What were the authors trying to test, and what predictions did they make?
The authors were testing the effects of two specific major barriers, a river and a road, on the endangered european wildcat. The two features represented both anthropogenic and natural landscape barriers that pose a threat to the wildcat. They predicted that if the dispersal of wildcat populations is limited by these two barriers, then the isolation would be reflected in the genome.
What, exactly, did the authors do?
The authors investigated the genetic structure of wildcat populations separated by the Rhine River, and a major highway. Hair and tissue samples were collected over five years. Fourteen microsatellite loci were genotyped, and 188 individuals were studied. Questionnaires were also sent to forestry districts that queried regional distribution, habitat, sightings and tracks, roadkills, and behavior. Lure sticks were set up to obtain hair samples at varying distances from the highway and forest edge. Finally, DNA isolation, mitochondrial sequencing and microsatellite analysis were performed.
What did the authors find (i.e, what were their data)?
Analysis from the program Structure showed that the individuals were likely configured into four clusters. One hybrid was found, and five individuals did not cluster into a group. Two genetic outliers were also found, and could not be assigned to a cluster. Both barriers were found to have consequences for dispersal of wildcats. However, the natural river was a strong barrier and had a greater effect than the highway. The river was a significant barrier to wildcats, but not a complete one. Evidence suggested that wildcats recently migrated across both the river and the highway. The isolation by distance was determined to be low, but significant.
How did the authors interpret their findings?
The two genetic outliers were thought to be reintroduced wildcats from captivity. The data show that wildcats are capable of migrating across both the river and the highway. However, the structures are still capable of effectively isolating the populations, as migration is low. Wildcats are thought to have low dispersal, therefore increasing connectivity between their habitat is crucial for conservation of the species. The natural river served as a larger barrier to dispersal
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