DOI: 10.5061/dryad.5k8q374
title: Data from: Noninvasive sampling reveals short-term genetic rescue in an insular red fox population

description: Genetic factors in the decline of small populations are extremely
 difficult to study in nature. We leveraged a natural experiment to
 investigate evidence of inbreeding depression and genetic rescue in a
 remnant population of subalpine-specialized Sierra Nevada red foxes
 (Vulpes vulpes necator) using noninvasive genetic monitoring during
 2010–2017. Only 7 individuals were detected in the first 2 years. These
 individuals assigned genetically to the historical population and
 exhibited genetic hallmarks of inbreeding and no evidence of reproduction.
 Two years into the study, we detected 2 first-generation immigrant males
 from a recently expanding population of red foxes in the Great Basin
 Desert. Through annual resampling of individuals (634 red fox DNA samples,
 41 individuals) and molecular reconstruction of pedigrees, we documented
 1–3 litters/yr for 5 years, all descended directly or indirectly from
 matings involving immigrant foxes. The observed heterozygosity and allelic
 richness of the population nearly doubled in 2 years. Abundance increased,
 indicative of a rapidly expanding population. Throughout the study, adult
 survival was high. Restoration of gene flow apparently improved the
 demographic trajectory of this population in the short term. Whether these
 benefits continue in the longer-term could depend on numerous factors,
 such as maintenance of any locally adapted alleles. This study highlights
 the value of noninvasive genetic monitoring to assess rapidly shifting
 conditions in small populations. Uncertainties about the longer-term
 trajectory of this population underscore the need to continue monitoring
 and to research potential for both negative and positive aspects of
 continued genetic infusion.
description: AutosomalMsatGenotypes_Samples363 sample microsatellite genotypes used for individual identification of red fox samples collected on the central Sierra Nevada study area. Includes sample identifier, final individual identifier assigned after matching, sample type, geographic coordinates (truncated to two decimals to protect vulnerable taxon), date collected, number of loci amplified, and allele sizes (bp) for 31 autosomal microsatellites.AutosomalMsatGenotypes_ConsensusConsensus microsatellite genotypes for 41 individuals detected on the central Sierra Nevada study area. Includes final individual identifier assigned after matching process, molecular sex based on amplification of the K9 amelo gene, number of loci amplified, and allele sizes (bp) for 31 autosomal microsatellites.YhaplotypesY haplotypes based on 14 linked microsatellite loci for 21 males detected on the study area and 110 contemporary reference samples.StructureInput_31Loci_164IndivStructure input file for 16 unrelated individuals detected on the study area and 148 contemporary reference samples from neighboring populations, genotyped at 31 microsatellite loci.StructureInput_12Loci_184IndivStructure input file for 16 unrelated individuals detected on the study area and 151 contemporary reference samples from neighboring and 17 historical reference samples from the Sierra Nevada, genotyped at a subset of 12 microsatellite loci.ReadMeDescription of files included in data package