Asymmetrical gene flow of the recently delisted passerine black‐capped vireo (Vireo atricapilla) indicates source‐sink dynamics in central Texas

Habitat fragmentation can produce metapopulations or source‐sink systems in which dispersal in crucial for population maintenance. Our objective was to investigate connectivity among black‐capped vireo (Vireo atricapilla) populations in tandem with a demographic study (Biological Conservation, 2016, 203, 108–118) to elucidate if central Texas populations act as a source‐sink system. We genotyped 343 individuals at 12 microsatellite loci to elucidate the movement ecology of the black‐capped vireo in central Texas surrounding Fort Hood; the largest and most stable breeding population of black‐capped vireos inhabit Fort Hood. To gain insight into gene flow among populations, we analyzed genetic differentiation, migration rates, number of migrants, and parentage. We found statistically significant, but low levels of genetic differentiation among several populations, suggesting some limited restriction to gene flow. Across approaches to estimate migration, we found consistent evidence for asymmetrical movement from Fort Hood to the other central Texas sites consistent with source‐sink dynamics. Our results are complementary to black‐capped vireo demographic studies done in tandem showing that portions of Fort Hood are acting as a source population to smaller central Texas populations.