Anthropopressure gradients and the population genetic structure of Apodemus agrarius

Abstract

We have attempted to describe the genetic structure and variability of the striped field mouse population inhabiting 17 locations in and around Warsaw, Poland, within a gradient of anthropopressure and discuss the possible factors that could potentially form the observed pattern. Ecological characteristics of the striped field mouse prevent decreases in genetic variability within local urban populations. High population density, ability to cross environmental barriers and to use “green corridors” allows this species to maintain gene flow in fragmented urban landscape. However, genetic variability and gene flow were efficiently reduced in the central part of the city. The results indicated that the degree of human pressure, defined based on the level of vegetation cover, is a good indicator of isolation. In the studied striped field mouse population, genetic interactions among particular locations (local populations) are modified in comparison with populations inhabiting natural areas, by replacement of the isolation-by-distance pattern of differentiation with the “isolation-by-infrastructure” pattern. As indicated by Bayesian analysis, the urban population from the right side of the Vistula river form common genetic cluster with ex-urban population located northward from the city, while the population from the left side of the river probably exchanges genes with neighbouring northern and southern ex-urban populations. However local populations at locations within the highest zone of anthropopressure are clearly isolated, and presently constitute separate genetic units.