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Red Tree Vole Genetics: Development and Evaluation of Different Methods for Studying Genetic Variation in the Red Tree Vole
Completed
Although the Red Tree Vole (Arborimus longicaudus longicaudus) is endemic to forests in much of western Oregon, little is known about its population structure, population trends, or general ecology (Verts and Carraway 1998). Tree voles are unique in that they live in the forest canopy where they feed primarily on conifer needles (Maser et al. 1981). This arboreal lifestyle results in rare sightings except by researchers who climb trees and capture them in their nests. Because
they are difficult to observe and trap, studies of Red Tree Voles have been limited to relatively small samples of animals captured at widely disparate locations (Maser 1970, Johnson and George 1991, Murray 1995).
In FY 2000, we were given funds to carry out a pilot study in which we developed markers for genetic analyses of Red Tree Voles based on tissue, bone, and feces. Objectives of the study were threefold:
(1) Develop sampling protocols for collection of blood or tissue samples, and collect blood and tissue samples from at least 10 individuals in the Roseburg study area.
(2) Attempt to extract DNA from a sample of skulls of Red Tree Voles found in pellets of Spotted Owls on the Roseburg study area.
(3) Conduct preliminary laboratory analysis, including development of mtDNA primers and screening of previously developed microsatellite primers.
In determining monitoring schemes, it will be critical to understand whether populations of Red Tree Voles are panmictic or consist of multiple meta-populations or demes that are genetically distinct. Thus, it may be possible to monitor a panmictic population with a simple random sample, whereas a monitoring plan for a species that has more structure may have to include a stratified sample of the metapopulations. In any of these approaches, the first step will be to develop effective molecular markers in which to test carious hypotheses regarding population structure and status.
Miller, M.P., Bellinger, R.M., Forsman, E.D., Haig, S.M., 2006, Effects of historical climate change, habitat connectivity, and vicariance on genetic structure and diversity across the range of the Red Tree Vole ( Phenacomys longicaudus) in the Pacific Northwest United States: Molecular Ecology, v. 15, p. 145-159. [Highlight] [FullText] Catalog No: 1500 Bellinger, R.M., Haig, S.M., Forsman, E.D., Mullins, T.D., 2005, Taxonomic relationships among Phenacomys voles as inferred by cytochrome b: Journal of Mammalogy, v. 86, no. 1, p. 201-210. [Highlight] [Abs] [FullText] Catalog No: 1309
Haig, Susan M. - Supervisory Research Wildlife Biologist
Phone: 541-750-7482
Email: susan_haig@usgs.gov
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