and livestock grazing (Hull et al 2014;Hong et al 2015Hong et al , 2016Liu 2015;Zhang et al 2017a). Although pandas have a simple digestive tract with no enzymes to digest the cellulose that is found in fibrous bamboo culms (Hu et al 2010;Li et al 2010;Wei et al 2012;Nie et al 2015), they do have adaptations that allow them to subsist on a bamboo diet such as enlarged molars and specialized gut microbes to aid in cellulose digestion (Zhu et al 2011).…”