Characterizing population structure and documenting rapid loss of genetic diversity in Chiricahua Leopard Frogs (Lithobates chiricahuensis) with high throughput microsatellite genotyping

The use of molecular markers to assess genetic diversity has become a common component of recovery action plans for threatened and endangered species. In this study, we use an unusually large number of microsatellite markers (N = 91) to characterize the genetic variation of Chiricahua Leopard Frogs (Lithobates chiricahuensis) across their range in order to understand their distribution of genetic variation, identify genetic bottlenecks, and measure genetic changes over time in a single, highly-managed population. Populations were best divided into three genetically distinct clusters, with the southeastern Arizona and New Mexico populations forming distinct genetic clusters. While there is moderate genetic variation distributed across the sampled populations, each population on its own shows relatively low allelic diversity. Most populations displayed strong genetic signals of recent population bottlenecks or a deficiency of heterozygous genotypes that is typically associated with freque..., , , # Characterizing population structure and documenting rapid loss of genetic diversity in Chiricahua Leopard Frogs (Lithobates chiricahuensis) with high throughput microsatellite genotyping

[https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.np5hqc048](https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.np5hqc048)

## Description of the data and file structure

\"Frog_R_matrix_24Nov20.txt\" - This file is the raw genotypes file sent from Cornell University following the completion of multiplex microsatellite sequencing

\"RACH_broad_management_genepop.txt\" - This file contains sample genotypes in the genepop format, grouped by management assignment

\"RACH_broad_metapopulation_genepop.txt\" - This file contains sample genotypes in the genepop format, grouped by metapopulation assignment

### Files and variables

#### File: Frog\_R\_matrix\_24Nov20.txt

**Description:** Raw genotypes file 

##### Variables

* Locus name, i.e. \"Rchi[#]\"
* Individual name, i.e. \"LC#
* Diploid microsatellite repeat genotypes, i.e. \"3/4\"

#### File: RACH\...