Using genetic markers to determine population status and management strategies of mammals
INVESTIGATORS: Talbot, Sandra; Amstrup, Steven C.; Udevitz, Mark; Jay, Chad
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
Several species of terrestrial and marine mammals are found within the
state of Alaska and adjacent territories. Several of these species are
actively managed by state, federal, native and international agencies. The
Molecular Ecology Laboratory provides genetic data and develops novel
sampling methods to aid in the effective management and conservation of
these species. Current projects involve characterizing genetic variation
of wolf (Canis lupus), polar and brown bear (Ursus arctos
and U. maritimus), and Pacific walrus (Odobenus rosmarus)
populations in Alaska, Canada, and Russia. These population level data
subsequently for the basis for more specific questions regarding
evolutionary relationships among bear species, levels of inbreeding within
wolf populations, genetic consequences of translocation efforts, and the
sex of mammals harvested for subsistence. The laboratory is also
developing protocols for non-invasive sampling of brown bears to aid in
populations surveys, and we have recently begun developing protocols for
extracting high quality genomic DNA from archived walrus and wolf tooth
and bone samples. The Molecular Ecology Laboratory at the Alaska Science Center
- Biological Science Office (ASC-BSO) is also conducting genetic studies of the
Aleutian shield fern (Polystichum aleuticum), Alaska's single plant
listed as an endangered species. The shield fern is known to occur in one
very restricted locale, on Mount Reed, Adak Island, Aleutian Islands,
Alaska. The four known populations are comprised of a total of only 143
individual fern clumps. Although the Aleutian shield fern has been listed
as an endangered species for over a decade, its evolutionary relationships
and population genetics characteristics are not well understood. The study
will provide information about population genetic characteristics and
systematic relationships of the fern.
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