Genetic structure of an abundant small mammal is influenced by low intensity urbanization

Abstract

Urban development can fragment and degrade habitat, and such habitat alterations can have profound effects on wildlife, including influencing population genetics. We used nine microsatellite loci to determine the effects of urbanization on genetic diversity and genetic structure in a native small mammal, Merriam’s kangaroo rat, in areas in and around Las Cruces, NM, an expanding low density urban center. We found that Merriam’s kangaroo rats in urban areas had increased genetic differentiation among populations as compared to wildland animals, and detected some evidence of lower genetic diversity in urban areas, indicating that the population genetics of a common and abundant wildlife species can be impacted by low density urbanization. Our results suggest that although abundant and common wildlife such as Merriam’s kangaroo rats may persist in urban environments, these animals may still be influenced by more subtle effects of urbanization, such as genetic isolation.