Phylogenetic assessment within a species complex of a subterranean rodent (Geomys bursarius) with conservation implications for isolated subspecies

TL;DR

This study examines the genetic diversity of the plains pocket gopher to inform conservation strategies for isolated subspecies.

Contribution

The study provides new phylogenetic insights into the plains pocket gopher subspecies using mitogenome data.

Findings

G. b. wisconsinensis is monophyletic and recently diverged.

G. b. illinoensis is genetically distinct and monophyletic, likely due to a unique colonization event.

G. b. major shows paraphyly and inconsistent groupings with other clades.

Abstract

Range contraction and expansion from glaciation have led to genetic divergence that may be particularly pronounced in fossorial species with low dispersal. The plains pocket gopher (Geomys bursarius) is a fossorial species that ranges widely across North America but has a poorly understood phylogeny. We used mitogenomes (14,996 base pairs) from 56 individuals across seven subspecies, plus two outgroup species, to assess genetic divergence from minimum spanning trees, measure genetic distances, and infer phylogenetic trees using BEAST. We found G. b. wisconsinensis was monophyletic with recent divergence. Further assessment is needed for G. b. major because it was paraphyletic and exhibited inconsistent groupings with other clades. Importantly, we identified G. b. illinoensis as being genetically distinct and monophyletic likely due to a unique colonization event eastward across the Mississippi River. Because G. b. illinoensis faces continued pressures from niche reduction and habitat loss, we recommend that G. b. illinoensis be considered an evolutionary significant unit warranting conservation actions to promote connectivity and restore suitable habitat. Such conservation efforts should benefit other grassland species including those originating from clades west of the Mississippi River that may also be evolutionary significant units.

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