Journal
DIVERSITY-BASEL
Volume 13, Issue 3, Pages -Publisher
MDPI
DOI: 10.3390/d13030126
Keywords
fence ecology; microsatellite; gene flow; inbreeding; genetic diversity; high tensile electric fence; Odocoileus virginianus; management; conservation
Categories
Funding
- Noble Research Institute, LLC
Ask authors/readers for more resources
The study found that genetic diversity of white-tailed deer remained sustained over the first 12 years of confinement, comparable to unconfined populations. Observations suggest that the fence is not completely impermeable, allowing for a low level of gene flow to mitigate genetic drift.
Fencing wildlife populations can aid wildlife management goals, but potential benefits may not always outweigh costs of confinement. Population isolation can erode genetic diversity and lead to the accumulation of inbreeding, reducing viability and limiting adaptive potential. We used microsatellite and mitochondrial DNA data collected from 640 white-tailed deer confined within a 1184 ha fence to quantify changes in genetic diversity and inbreeding over the first 12 years of confinement. Genetic diversity was sustained over the course of the study, remaining comparable to unconfined white-tailed deer populations. Uneroded genetic diversity suggests that genetic drift is mitigated by a low level of gene flow, which supports field observations that the fence is not completely impermeable. In year 9 of the study, we observed an unexpected influx of mtDNA diversity and drop in inbreeding as measured by F-IS. A male harvest restriction imposed that year increased male survival, and more diverse mating may have contributed to the inbreeding reduction and temporary genetic diversity boost we observed. These data add to our understanding of the long-term impacts of fences on wildlife, but also highlight the importance of continued monitoring of confined populations.
Authors
I am an author on this paper
Click your name to claim this paper and add it to your profile.
Reviews
Recommended
No Data Available