Conservation genetics of a wide-ranged temperate snake: same species, different locations, and different behaviour

Even though reptiles are threatened worldwide, few studies address their conservation, especially snakes. The goal of our study was to measure the genetic structure a widely distributed temperate reptile, smooth snake Coronella austriaca using microsatellite markers in two different areas at core (Alsace, north-eastern France) and edge (Wallonia, southern Belgium) its range. We sampled 506 individuals 38 localities (respectively 10 28). Analysis conducted with clustering method detected three clusters Alsace, one group gathering all populations but two. In Wallonia, differentiation observed on both sides Meuse River Southern Ardenne region (southernmost sampling sites). Spatial autocorrelation analysis showed that statisticaly more related occur together up distance 2.8 km Alsace Wallonia. Isolation by Wallonia explained very limited part (r = 0.033), whereas no isolation-by-distance pattern Alsace. between separated large rivers, highways, or crop fields detected, dispersal seem currently sufficient avoid any kind drift regions. These results similar previous Poland, strongly contrast another held England which sharp structuring among geographically close. consequently suggest discrepancies could be ecology island smaller densities.