Effects of forest fragmentation by secondary roads on genetic differentiation in northern red-backed salamanders (Plethodon cinereus)

Roads can fragment animal populations, which can lead to decreased gene flow between populations. This causes increased genetic differentiation and decreased genetic diversity between and among populations. These affects are well documented in studies focusing upon the effects of urbanization on salamander populations, however, little is known about the effects of rural roads on fragmented populations of salamanders. We used microsatellites to examine the effects forest road fragmentation has on genetic diversity and differentiation in populations of northern red-backed salamanders. We sampled populations on both sides of two single-lane forest roads. Initial findings confirm successful PCR amplifications at the PcLX16 and PcI16 loci. Qualitative findings also show no observable heterozygosity. Genetic analyzer did not produce any usable data. Due to the lack of quantitative data, no conclusions can be made about the effects of forest road fragmentation on genetic differentiation.