Genetic Characterization of Imperiled Boreal Chorus Frogs Identifies Populations for Conservation
Boreal Chorus Frogs (Pseudacris maculata) are widely distributed across North America; however, populations in parts of southeastern Canada and northeastern United States have been designated as either vulnerable or threatened because of human land use, and pressures from housing developments continue to jeopardize remnant populations found within fragmented habitats. A genetic characterization of Boreal Chorus Frogs sampled in Quebec and Ontario was conducted to help determine current levels of genetic variability, isolation, and to help identify important populations for conservation. The analysis involved 12 P. maculata-sampled locations using six microsatellite markers. Most exhibited discernible genetic differences, but some gene flow was still apparent among sites within and between three regions. We identified sampled locations with unique clustering results and little genetic similarity between neighboring sites. We propose that increased protection and monitoring of Boreal Chorus Frog populations, and establishing or expanding dispersal corridors among them, should be part of recovery planning.Abstract
Range map of the 12 Boreal Chorus Frog (Pseudacris maculata) locations studied in southeastern Canada. Ontario region (red font): Lake Opinicon (ONT-1), Arnprior (ONT-2), Almonte (ONT-3), and Cataraqui Park near Kingston (ONT-4); Quebec Ottawa Valley region (green font): Gatineau (QOVR-1), Chelsey (QOVR-2), Chatham (QOVR-3), and LuskVille (QOVR-4); Quebec Monteregian region (blue font): Boisé du Tremblay (QMR-1), La Prairie (QMR-2), Boucherville (QMR-3), and Île Perrot (QMR-4). Dashed lines designate provincial borders and water bodies are light gray. The Carolinian (dark gray) and Great Lakes–St. Lawrence (medium gray) faunal provinces are illustrated in the lower right insert.
Assignment values (Q) on the basis of three clusters derived from STRUCTURE (ΔK = 3) for Boreal Chorus Frog (Pseudacris maculata) sites sampled from 12 localities in southeasten Canada. Ontario region: Lake Opinicon (ONT-1), Arnprior (ONT-2), Almonte (ONT-3), and Cataraqui Park near Kingston (ONT-4); Ottawa Valley region: Gatineau (QOVR-1), Chelsey (QOVR-2), Chatham (QOVR-3), and LuskVille (QOVR-4) and; Monteregian region: Boisé du Tremblay (QMR-1), La Prairie (QMR-2), Boucherville (QMR-3), and Île Perrot (QMR-4).
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