| GF researcher Marni Koopman opening a nest box at her research site in a Montana forest.
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| Investigators |
| Marni Koopman (Ph.D. candidate)
Department of Zoology and Physiology, University of Wyoming
Dr. Greg Hayward
Department of Zoology and Physiology, University of Wyoming
Dr. David McDonald
Department of Zoology and Physiology, University of Wyoming
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What is the Issue? |
| POPULATION ISOLATION AND GENE FLOW |
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Because boreal owls are found in subalpine forests, they can become isolated from other mountain top populations, separated by large areas of unfavourable habitat. Determining the genetic makeup of these populations will lead to further understanding of metapopulation connectivity and its gene flow, as well as dispersal capability of boreal owls from small disjunct forest patches. This information is critical in order to understand how to implement a recovery program of at-risk boreal owl populations and will prevent local extinction (extirpation) from occurring.
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What is our goal? |
| DETERMING GENE FLOW OF ISOLATED MOUNTAIN TOP WILDLIFE POPULATIONS, CONSERVATION OF THESE POPULATIONS.
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| Genetic structure of boreal owl population. |
Where we currently stand. |
| This study is assessing the impact of matrix composition on gene flow amongst subpopulations of boreal owls (Aegolius funereus) over a range of spatial arrangements. In the Rocky Mountains, boreal owl populations are found only in mature subalpine forests. The matrix (non-habitat) between these patches differs both in extent and composition, providing an ideal system with which to assess the influence of matrix composition on dispersal. Researchers have identified study sites and have analyzed blood samples from boreal owls collected from these sites in order to assess gene flow among populations. Over 400 blood or tissue samples have already been collected from throughout the Rocky Mountains in Idaho and Montana down through souther Colorado. As well, over 1000 nest boxes have been checked throughout the Rocky Mountains and Alaska. Samples will be collected in the upcoming field season from Fairbanks, Alaska and Ashley National Park, Utah. The study will continue for two more years. Current lab activities include testing and optimizing primers developed for other avian species. Calculated gene flow rates will be included in a model of geographic features (distance and matrix type) in order to determine the most important components regulating boreal owl dispersal.
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You can help this project - find out how. |
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