<body><div>The Graduate University for Advanced Studies, SOKENDAI<figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=4A8TNO_0vUx3IH100" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=4A8TNO_0vUx3IH100" width="700" height="465" ><figcaption>image:&nbsp; As one moved from suburban to urban areas, genetic exchange among the Ezo flying squirrel populations became more difficult, resulting in increased genetic distance and decreased genetic diversity. view more&nbsp; Credit: Yu Takahata, SOKENDAI</figcaption></figure>Since many kinds of wildlife have started living in urban environments, urban environments have been recognized as places of biodiversity conservation. What kind of factors facilitate or prohibit wildlife from living in urban environments? Understanding the population genetic structure of urban wildlife living would suggest the hint. In this study, we investigated the population genetic structure of Eurasian red squirrels living in urban to rural areas in Obihiro City, Hokkaido, Japan. As a result, we found that ; (1) gene flow between urban and rural populations has decreased, resulting in genetic differentiation; (2) gene flow between urban and rural populations is still maintained through the intermediate sites connected by the green spaces with rural areas (e.g., forests and windbreaks); (3) genetic distance between study sites has expanded in urban areas; (4) genetic diversity has decreased in urban areas.Since squirrels have inhabited the urban areas in Obihiro City since the 1990s, the change in genetic structure likely occurred in only about 30 years. The genetic structure of squirrels has been shaped by the presence of busy roads, a lack of green space, and supplemental feeding. These factors have likely contributed to the changes in genetic structure over a relatively short period of about 30 years.JournalConservation GeneticsDOISubject of ResearchAnimalsArticle TitleUrbanisation has impacted the population genetic structure of the Eurasian red squirrel in Japan within a short period of 30 yearsArticle Publication Date13-Aug-2024Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.Media ContactGeneral Planning Affairs Public Relations SectionThe Graduate University for Advanced Studies, SOKENDAIOffice: +81 46 858 1629Expert ContactsYu TakahataRitsumeikan UniversityCell: +81-80-4802-1139Yohey TeraiThe Graduate University for Advanced Studies, SOKENDAIMore on this News ReleaseThe Graduate University for Advanced Studies, SOKENDAIJournalConservation GeneticsFunderGrant-in-Aid for JSPS Fellows DOI10.1007/s10592-024-01631-9</div></body>

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Urbanization has impacted the population genetic structure of the Eurasian red squirrel in Japan within a short period of 30 years

The Graduate University for Advanced Studies, SOKENDAI. Since many kinds of wildlife have started living in urban environments, urban environments have been recognized as places of biodiversity conservation. What kind of factors facilitate or prohibit wildlife from living in urban environments? Understanding the population genetic structure of urban wildlife living would suggest the hint. In this study, we investigated the population genetic structure of Eurasian red squirrels living in urban to rural areas in Obihiro City, Hokkaido, Japan. As a result, we found that ; (1) gene flow between urban and rural populations has decreased, resulting in genetic differentiation; (2) gene flow between urban and rural populations is still maintained through the intermediate sites connected by the green spaces with rural areas (e.g., forests and windbreaks); (3) genetic distance between study sites has expanded in urban areas; (4) genetic diversity has decreased in urban areas.

Urbanization has impacted the population genetic structure of the Eurasian red squirrel in Japan within a short period of 30 years

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