Open AccessPopulation genetics of the olive‐winged bulbul ( P ycnonotus plumosus ) in a tropical urban‐fragmented landscape
Author(s) -
Tang Grace S. Y.,
Sadanandan Keren R.,
Rheindt Frank E.
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
ecology and evolution
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.17
H-Index - 63
ISSN - 2045-7758
DOI - 10.1002/ece3.1832
Subject(s) - biological dispersal , gene flow , population , ecology , biology , genetic diversity , population genetics , geography , phylogeography , genetic structure , evolutionary biology , phylogenetic tree , demography , genetics , gene , sociology
Abstract With increasing urbanization, urban‐fragmented landscapes are becoming more and more prevalent worldwide. Such fragmentation may lead to small, isolated populations that face great threats from genetic factors that affect even avian species with high dispersal propensities. Yet few studies have investigated the population genetics of species living within urban‐fragmented landscapes in the Old World tropics, in spite of the high levels of deforestation and fragmentation within this region. We investigated the evolutionary history and population genetics of the olive‐winged bulbul ( P ycnonotus plumosus ) in Singapore, a highly urbanized island which retains <5% of its original forest cover in fragments. Combining our own collected and sequenced samples with those from the literature, we conducted phylogenetic and population genetic analyses. We revealed high genetic diversity, evidence for population expansion, and potential presence of pronounced gene flow across the population in Singapore. This suggests increased chances of long‐term persistence for the olive‐winged bulbul and the ecosystem services it provides within this landscape.