Genetic recapture identifies long-distance breeding dispersal in Greater Sage-Grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) (original) (raw)
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A multilocus population genetic survey of the greater sage-grouse across their range
Molecular Ecology, 2005
The distribution and abundance of the greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) have declined dramatically, and as a result the species has become the focus of conservation efforts. We conducted a range-wide genetic survey of the species which included 46 populations and over 1000 individuals using both mitochondria1 sequence data and data from seven nuclear microsatellites. Nested clade and STRUCTURE analyses revealed that, in general, the greater sage-grouse populations follow an isolation-by-distance model of restricted gene flow. This suggests that movements of the greater sage-grouse are typically among neighbouring populations and not across the species, range. This may have important implications if management is considering translocations as they should involve neighbouring rather than distant populations to preserve any effects of local adaptation. We identified two populations in Washington with low levels of genetic variation that reflect severe habitat loss and dramatic population decline. Managers of these populations may consider augmentation from geographically close populations. One population (Lyonl Mono) on the southwestern edge of the species' range appears to have been isolated from all other greater sage-grouse populations. This population is sufficiently genetically distinct that it warrants protection and management as a separate unit. The genetic data presented here, in conjunction with large-scale demographic and habitat data, will provide an integrated approach to conservation efforts for the greater sage-grouse.
Conservation Genetics - CONSERV GENET, 2011
Range-edge dynamics and anthropogenic fragmentation are expected to impact patterns of genetic diversity, and understanding the influence of both factors is important for effective conservation of threatened wildlife species. To examine these factors, we sampled greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) from a declining, fragmented region at the northern periphery of the species’ range and from a stable, contiguous core region. We genotyped 2,519 individuals at 13 microsatellite loci from 104 leks in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Montana, and Wyoming. Birds from northern Montana, Alberta, and Saskatchewan were identified as a single population that exhibited significant isolation by distance, with the Milk River demarcating two subpopulations. Both subpopulations exhibited high genetic diversity with no evidence that peripheral regions were genetically depauperate or highly structured. However, river valleys and a large agricultural region were significant barriers to dispersal. Leks...
Translocations of sage grouse Centrocercus urophasianus in North America
Wildlife Biology, 1997
Sage grouse Centrocercus urophasianus have been translocated in at least seven states and one Canadian province, but little published information documents the success of these attempts. Historical and recent efforts at translocations are reviewed, their success evaluated and recommendations for future translocations are provided. Over 7,200 sage grouse have been translocated in at least 56 attempts to augment or reestablish populations since 1933. Only efforts in Colorado, Idaho, and Utah appear successful, however, breeding populations in these areas remain small. Common fea tures of successful sage grouse translocations are: 1) reproductively-active birds were captured on leks at night in March and April, 2) birds were trans ported rapidly and released the morning following capture, and 3) release sites were isolated, islands of habitat surrounded by inhospitable cover dis tant from capture areas. Translocation of sage grouse is recommended only after careful evaluation of the release area for year-round habitat, and only if agencies commit resources adequate to monitor birds immediately post release to assess short-term survival, and to monitor long-term population abundance to assess continued fate of the translocation. Translocations presently should be viewed as experimental and not as a viable strategy to restore extirpated populations of sage grouse.
Greater Sage-Grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) are an endangered lekking species that has declined by 66%-92% during the last 35 years in Canada. Sage-Grouse have a lek mating system centered on communal breeding grounds where few males are thought to obtain most matings in a given year and females are believed to mate once. I used 13 microsatellites to genotype 2,519 adults 1,206 offspring sampled between 1998 – 2007 from 104 leks in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Montana, and Wyoming and 238 historic Canadian birds collected between 1895 and 1991. My goals were to determine the (1) genetic population structure, diversity, and dispersal ability of birds in the proposed northern Montana population, (2) diversity and relatedness of Sage-Grouse in Alberta, (3) paternity, polygamy (males and females mating with multiple individuals), and reproductive variance among individuals in Alberta, and (4) if genetic diversity, structure, and effective population size changed over time in Canada. I det...