Question

13. What genetic factors threaten small populations, such as the fragmented pockets of the gopher tortoise colonies? What are the ecological and genetic consequences of connections among populations of endangered species?

Answer 1

Genetic problems - Loss of heterozygosity, reduced genetic diversity, loss or fixation of alleles and shifts in allele frequencies.

Other major problems - Habitat loss, illegal hunting, incompatible forest management and disease.

Small population size and the absence of gene flow leads to the reductions in reproductive fitness, genetic diversity and limited ability to adapt to environmental change increases the risk of extinction of species. Small population tend to lose genetic diversity more quickly than large populations due to inbreedings.

Inbreeding and reduced genetic diversity combines with ecological problems like habitat lost, diseases etc., elevates organisms extinction risks.

In the case of gopher tortoises, there are lot of predators hunts them, including various snakes, fire ants ( Solenopsis saevissima ​​​​​), accipiter hawks, buteo hawks, opossums, armadillos, racoons, skunks,foxes, dogs, feral cats and man. These external factors causes great risk for the survival of gopher tortoises population in addition to the genetic factors.