Abstract
Wildlife management in rapid changing landscapes requires critical planning through cross cutting networks, and understanding of landscape features, often affected by the anthropogenic activities. The present study demonstrates fine-scale spatial patterns of genetic variation and contemporary gene flow of red panda (Ailurus fulgens) populations with respect to landscape connectivity in Kangchenjunga Landscape (KL), India. The study found about 1,309.54 km2 area suitable for red panda in KL—India, of which 62.21% area fell under the Protected Area network. We identified 24 unique individuals from 234 feces collected at nine microsatellite loci. The spatially explicit and non-explicit Bayesian clustering algorithms evident to exhibit population structuring and supported red panda populations to exist in meta-population frame work. In concurrence to the habitat suitability and landscape connectivity models, gene flow results supported a contemporary asymmetric movement of red panda by connecting KL—India in a crescent arc. We demonstrate the structural-operational connectivity of corridors in KL—India that facilitated red panda movement in the past. We also seek for cooperation in Nepal, Bhutan and China to aid in preparing for a comprehensive monitoring plan for the long-term conservation and management of red panda in trans-boundary landscapes.
Highlights
Habitat mapping and modelling corridors across species distribution are cardinal for prioritization of conservation strategies[1,2]
The red panda population in Kangchenjunga Landscape (KL) has experienced massive habitat loss and fragmentation in the p ast[11,12,16,32] which must have deteriorated connecting corridors in this landscape. Predictors such as precipitation, temperature and vegetation with high weightage appeared reasonably correct as vegetation cover, and climatic factors are directly linked to the species diet, survival and reproductive necessities
A few earlier studies addressed the species distribution modelling (SDM) of Red panda in H imalaya[16,20,33,34,35]. These studies considered different variables like elevation, slope, aspect and distance to water etc. for predicting red panda habitat. These variables may facilitate in old growth forest dominated by Betula utilis, Rhododendron spp. and Abies spp. with dense bamboo cover in the understory and high densities of fallen logs and tree stumps at ground level
Summary
Habitat mapping and modelling corridors across species distribution are cardinal for prioritization of conservation strategies[1,2]. Heterogeneity and rapid changes imposed in the landscape often accelerate restriction in the species movement between suitable patches[4,5] This restricted movement may lead to genetic consequences including disruption of gene flow, inflation of inbreeding and loss of rare alleles supporting local adaptation and genetic fitness[6,7]. Population genetics integrated with landscape ecology and remote sensing data can be used to aid delineating shift, if any, in the identified corridors that maintain connectivity between habitat patches and facilitate biotic processes such as dispersal and gene flow[27,28,29,30] In this view, the detailed population genetic assessment of red panda with respect to landscape connectivity and anthropogenic activities is imperative to prioritize the management strategies for ensuring long term population viability of red panda in Himalayas.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
