Density-dependent genetic variation in dynamic populations of the greater long-tailed hamster (Tscherskia triton)

• Published in: Journal of mammalogy Vol. 91; no. 1; pp. 200 - 207
• Main Authors: Dong, Jingping, Li, Chuanhai, Zhang, Zhibin
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Illinois Natural History Survey, 1816 South Oak Street, Champaign, IL 61820 American Society of Mammalogists 17.02.2010; Allen Press Publishing Services; Allen Press; Oxford University Press
• Subjects: Adaptations; Alleles; Animal and plant ecology; Animal genetics; Animal, plant and microbial ecology; Autumn; Biological and medical sciences; Birds; bottleneck effect; Data processing; Demecology; density-dependent dispersal; Deoxyribonucleic acid; Dispersal; disturbance; DNA; Ecological genetics; FEATURE ARTICLES; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; General aspects; Genetic diversity; greater long-tailed hamster; Hamsters; Heterozygosity; Mammalia; mammals; Microsatellites; Pest control; plains; Population density; Population dynamics; Population genetics; Population size; rodents; Sample size; Studies; Trapping; Tscherskia triton; Vertebrates: general zoology, morphology, phylogeny, systematics, cytogenetics, geographical distribution; China, People's Rep., North China Plain; microsatellites; Bottleneck; Genetic variability; bottleneck effect; density-dependent dispersal; Microsatellite DNA; greater long-tailed hamster; Density dependence; Genetic diversity; Population dynamics; Dispersion; Tscherskia triton
• ISSN: 0022-2372; 1545-1542
• DOI: 10.1644/09-MAMM-A-098R1.1

Population fluctuations can have a pronounced effect on genetic diversity, behavioral adaptations, and population viability in small mammals. Little is known as to how genetic diversity is associated with population dynamics, and whether genetic bottlenecks or genetic resilience occur in fluctuating populations of small rodents. Using DNA microsatellites and 6 years of data, we investigated changes in genetic diversity of the greater long-tailed hamster (Tscherskia triton) at 2 sites in the North China Plain. Genetic diversity was measured as mean number of alleles per locus (Na), allelic richness (A), expected heterozygosity (HE), and observed heterozygosity (HO). Genetic diversity changed rapidly with changes in population density, and the relationship was positive. A bottleneck effect was detected only in some low-density years. Our results demonstrate an obvious genetic resilience and capacity for recovery in this species. We discuss this pattern in the context of dispersal and other behaviors of greater long-tailed hamsters, and how agriculture-related disturbance affects their genetic diversity.