We carried out a long term study on the Barbary macaque (Macaca sylvanus), an endangered and forest dependant species distributed in Morocco and Algeria.
Using landscape genetic tools at multiple spatial scales, we assessed the effects of landscape heterogeneity (in particular
the presence of wide open or rural habitats) on gene flow in this species in the middle Atlas in Morocco, its major forest site.
We genotyped 248 individuals from 23 macaque groups using 11 microsatellite loci. We modelled different scenarios of isolation
by landscape resistance. Our results revealed a significant genetic structure and a disruption of gene flow even in geographic
proximity. Whatever the spatial scale, remoteness from the forest edge beyond 1 km acted as a barrier to macaque
movements. In addition, at a fine scale, human-dominated areas were also detected as a barrier. We also detected an ongoing process of isolation
and reduced genetic diversity in small populations. Our results can be used to adapt management actions in favour of the Barbary macaque.
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