Fine-scale population genetic structure and sex-biased dispersal in the smooth snake (Coronella austriaca) in southern England
- Pernetta, A.P.
- Allen, J.A.
- Beebee, T.J.C.
- Reading, C.J.
DOIAbstract
Human-induced alteration of natural habitats has the potential to impact on the genetic structuring of remnant populations at multiple spatial scales. Species from higher trophic levels, such as snakes, are expected to be particularly susceptible to land-use changes. We examined fine-scale population structure and looked for evidence of sex-biased dispersal in smooth snakes (Coronella austriaca), sampled from 10 heathland localities situated within a managed coniferous forest in Dorset, United Kingdom. Despite the limited distances between heathland areas (maximum <6 km), there was a small but significant structuring of populations based on eight microsatellite loci. This followed an isolation-by-distance model using both straight line and ...
Add to ORKG