Conservation genetics of the endangered Attwater's prairie chicken
Date
1995
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Texas A&M University
Abstract
High molecular weight genomic DNA was isolated from over 40 chorioallantoic membranes (CAMS) of hatched Attwater's prairie chicken (Tympanuchus cupido attwateri), (APC), eggshells and successfully utilized in DNA fingerprint analyses. In 3 instances, CAM and brain tissue from the same individual were available. In each case, identical fingerprint profiles were produced by CAM DNA and brain tissue DNA from the same individual. Thus, CAM DNA provides a non-invasive means of genetically sampling the endangered APC and other avian species. DNA fingerprint data also were used to assess captive and natural populations of APC. DNA fingerprints were used to determine the sex (n = 33 juveniles) and identify the mother (n ;= 5) of captively produced birds. These data also revealed that a bird, recently brought into captivity, had been incorrectly identified in terms of the clutch from which it came. Levels of genetic variability in the 3 remaining natural APC populations were assessed with DNA fingerprint similarity data produced from 2 minisatellite probes. Mean similarity (.a) within the Refugio-County population was lowest (0.293 + 0.023, n = 4) and that within the Galveston-County population was highest (0.457 + 0.090, n = 12). The Colorado-County population exhibited an intermediate mean-similarity value (0.363 + 0.090, n = 11). Genetic variation in a stable population of non-endangered greater prairie chickens (T. C. pinnatus), (GPC), was similarly evaluated (S = 0.280-+ 0.025, n = 19). Both the Galveston-County and Colorado-County APC populations exhibited a mean similarity significantly different from the GPC population (P < 0.01, P = 0.01, respectively), indicating loss of genetic variability in these populations. Comparison of mean similarity among GPC with that of the entire extant APC subspecies indicates the APC subspecies has a significantly higher mean similarity (P < 0.001). Estimates of heterozygosity and population differentiation give corresponding results. At least 2 APC populations have suffered a reduction in genetic variability, presumably as a result of prolonged small size. However, this does not seem to be a major factor contributing to the subspecies, decline.
Description
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Includes bibliographical references.
Issued also on microfiche from Lange Micrographics.
Includes bibliographical references.
Issued also on microfiche from Lange Micrographics.
Keywords
wildlife and fisheries sciences., Major wildlife and fisheries sciences.