Â鶹ֱ²¥ research has found that isolated Perth tiger snake populations, such as those surrounded by urban development or seawater, are more likely to resort to inbreeding than those in less \u2018cut off\u2019 communities.<\/p>\n
A research team including lead author PhD candidate Mr Damian Lettoof and project supervisor Research Associate Dr Brenton von Takach, both from the School of Molecular and Life Sciences at Curtin, found Western tiger snake populations that were more geographically isolated were less genetically diverse than expected.<\/p>\n
Mr Lettoof said the research focussed on six tiger snake populations across urban areas of the Swan Coastal Plain, and one offshore island.<\/p>\n
\u201cTiger snake populations north of the Perth rivers at Herdsman Lake, Lake Joondalup and Yanchep National Park were found to lack genetic diversity while wetlands south of the Swan\/Canning River system were home to the most genetically diverse populations of snakes, meaning they were less prone to inbreeding,\u201d Mr Lettoof said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf tiger snake populations isolated by urbanisation are suffering from lower genetic diversity, they can lose their ability to adapt in order to survive ever-changing environments due to development, pollution and climate change.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mr Lettoof said populations north of the Perth rivers showed less genetic diversity likely because of \u00a0a greater history of isolation from the rest of the species broader population.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is probably due to them being unable to cross unsuitable habitat such as large rivers, arid areas, and now the urban landscape,\u201d Mr Lettoof said.<\/p>\n
\u201cTiger snakes are near the top of their food chain and have very specific habitat requirements, meaning a wetland with a snake population lacking in genetic diversity was indicative of an ecosystem that was not healthy or well-functioning.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis means many other small species \u2013 such as frogs, lizards and fish – living in these wetlands that are increasingly being \u2018cut off\u2019 by urban development may also be suffering and at risk of population decline and even extinction.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur research suggests larger wetlands being encroached upon by urbanisation such as those on the Swan coastal plain need to be managed as \u2018islands\u2019 of urban biodiversity in order to protect the animal communities inhabiting them.\u201d<\/p>\n