Genetic evidence for sex-biased dispersal and cryptic diversity in the greater horseshoe bat, Rhinolophus ferrumequinum

Dispersal plays an important role in the ecological and evolutionary processes of natural populations. Mating behavior (or mating system) is a critical factor shaping dispersal patterns and extents in social mammals, sometimes driving the evolution of sex-biased dispersal. Using molecular markers with contrasting modes of inheritance (mitochondrial DNA and nuclear microsatellites), we determined the population genetic structure and evolutionary history of the great horseshoe bat, Rhinolophus ferrumequinum inhabiting eleven national parks of South Korea, being known as a biodiversity hotspot. Despite apparent matrilineal structure observed over space, there was weak nuclear geographic structure, suggesting female philopatry with male-biased dispersal. The analyses indicated the signal of nonrandom mating (i.e. inbreeding), which is at least partly due to female's sedentary lifestyle. The large-scale phylogenetic analysis revealed unexpected deep divergence among three distinct clades (Southwest China, East China, and Northeast Asia including South Korea), suggesting these may possibly represent cryptic species complex in R. ferrumequinum. Our findings of sex differences in dispersal in R. ferrumequinum inform conservation managements to enhance the population connectivity among the national parks through promoting female dispersal. Our study also highlights cryptic species diversity in a temperate bat that should have a priority for conservation.

Automated summary

Dispersal plays a crucial role in the ecological and evolutionary processes of natural populations, with mating behavior being a critical factor shaping dispersal patterns and extents. Our study on the great horseshoe bat revealed a matrilineal population structure but weak nuclear geographic structure, indicating female philopatry and male-biased dispersal. Additionally, a large-scale phylogenetic analysis showed unexpected deep divergence among different regions, suggesting the presence of a cryptic species complex in Rhinolophus ferrumequinum.