Population genetics and lineage structure of the endangered Bolivian chinchilla rat Abrocoma boliviensis

Abstract

Studies on conservation genetics of endangered species can identify which populations should be the focus of management plans. The endangered Bolivian chinchilla rat, Abrocoma boliviensis , is currently threatened by its rarity and anthropogenically driven transformation of the landscape it inhabits. Given its conservation status, restricted geographic range and limited information about its natural history, understanding how its genetic diversity is apportioned is crucial to inform any potential conservation efforts for A. boliviensis . In this study, we assessed the genetic diversity and population structure of A. boliviensis as a first approximation to a comprehensive evaluation of the species. Mitochondrial data from 12 individuals revealed high levels of genetic distance, nucleotide diversity and polymorphisms, all of which indicate the existence of three separate clades. This was further supported by reduced-representation genomic data, which showed little to no admixture between these clades. This lack of gene flow suggests that the lineages have followed separate evolutionary trajectories and should be recognized, at minimum, as distinct evolutionarily significant units. Our contribution highlights the urgency with which survey efforts must become the first order of action. The generation of new population-level data will be essential to refine our understanding of the species, clarify the evolutionary trajectories of its lineages, and inform effective conservation strategies.

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