Conservation and Ecological Genetics Lab

Genetic diversity is critical for the long-term viability of wildlife populations. While classical population genetic models assume random mating and dispersal, social behavior might violate these assumptions and shape genetic structure. This effect is especially relevant in small populations, where genetic drift and non-random mating can have pronounced impacts. We studied the reintroduced population of Asiatic wild asses (Equus hemionus) in the Negev Desert, characterized by fission-fusion social-structure, to investigate how social behavior influences genetic structure. We combined behavioral observations and non-invasive genetic sampling. DNA was extracted from fecal samples collected across the range of distribution around water sources (population’s activity centers). Direct observations showed that only 24–37% of males were dominant (territorial males that breed), with some maintaining dominancy for at least four years, indicating a strongly polygynous mating system. Genetic analyses of mitochondrial and nuclear markers using F-statistics and a network-based approach (Netstruct analysis) indicated a fine-scale population genetic structure. This structure had developed over a small geographical range, suggesting either historical founder effects or contemporary limitations to gene flow. The long dominance tenures of territorial males and their high fidelity to water sources may reduce dispersal between activity centers leading to genetic differentiation. These findings highlight the role of social behavior, particularly mating system, in shaping population genetic structure. They emphasize the importance of long-term genetic monitoring and integrating social-structure into conservation planning. For example, management actions to enhance connectivity within the population could include adding water sources between activity centers to facilitate gene flow.