Comparative landscape genomics reveals species-specific spatial patterns and suggests human-aided dispersal in a global hotspot for biological invasions

Biological invasions are a growing threat to native ecosystems, and genomic studies have become an increasingly useful tool for invasive species management by providing the ability to identify spatial population structure in the invaded range. In this study, we compared the spatial genetic structure of two ecologically distinct non-native lizard species both established and widespread throughout South Florida, a global hotspot for reptile invasions. We used an individual-based sampling approach to collect genetic samples of Agama picticauda , a rock specialist native to West Africa, and Basiliscus vittatus , a riparian specialist from Central and South America. We collected specimens across Miami-Dade County (the original site of introduction) and then genotyped ~ 4000 single nucleotide polymorphisms for each species. Both species exhibited fine-scale population structure at distances