In collaboration with Dr. Tom Quinn and his students at the University of Denver, Dr. Oyler-McCance and colleagues are expanding their genetic research on sage-grouse from Colorado to include a genetic survey of both species of sage-grouse (Gunnison Sage-Grouse and Greater Sage-Grouse) throughout their entire range, comprised of 11 U.S. states and two Canadian provinces. Historically, sage-grouse could be found in at least 15 states and three provinces; however, their range has declined markedly. The objectives of this study are to address uncertain taxonomic delineations, identify genetically unique populations, and document genetic diversity and gene flow among populations. The research will use mitochondrial sequence data and microsatellite markers and will involve sequencing the 141 base pairs of the mitochondrial control region and approximately 10 nuclear microsatellites.
Dr. Oyler-McCance and Dr. Tom Quinn of the University of Denver are conducting molecular genetic research on Mountain Plovers in Montana, Wyoming, and Colorado as part of a larger study of the ecology of Mountain Plover. Mountain Plovers have declined by 50% since 1966 and their current population is less than 10,000. The species is proposed for listing as "threatened" under the Endangered Species Act. The objectives of this study are to document levels of gene flow among populations and to determine if a breeding location can be identified from a bird trapped on the wintering ground. In this study, Dr. Oyler-McCance is sequencing various regions of the mitochondrial genome (control region, ND2, ATPase 8) to conduct population level analyses. Dr. Oyler-McCance has also isolated nuclear microsatellites and designed primers flanking those regions to use as a nuclear marker. The population genetic data from this study will serve to identify genetic uniqueness of populations and to compare amounts of gene flow among populations. The research will also include identifying population-specific markers, which can be used to determine where overwintering birds have bred.
For further information on the Ecology of the Mountain Plover contact Bill Iko at FORT
Dr. Oyler-McCance is conducting molecular genetic research on Pygmy-Faded Rattlesnakes as part of a larger demographic study (conducted through the University of Wyoming) of these snakes in the Flaming Gorge, Wyoming. Very little is known about their ecology, and although little is known of their population status, they are considered rare throughout their range. The purpose of this study is to determine levels of gene flow along either side and across Flaming Gorge Reservoir. The study will use nuclear microsatellites to address questions of gene flow, movement, and paternity and will be used to document and compare levels of genetic diversity. Study results will also allow for the examination of mutation rates and document the (genetic) effect of reservoir development on these populations of rattlesnakes.
In collaboration with Dr. Quinn at the University of Denver, Dr. Oyler-McCance is conducting molecular genetic analyses on White-Tailed Kite populations as part of a larger study of temporal and geographic fluctuations of kite populations. White-Tailed Kite populations have fluctuated dramatically and were nearly extinct in the 1930s. Since then, populations have rebounded, yet genetic variability is a concern. This study documents the genetic variability of existing populations and will attempt to determine the geographic source of kite recolonizations in California using molecular genetic markers. The approach is to develop primers and sequence several genes in the mtDNA and to compare sequences from present populations to sequences from past populations using museum specimens. Combined with recent genetic data, historical information from museum collections will be used to compare past and present species distributions with changes in habitat availability and land use practices over a longer time scale than previously addressed.
For information on the Temporal and Geographic Fluctuaions of the White-tailed Kite Populations in the US contact Dr. Rey Stendell and Bill Iko at FORT.
Dr. Oyler-McCance conducts molecular genetic analyses on Lesser Prairie-Chickens as part of a larger study of the metapopulation dynamics (conducted by the Kansas State University) of Lesser Prairie-Chickens in Kansas. The Lesser Prairie-Chicken is currently considered a 'warranted but precluded' threatened species by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The purpose of this study is to document genetic diversity of populations and gene flow among them. To do this, microsatellites already developed for other closely related species are being screened and microsatellites specifically from Lesser Prairie-Chickens will be isolated. Dr. Oyler-McCance is also sequencing mtDNA control region. The data from this study will be used to compare Lesser Prairie-Chicken genetic variability and movements from Kansas to similar data from other states to better manage the species. The finer scale data will be used to examine specific questions of metapopulation dynamics, hybridization with Greater Prairie Chickens, and paternity questions.
U.S. Department of the Interior | U.S. Geological Survey
URL: http://www.fort.usgs.gov/resources/spotlight/grouse/Oylerprojects.asp
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