Genomic Insights Into Red Squirrels in Scotland Reveal Loss of Heterozygosity Associated With Extreme Founder Effects

Remnant populations of endangered species often have complex demographic histories associated with human impact. This canpresent challenges for conservation as populations modified by human activity may require bespoke management. The Eurasianred squirrel, Sciurus vulgaris (L., 1758), is endangered in the UK. Scotland represents a key stronghold, but Scottish populationshave been subjected to intense anthropogenic influence, including widespread extirpations, reintroductions and competitionfrom an invasive species. This study examined the genetic legacy of these events through low coverage whole-genome resequenc-ing of 106 red squirrels. Previously undetected patterns of population structure and gene flow were uncovered. One offshoreisland, four mainland Scottish populations, and a key east-coast migration corridor were observed. An abrupt historical popula-tion bottleneck, related to extreme founder effects, has led to a severe and prolonged depression in genome-wide heterozygosity,which is amongst the lowest reported for any species. Current designated red squirrel conservation stronghold locations do notencompass all existing diversity. These findings highlight the genetic legacies of past anthropogenic influence on long-termdiversity in endangered taxa. Continuing management interventions and regular genetic monitoring are recommended to safe-guard and improve future diversity