Dalui, S. | bioRxiv Science

bioRxiv2020

New insights on species divergence in red panda

With the recent classification of red panda into two phylogenetic species, we propose Siang river as a potential boundary for species divergence between the Himalayan red panda (Ailurus fulgens) and the Chinese red panda (Ailurus styani). Bayesian based phylogeny and MJ network splited all the sequences into two distinct clusters in accordance to the origin of the samples collected from the east and west side of the Siang river. The clade 1, that represented Himalayan red panda, was formed by inclusion of samples originated from the north West Bengal, Sikkim, and central Arunachal Pradesh and South Tibet. While, clade 2 represented Chinese red panda by inclusion of the samples originated from Dibang valley of eastern Arunachal Pradesh, India and Southwest China. We suggest being associated with diverse habitats, threats and transboundary distribution, both species of red panda require regional as well as multilateral cooperation for making species survival plan.

evolutionary biology↗

bioRxiv2020

Fine-scale landscape genetics unveiling contemporary asymmetric movement of red panda (Ailurus fulgens) in Kangchenjunga landscape, India

Wildlife management in rapid changing landscapes requires critical planning through cross cutting networks, and understanding of landscape features, often affected by the anthropogenic activities. The present study demonstrates fine-scale spatial patterns of genetic variation and contemporary gene flow of red panda (Ailurus fulgens) populations with respect to landscape connectivity in Kangchenjunga Landscape (KL), India. The study found about 1309.54 Km2 area suitable for red panda in KL-India, of which 62.21% area fell under the Protected Area network. We identified 24 unique individuals from 234 feces collected at nine microsatellite loci. The spatially explicit and non-explicit Bayesian clustering algorithms evident to exhibit population structuring and supported red panda populations to exist in meta-population frame work. In concurrence to the habitat suitability and landscape connectivity models, gene flow results supported a contemporary asymmetric movement of red panda by connecting KL- India in a crescent arc. We demonstrate the structural-operational connectivity of corridors in KL-India that facilitated red panda movement in the past. We also seek for cooperation in Nepal, Bhutan and China to aid in preparing for a comprehensive monitoring plan for the long-term conservation and management of red panda in trans-boundary landscapes.

genetics↗