The loss of genetic diversity can have negative effects on the health and behavior of these reptiles.
A new paper out of Australia shows the dire consequences of habitat fragmentation and urbanization, as snakes that are cut off in their ecosystems tend to inbreed and lose the capability to adapt.
The paper, written by Curtin University researchers and led by Ph.D candidate Damian Lettoof and project supervisor Research Associate Dr Brenton von Takach, studied Western tiger snake populations and found that those populations that were more isolated had less genetic diversity.
Snakes Resort To Inbreeding As Habitats Become Fragmented And Cut Off - Reptiles Magazine
A new paper out of Australia shows the dire consequences of habitat fragmentation and urbanization, as snakes that are cut off in their ecosystems tend to inbreed and lose the capability to adapt.
The paper, written by Curtin University researchers and led by Ph.D candidate Damian Lettoof and project supervisor Research Associate Dr Brenton von Takach, studied Western tiger snake populations and found that those populations that were more isolated had less genetic diversity.
Snakes Resort To Inbreeding As Habitats Become Fragmented And Cut Off - Reptiles Magazine