Landscape genetics of the Southern Flying Squirrel (Glaucomys volans) in the northeastern United States.

This article focuses on the genetic diversity and population structure of the Southern Flying Squirrel (Glaucomys volans) in the northeastern United States (NE-USA) and how landscape fragmentation and forest loss influence its connectivity. Using microsatellite markers and landscape genetics approaches—including least cost path and isolation by resistance models—the study identified three genetic clusters with low but significant differentiation, finding no correlation between geographic distance and genetic variation. Land cover and elevation were the best predictors of genetic connectivity, yet landscape features overall had limited impact on gene flow, suggesting that G. volans maintains dispersal across fragmented habitats despite historical deforestation. The findings highlight the species' capacity for movement through mature hardwood forests and underscore the conservation importance of forest regeneration and habitat corridors to support population connectivity in this urbanized region.