The northernmost portions of each species' range is more fragmented than areas to the south, leading to the prediction that these areas would have relatively lower genetic diversity in response. Using microsatellite data for 326 Rhyacotriton kezeri and 557 Rhyacotriton variegatus individuals collected from 17 to 29 localities, respectively, we implemented a model of landscape resistance based on circuit theory.
We determined levels of genetic diversity and tested the relationships of landscape-scale vegetative, geographic, and climate variables with genetic distance in two con-generic, endemic salamander species with status of concern. For species with fragmented distributions, especially when management practices contribute to fragmentation, tests of the factors structuring population connectivity are particularly important for understanding continued risks. Our results suggest that reducing rodent infestation through the use of improved storage structures could lead to major savings in the amount and quality of stored food available to households, thus increasing food security.Comparative landscape genetic studies provide insights into whether relationships between landscape features and patterns of spatial genetic structure differ among populations, species, habitat types, and regions. The mean monthly rate of damage was 40.4%, 7.9%, 17.7% and 0% percent in open cribs, closed cribs, open sacks and closed sacks, respectively. Significant differences in damage, loss and contamination occurred between different storage structures (open and closed cribs and sacks). Significant correlations were observed between the monthly rates of rodent-damaged maize seeds, maize weight loss and the number of rodent droppings. Different, novel techniques for assessing rodent damage, namely open and closed storage structures (cribs and sacks), were employed in a treatment-control trial design replicated across different households and hamlets within the Berega community of Central Tanzania.
This study examined rodent damage, loss and contamination in stored maize on smallholder farms in East Africa.
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