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Phylogeographic-based conservation implications for the New Zealand long-tailed bat, (Chalinolobus tuberculatus): identification of a single ESU and a candidate population for genetic rescue

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Abstract

The New Zealand long-tailed bat (Chalinolobus tuberculatus) is an endemic species threatened with extinction. Since the arrival of humans, massive deforestation has occurred and invasive mammalian predators were introduced. As a result, C. tuberculatus’ distribution shrank dramatically and became fragmented. To aid the management of the remaining populations, two Evolutionary Significant Units (ESUs) were designated: one on each of New Zealand’s main islands. We utilised mitochondrial sequence data (cytb, 703 bp) and 10 nuclear DNA microsatellite loci to reconstruct the demographic history of this species, to characterise the level of genetic diversity in remaining populations, and to assess the current connectivity between them. Our results indicate that the North Island, with the highest genetic diversity, served as a glacial refuge, with a loss of diversity following the path recolonization to the south of the South Island. However, our data are also consistent with continued, or at least very recent, genetic exchange between colonies across the species distribution. The only exception is the Hanging Rock colony on the east coast of the South Island, which appears to be isolated. Thus, there was no support for the previously designated ESUs. Signatures of past population declines were found in three colonies, the most extreme of which was found in Hanging Rock. Consequently, we recommend that it be genetically rescued via translocation from a donor population. In general, future management priorities should treat Chalinolobus tuberculatus as a single unit, focusing on maintaining connectivity between remaining populations, together with continued roost protection and pest control.

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Acknowledgments

We sincerely thank two anonymous reviewers whose comments improved our manuscript. We thank Will Batson, Lucy Bridgman, Iris Broekema, Rhys Burns, Jo Carpenter, Emilie Chavel, Petrina Duncan, Nicola Fullerton, Carly Hill, Sarah Wills, Jono More, Dan Palmer, Tertia Thurley, Jason and Maddie Van de Wetering and Emma Williams for assisting with collecting tissue samples in the field and to Ina Roemer for support in the lab. This study formed part of the Department of Conservation (DOC) Science Investigation 4230 and tissue sampling was conducted under DOC Animal Ethics Committee permits AEC 220 and AEC 234 and using the DOC Tissue Sampling for Bats Standard Operating Procedure.

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  1. Zoological Institute and Museum, Greifswald University, Soldmann-Straße 14, 17489, Greifswald, Germany

    Serena E. Dool, Sebastien J. Puechmaille & Gerald Kerth

  2. Science and Capability Group, Department of Conservation, Christchurch, New Zealand

    Colin F. J. O’Donnell

  3. Science and Capability Group, Department of Conservation, Dunedin, New Zealand

    Joanne M. Monks

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  1. Serena E. Dool
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Correspondence to Serena E. Dool.

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Dool, S.E., O’Donnell, C.F.J., Monks, J.M. et al. Phylogeographic-based conservation implications for the New Zealand long-tailed bat, (Chalinolobus tuberculatus): identification of a single ESU and a candidate population for genetic rescue. Conserv Genet 17, 1067–1079 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10592-016-0844-3

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