Data from: 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 frequent inbreeding. Populations that have a history of no
management through translocations harbored the greatest number of unique
alleles and overall allelic richness, especially in a subset of the
Mexican populations. Finally, long-term cohort sampling at one specific
site (the Southwestern Research Station in Portal, Arizona) allowed us to
demonstrate how rapidly genetic diversity can decrease across a matter of
years in a population with few founders. This work shows how
microsatellite markers can provide important context for conservation
agencies, but even a large suite of markers beyond what is typical may not
be enough for populations that are extremely bottlenecked and have low
levels of standing genetic diversity.