Data from: Genetic evidence for high propagule pressure and long-distance dispersal in monk parakeet (Myiopsitta monachus) invasive populations

The monk parakeet (Myiopsitta monachus) is a successful invasive species
that does not exhibit life history traits typically associated with
colonizing species (e.g., high reproductive rate or long-distance
dispersal capacity). To investigate this apparent paradox, we examined
individual and population genetic patterns of microsatellite loci at one
native and two invasive sites. More specifically, we aimed to evaluate the
role of propagule pressure, sexual monogamy, and long-distance dispersal
in monk parakeet invasion success. Our results indicate little loss of
genetic variation at invasive sites relative to the native site. We also
found strong evidence for sexual monogamy from patterns of relatedness
within sites, and no definite cases of extra-pair paternity in either the
native site sample or the examined invasive site. Taken together, these
patterns directly and indirectly suggest that high propagule pressure has
contributed to monk parakeet invasion success. In addition, we found
evidence for frequent long-distance dispersal at an invasive site (~100km)
that sharply contrasted with previous estimates of smaller dispersal
distance made in the native range (~2km), suggesting long-range dispersal
also contributes to the species' spread within the United States.
Overall, these results add to a growing body of literature pointing to the
important role of propagule pressure in determining, and thus predicting,
invasion success, especially for species whose life history traits are not
typically associated with invasiveness.