3 - An Integrative Approach to Landscape Demography in Wildlife Species: Deciphering Genetic and Environmental Factors for Conservation Efforts

Presentation Abstract
In recent decades, rapid urbanization in Thailand has caused significant habitat loss and fragmentation, often accompanied by unsustainable resource exploitation due to economic development. This expansion of urban and industrial areas puts wildlife species at risk of extinction. This study analyzed the genetic diversity and population structure of various wildlife populations (bats, elephants, chickens, and endemic fish) using microsatellite genotyping, revealing high genetic variability. Migration analysis indicated that gene flow patterns followed dominant water flow, identifying critical genetic resources in key river systems. Significant genetic differentiation among populations suggests low gene flow, influenced by ecological divergence and precipitation. We emphasize the need for careful industrial development planning, prioritizing habitat preservation related to water resources rather than solely focusing on landscape connectivity.

Co-Author 1
Warong Suksavate
Department of Forest Biology, Faculty of Forestry, Kasetsart University, 50 Ngamwongwan, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900, Thailand

Co-Author 2
Prateep Duengkae
Department of Forest Biology, Faculty of Forestry, Kasetsart University, 50 Ngamwongwan, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900, Thailand