Abstract
The Tasmanian devil (Sarcophilus harrisii) was widespread in Australia during the Late Pleistocene but is now endemic to the island of Tasmania. Low genetic diversity combined with the spread of devil facial tumour disease have raised concerns for the species' long-term survival. Here, we investigate the origin of low genetic diversity by inferring the species' demographic history using temporal sampling with summary statistics, full-likelihood and approximate Bayesian computation methods. Our results show extensive population declines across Tasmania correlating with environmental changes around the last glacial maximum and following unstable climate related to increased 'El Niño-Southern Oscillation' activity.
Original language | English |
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Article number | 20140619 |
Journal | Biology Letters |
Volume | 10 |
Issue number | 11 |
Number of pages | 5 |
ISSN | 1744-9561 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2014 |
Externally published | Yes |
Bibliographical note
Publisher Copyright:© 2014 The Author(s) Published by the Royal Society. All rights reserved.
Keywords
- Approximate bayesian computation
- Bayesian likelihood
- Demographic history
- Microsatellite
- Tasmanian devil