The influence of the arid A ndean high plateau on the phylogeography and population genetics of guanaco ( L ama guanicoe ) in S outh A merica

Abstract

A comprehensive study of the phylogeography and population genetics of the largest wild artiodactyl in the arid and cold‐temperate S outh A merican environments, the guanaco ( L ama guanicoe ) was conducted. Patterns of molecular genetic structure were described using 514 bp of mt DNA sequence and 14 biparentally inherited microsatellite markers from 314 samples. These individuals originated from 17 localities throughout the current distribution across P eru, B olivia, A rgentina and C hile. This confirmed well‐defined genetic differentiation and subspecies designation of populations geographically separated to the northwest ( L. g. cacsilensis ) and southeast ( L. g. guanicoe ) of the central A ndes plateau. However, these populations are not completely isolated, as shown by admixture prevalent throughout a limited contact zone, and a strong signal of expansion from north to south in the beginning of the H olocene. Microsatellite analyses differentiated three northwestern and 4–5 southeastern populations, suggesting patterns of genetic contact among these populations. Possible genetic refuges were identified, as were source‐sink patterns of gene flow at historical and recent time scales. Conservation and management of guanaco should be implemented with an understanding of these local population dynamics while also considering the preservation of broader adaptive variation and evolutionary processes.

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