Data from: Genetic differences in the response to landscape fragmentation by a habitat generalist, the bobcat, and a habitat specialist, the ocelot

The ecology of a species strongly influences genetic variation and
population structure. This interaction has important conservation
implications because taxa with low dispersal capability and inability to
use different habitats are more susceptible to anthropogenic stressors.
Ocelots (Leopardus pardalisalbescens) and bobcats (Lynx rufus texensis)
are sympatric in Texas and northeastern Mexico; however, their ecology and
conservation status are markedly different. We used 10 microsatellite loci
and a 397-bp segment of the mitochondrial control region to examine how
historical and ecological differences in these two species have influenced
current patterns of genetic diversity in a landscape heavily altered by
anthropogenic activities. Substantially higher genetic diversity
(heterozygosity and haplotype diversity) and population connectivity was
observed for bobcats in comparison to ocelots. The level of divergence
among proximate ocelot populations (<30 km) was greater than
between bobcat populations separated by >100 km. Ocelot populations
in the US have never recovered from reductions experienced during the
twentieth century, and their low genetic variation and substantial
isolation are exacerbated by strong preference for dense native thornshrub
and avoidance of open habitat. In contrast, despite continued legal
harvesting and frequent road-related mortality, bobcats have maintained
wide distribution, high abundance, and population connectivity. Our study
illustrates that sympatric species with a similar niche can still have
sufficient ecological differences to alter their response to anthropogenic
change. Sensitive species, such as the ocelot, require additional
conservation actions to sustain populations. Ecological differences among
species occupying a similar guild are important to consider when
developing conservation plans.