Unrestricted gene flow between two subspecies of translocated brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula) in Aotearoa New Zealand

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dc.citation.issue1
dc.citation.volume24
dc.contributor.authorPattabiraman N
dc.contributor.authorMorgan-Richards M
dc.contributor.authorPowlesland R
dc.contributor.authorTrewick SA
dc.date.accessioned2024-01-09T19:24:49Z
dc.date.accessioned2024-07-25T06:51:58Z
dc.date.available2021-09-29
dc.date.available2024-01-09T19:24:49Z
dc.date.available2024-07-25T06:51:58Z
dc.date.issued2022-01
dc.description.abstractTwo lineages of brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula) were historically introduced to Aotearoa New Zealand, and these two subspecies have different phenotypic forms. Despite over 100 years of potential interbreeding, they appear to retain morphological differences, which may indicate reproductive isolation. We examined this using population samples from a confined landscape and scored each specimen for phenotype using a number of fur colour traits. This resulted in a bimodal trait distribution expected for segregated grey and black lineages. We also sought evidence for genetic partitioning based on spatial and temporal effects. Genetic structure and rates of genetic mixing were determined using seven neutral, species-specific nuclear microsatellite markers and mitochondrial DNA control region sequence. Genotype analyses indicated high levels of variation and mtDNA sequences formed two major haplogroups. Pairwise tests for population differentiation of these markers found no evidence of subdivision, indicating that these brushtail possums behave as a single randomly mating unit. Despite maintenance of two main colour phenotypes with relatively few intermediates, previous inference of assortative mating and anecdotes of distinct races, our data indicate that New Zealand brushtail possums can freely interbreed, and that in some locations they have formed completely mixed populations where neutral genetic markers are unrelated to phenotype. This has implications for effective pest management towards eradication.
dc.description.confidentialfalse
dc.edition.editionJanuary 2022
dc.format.pagination247-260
dc.identifier.author-urlhttp://gateway.webofknowledge.com/gateway/Gateway.cgi?GWVersion=2&SrcApp=PARTNER_APP&SrcAuth=LinksAMR&KeyUT=WOS:000701341400001&DestLinkType=FullRecord&DestApp=ALL_WOS&UsrCustomerID=c5bb3b2499afac691c2e3c1a83ef6fef
dc.identifier.citationPattabiraman N, Morgan-Richards M, Powlesland R, Trewick SA. (2022). Unrestricted gene flow between two subspecies of translocated brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula) in Aotearoa New Zealand. Biological Invasions. 24. 1. (pp. 247-260).
dc.identifier.doi10.1007/s10530-021-02635-z
dc.identifier.eissn1573-1464
dc.identifier.elements-typejournal-article
dc.identifier.issn1387-3547
dc.identifier.piis10530-021-02635-z
dc.identifier.urihttps://mro.massey.ac.nz/handle/10179/71058
dc.languageEnglish
dc.publisherSpringer Nature Switzerland AG
dc.publisher.urihttps://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10530-021-02635-z
dc.relation.isPartOfBiological Invasions
dc.rights(c) 2022 The Author/s
dc.rightsCC BY 4.0
dc.rights.urihttps://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
dc.subjectEradication units
dc.subjectInvasions
dc.subjectMicrosatellite
dc.subjectMtDNA
dc.subjectPopulation structure
dc.subjectTrichosurus vulpecula
dc.titleUnrestricted gene flow between two subspecies of translocated brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula) in Aotearoa New Zealand
dc.typeJournal article
pubs.elements-id448984
pubs.organisational-groupOther
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