Genome-wide SNPs detect fine-scale genetic structure in threatened populations of squirrel glider Petaurus norfolcensis

Abstract Australian arboreal mammals are experiencing significant population declines, particularly due to land clearing and resulting habitat fragmentation. The squirrel glider, Petaurus norfolcensis , is a threatened species in New South Wales, with stronghold the Lake Macquarie Local Government Area (LGA) where fragmentation urbanization an ongoing problem for conservation. Here we report on use of glider mitochondrial (385 bp cytochrome b gene, 70 individuals) nuclear DNA (6,834 SNPs, 87 markers assess their genetic structure connectivity across 14 locations sampled LGA. sequences detected evidence historical bottleneck, while genome-wide SNPs populations at scales as fine one kilometer. There was no inbreeding within patches, however there were clear effects biogeographical barriers gene flow. A least cost path analysis identified thin linear corridors that have high priority These areas should be protected avoid further isolation loss diversity through drift.