Small Towns Limit Dispersal and Reduce Genetic Diversity in Populations
of Texas Horned Lizards
Abstract
There is a general expectation that urban populations will be
fragmented, and the movement of individuals will be restricted leading
to low effective population sizes, low genetic diversity, higher
inbreeding, and higher differentiation than populations living in more
continuous habitat. Most studies have been conducted on birds and
mammals living in large urban areas while very few studies have been
conducted on the genetic structure of small reptiles living within the
urban matrix. In this study, we compare the genetic diversity and
differentiation of Texas horned lizards that are found in four small
towns (Kenedy, Karnes City, Rockdale, Smithville) in Texas and at Tinker
Air Force Base, Oklahoma to populations that occur in 16 natural areas
and to an introduced population in South Carolina. We also present more
detailed spatial genetic data and home range data for several of the
towns. Texas horned lizards (ii) living in small towns have lower
genetic diversity, higher differentiation, and smaller effective
population sizes than populations located in more natural mainland
areas. There was evidence for human-mediated movement of lizards into
town, however it has not been enough to counteract the effects of drift.
Home range size is smaller in town than more natural areas. Genetic
patterns suggest dispersal occurs over short distances and is inhibited
across areas with a high percent of impervious surface and major roads.
These data suggest that effective planning to maintain suitable habitat
and corridors to facilitate movement are critical to maintaining small
terrestrial species like the Texas horned lizard and must be integrated
into the early stages of urban development.