Snakes more likely to inbreed and lose ability to adapt due to
urbanization

Date:
November 1, 2021
Source:
Curtin University
Summary:
New research has found that isolated Perth tiger snake populations,
such as those surrounded by urban development or seawater, are
more likely to resort to inbreeding than those in less 'cut off'
communities.



FULL STORY ========================================================================== Curtin University research has found that isolated Perth tiger snake populations, such as those surrounded by urban development or seawater,
are more likely to resort to inbreeding than those in less 'cut off' communities.


==========================================================================
A research team including lead author PhD candidate Mr Damian Lettoof
and project supervisor Research Associate Dr Brenton von Takach, both
from the School of Molecular and Life Sciences at Curtin, found Western
tiger snake populations that were more geographically isolated were less genetically diverse than expected.

Mr Lettoof said the research focussed on six tiger snake populations
across urban areas of the Swan Coastal Plain, and one offshore island.

"Tiger snake populations north of the Perth rivers at Herdsman Lake, Lake Joondalup and Yanchep National Park were found to lack genetic diversity
while wetlands south of the Swan/Canning River system were home to the
most genetically diverse populations of snakes, meaning they were less
prone to inbreeding," Mr Lettoof said.

"If tiger snake populations isolated by urbanisation are suffering from
lower genetic diversity, they can lose their ability to adapt in order
to survive ever-changing environments due to development, pollution and
climate change." Mr Lettoof said populations north of the Perth rivers
showed less genetic diversity likely because of a greater history of
isolation from the rest of the species broader population.

"This is probably due to them being unable to cross unsuitable habitat
such as large rivers, arid areas, and now the urban landscape," Mr
Lettoof said.

"Tiger snakes are near the top of their food chain and have very specific habitat requirements, meaning a wetland with a snake population lacking
in genetic diversity was indicative of an ecosystem that was not healthy
or well- functioning.

"This means many other small species -- such as frogs, lizards and fish -
- living in these wetlands that are increasingly being 'cut off' by urban development may also be suffering and at risk of population decline and
even extinction.

"Our research suggests larger wetlands being encroached
upon by urbanisation such as those on the Swan coastal
plain need to be managed as 'islands' of urban biodiversity
in order to protect the animal communities inhabiting them." ========================================================================== Story Source: Materials provided by Curtin_University. Original written
by Lucien Wilkinson.

Note: Content may be edited for style and length.


========================================================================== Journal Reference:
1. Damian C. Lettoof, Vicki A. Thomson, Jari Cornelis, Philip
W. Bateman,
Fabien Aubret, Marthe M. Gagnon, Brenton von Takach. Bioindicator
snake shows genomic signatures of natural and anthropogenic
barriers to gene flow. PLOS ONE, 2021; 16 (10): e0259124 DOI:
10.1371/journal.pone.0259124 ==========================================================================

Link to news story: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/11/211101105424.htm

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