Genetic variation and population structure in a threatened species, the Utah prairie dog Cynomys parvidens: the use of genetic data to inform conservation actions
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Authors
Brown, Nathanael L.
Peacock, Mary M.
Ritchie, Mark E.
Issue Date
2016
Type
Article
Language
Keywords
Bayesian genotype clustering analysis , genetic diversity , genetic structure , threatened , Utah prairie dog
Alternative Title
Abstract
The Utah prairie dog (Cynomys parvidens), listed as threatened under the United States Endangered Species Act, was the subject of an extensive eradication program throughout its range during the 20th century. Eradication campaigns, habitat destruction/fragmentation/conversion, and epizootic outbreaks (e.g., sylvatic plague) have reduced prairie dog numbers from an estimated 95,000 individuals in the 1920s to approximately 14,000 (estimated adult spring count) today. As a result of these anthropogenic actions, the species is now found in small isolated sets of subpopulations. We characterized the levels of genetic diversity and population genetic structure using 10 neutral nuclear microsatellite loci for twelve populations (native and transplanted) representative of the three management designated recovery units, found in three distinct biogeographic regions, sampled across the species' range. The results indicate (1) low levels of genetic diversity within colonies (H-e=0.109-0.357; H-o=0.106- 0.313), (2) high levels of genetic differentiation among colonies (global F-ST=0.296), (3) very small genetic effective population sizes, and (4) evidence of genetic bottlenecks. The genetic data reveal additional subdivision such that colonies within recovery units do not form single genotype clusters consistent with recovery unit boundaries. Genotype cluster membership support historical gene flow among colonies in the easternmost West Desert Recovery Unit with the westernmost Pausaugunt colonies and among the eastern Pausaugunt colonies and the Awapa Recovery unit to the north. In order to maintain the long-term viability of the species, there needs to be an increased focus on maintaining suitable habitat between groups of existing populations that can act as connective corridors. The location of future translocation sites should be located in areas that will maximize connectivity, leading to maintenance of genetic variation and evolutionary potential.
Description
Citation
Brown, N. L., Peacock, M. M., & Ritchie, M. E. (2016). Genetic variation and population structure in a threatened species, the Utah prairie dogCynomys parvidens: the use of genetic data to inform conservation actions. Ecology and Evolution, 6(2), 426�"446. doi:10.1002/ece3.1874
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License
Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International
Journal
Volume
Issue
PubMed ID
ISSN
2045-7758