The Effect of Landscape Environmental Factors on Gene Flow of Red Deer (Cervus canadensis xanthopygus) in the Southern of the Greater Khingan Mountains, China

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Using molecular techniques, we assessed the current situation of genetic structure and gene flow among different red deer groups living in the southern part of the Greater Khingan Mountains, the main distribution area of red deer in China. The result showed that the overall genetic diversity of red deer in the study area was intermediate. Significant genetic differentiation was observed, and a significant correlation was found between landscape variables and genetic differentiation, especially roads, altitude, and settlements, which were considered the main factors affecting the gene flow of red deer in this region. The research suggested that we should pay more attention to artificial landscapes and the supervision of human activities, and the distribution of human-made landscapes should avoid crossing the main habitats of red deer as much as possible. ABSTRACT: Red deer (Cervus canadensis xanthopygus) living in the north of China are restricted and threatened due to human activities and the changes in the natural environment, which influence the dispersal and effective gene flow between different groups of red deer. Effective gene flow plays an important role in maintaining genetic diversity and structure and ensuring population health. In order to evaluate the genetic diversity level and understand the gene flow between different red deer groups, 231 fresh fecal samples were collected from the southern part of the Greater Khingan Mountains, China. A microsatellite marker was used for genetic analysis. The results showed that the genetic diversity of red deer was intermediate in this region. Significant genetic differentiation among different groups was found in the main distribution area (p < 0.01) using F-statistics and the program STRUCTURE. Different degrees of gene flow existed in red deer groups, and the roads (importance = 40.9), elevation (importance = 38.6), and settlements (importance = 14.1) exerted main effects on gene flow between red deer groups. Human-made factors should be noticed and strictly supervised in this region to avoid excessive disturbance to the normal movement of the red deer. Further conservation and management of red deer should reduce the intensity of vehicular traffic in the concentrated distribution areas of red deer, especially during the heat season. This research helps us better understand the genetic level and health status of red deer in the southern part of the Greater Khingan Mountains and provides theoretical references for protecting and restoring the red deer populations in China.