Data from: Low genetic diversity and strong population structure shaped by anthropogenic habitat fragmentation in a critically endangered primate, Trachypithecus leucocephalus

Habitat fragmentation may strongly impact population genetic structure and
reduce the genetic diversity and viability of small and isolated
populations. The white-headed langur (Trachypithecus leucocephalus) is a
critically endangered primate species living in a highly fragmented and
human-modified habitat in southern China. We examined the population
genetic structure and genetic diversity of the species and investigated
the environmental and anthropogenic factors that may have shaped its
population structure. We used 214 unique multi-locus genotypes from 41
social groups across the main distribution area of T. leucocephalus, and
found strong genetic structure and significant genetic differentiation
among local populations. Our landscape genetic analyses using a causal
modelling framework suggest that a large habitat gap and geographical
distance represent the primary landscape elements shaping genetic
structure, yet high levels of genetic differentiation also exist between
patches separated by a small habitat gap or road. This is the first
comprehensive study that has evaluated the population genetic structure
and diversity of T. leucocephalus using nuclear markers. Our results
indicate strong negative impacts of anthropogenic land modifications and
habitat fragmentation on primate genetic connectivity between forest
patches. Our analyses suggest that two management units of the species
could be defined, and indicate that habitat continuity should be enforced
and restored to reduce genetic isolation and enhance population viability.