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Characterization of connectivity across population scales in a naturally patchy species, the Pacific jumping mouse (Zapus trinotatus): can we predict range wide effects from local scale patterns?

EPA Grant Number: U916142
Title: Characterization of connectivity across population scales in a naturally patchy species, the Pacific jumping mouse (Zapus trinotatus): can we predict range wide effects from local scale patterns?
Investigators: Vignieri, Sacha N.
Institution: University of Washington
EPA Project Officer: Jones, Brandon
Project Period: January 1, 2003 through December 31, 2006
Project Amount: $170,764
RFA: STAR Graduate Fellowships (2003)
Research Category: Academic Fellowships , Fellowship - Ecological Risk Assessment , Ecological Indicators/Assessment/Restoration

Description:

Objective:

I will investigate the connection between local processes such as dispersal, reproductive strategy, and migration with patterns of relatedness and connectivity across hierarchical scales in a patchily distributed, riparian associated species, the Pacific jumping mouse. These results will then be used to determine whether locally collected data can allow us to predict patterns of relatedness and isolation across larger scales.

The objective of this study is to investigate the genetic population structure of this patchily distributed species at three hierarchical levels in order to examine connectivity and isolation at different landscape scales in heterogeneous habitat. Further, to develop a method which could allow for the prediction of levels of genetic patterns at large scales based on data collected at smaller scales.

Approach:

I will investigate the hierarchical population structure present within a metapopulation of the riparian affiliated Pacific jumping mouse. First at the level of a single sub-population, I will integrate molecular genetic methods with traditional ecological survey methods in order to reveal the population size, breeding structure, kinship of individuals, reproductive success, and migration rate within a single isolated sub-population. At the intermediate scale, I will investigate the genetic population structure that occurs within a single river drainage in order to reveal the pattern of connectivity between sub-populations. At the regional level, I will determine larger scale landscape effects by comparing the genetic diversity represented in three different adjacent river drainages, and by estimating migration rates between these drainages. Finally, I will quantitatively describe the relationship observed between the three levels.

Expected Results:

Understanding the relationship that occurs between population levels is particularly important in species that exist in sub-divided habitat. Sub-division can prevent exchange among sub-populations, and this can facilitate decline on a species-wide scale. I expect that there will be a clear, predictable relationship between the connectivity and relatedness observed within a single sub-population and that observed at the local and regional levels. Further, the development of a predictive model based on this premise will allow for predictions to be tested regarding how connectivity changes at the local scale will affect species wide persistence.

Supplemental Keywords:

Zapus trinotatus, heterogeneity, population structure, riparian, population connectivity, microsatellites, metapopulation,
Relevant Websites:

2004 STAR Graduate Fellowship Conference Poster (PDF, 1p., 172KB, about PDF)

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The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.

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