Data from: Integrating population genetics to define conservation units from the core to the edge of Rhinolophus ferrumequinum western range

The greater horseshoe bat (Rhinolophus ferrumequinum) is among the most
widespread bat species in Europe but it has experienced severe declines,
especially in Northern Europe. This species is listed Near Threatened in
the European IUCN Red List of Threatened Animals and it is considered to
be highly sensitive to human activities and particularly to habitat
fragmentation. Therefore, understanding the population boundaries and
demographic history of populations of this species is of primary
importance to assess relevant conservation strategies. In this study, we
used 17 microsatellite markers to assess the genetic diversity, the
genetic structure and the demographic history of R. ferrumequinum colonies
in the western part of its distribution. We identified one large
population showing high levels of genetic diversity and large population
size. Lower estimates were found in England and northern France. Analyses
of clustering and isolation by distance suggested that the Channel and the
Mediterranean seas could impede R. ferrumequinum gene flow. These results
provide important information to improve the delineation of R.
ferrumequinum management units. We suggest that a large management unit
corresponding to the population ranging from Spanish Basque country to
northern France must be considered. Particular attention should be given
to mating territories as they seem to play a key role in maintaining the
high levels of genetic mixing between colonies. Smaller management units
corresponding to English and northern France colonies must also be
implemented. These insular or peripheral colonies could be at higher risk
of extinction in a near future.

大菊头蝠（*Rhinolophus ferrumequinum*）是欧洲分布最广泛的蝙蝠物种之一，但种群数量已出现严重下降，在北欧地区尤为显著。该物种被列入《欧洲IUCN濒危动物红色名录》的近危（Near Threatened）等级，且被认为对人类活动，尤其是生境破碎化高度敏感。因此，明晰该物种种群的边界与种群历史动态，对评估针对性保护策略至关重要。本研究利用17个微卫星标记（microsatellite markers），对分布区西部的大菊头蝠种群的遗传多样性、遗传结构及种群历史动态展开分析。研究发现了一个遗传多样性水平高、种群规模庞大的大种群；英格兰与法国北部的种群规模则相对较小。聚类分析与距离隔离（isolation by distance）分析结果显示，英吉利海峡与地中海可能阻碍了大菊头蝠的基因交流。上述研究结果为优化大菊头蝠管理单元（management units）的划定提供了重要依据。我们建议划定涵盖从西班牙巴斯克地区至法国北部种群的大型管理单元。需特别关注交配领地，因其似乎在维持种群间高水平的遗传混合中发挥关键作用。同时还需设立针对英格兰与法国北部种群的小型管理单元。这些岛屿状或边缘种群在不久的将来面临更高的灭绝风险。