Asymmetric gene flow and genetic admixture underscore the importance of landscape connectivity in himalayan black bears and leopards

Comprehending the genetic characterization of wildlife populations is fundamental for the formulation of effective conservation measures, especially in fragmented and fragile environments like the Himalayas. This study investigates the population genetics of Himalayan black bears ( Ursus thibetanus ) and leopards ( Panthera pardus ) in Himachal Pradesh, a Indian State experiencing escalated anthropogenic influences and large scale development. Using microsatellite markers and a combination of Bayesian clustering, discriminant analysis of principal components (DAPC), and spatial genetic analyses, we evaluated the patterns of genetic diversity, population structure, gene flow and evidence of isolation by distance (IBD) for these species. The results showed a relatively low to moderate level of genetic diversity, with Ho = 0.35 for black bears and Ho = 0.41 for leopards, and evidence of historical genetic bottlenecks but stable contemporary effective population sizes for both study species (204.5 for black bears, 208.1 for leopards). Furthermore, we found moderate genetic differentiation, high admixture and asymmetric gene flow across the study region for both the study species, with no significant isolation by distance (IBD). The findings of this investigation highlight the resilience of these species while emphasizing habitat connectivity as the critical factor for preserving genetic diversity. Implementation of conservation strategies such as wildlife corridors and habitat restoration to alleviate fragmentation and sustain populations over time is recommended. This research established a basis for subsequent studies focused on genetics and ecology, and improved the comprehensive understanding of wildlife conservation within the Himalayan ecosystem.