American marten (Martes americana) were reintroduced into the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and three genetic clusters have developed proximal to release sites with minimal overlap. We used local relative density of a potential competitor and physical landscape features to examine whether distinct genetic boundaries were associated with landscape features. Depending on the scale of analysis, entire UP compared to within and between each genetic cluster, the landscape features most associated with spatial genetic differentiation varied. Spatial patterns in interindividual phenotypic variation were discordant with spatial genetic structure resolved using neutral molecular markers, indicating disparate causes underlying spatial phenotypic and genetic patterns. Variation in skull morphology among descendent marten was associated with sex and age as well as genetic cluster, however skull morphology was not related to lineage. Taken together evidence suggests adaptation to local habitat conditions within the reintroduction area, compared to shared ancestry, has influenced variation in skull shape among genetic clusters. Results contribute to our understanding of how landscape factors influence spatial patterns of genetic and phenotypic variation and improve our ability to target conservation efforts for American marten.
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