Molecular Population Genetic Structure in the Piping Plover

Publisher: USGS | Format: .PDF

pubs.usgs.gov — The Piping Plover (Charadrius melodus) is a migratory shorebird currently listed as Endangered in Canada and the U.S. Great Lakes, and threatened throughout the remainder of its U.S. breeding and winter range. In this study, scientists undertook the first comprehensive molecular genetic-based investigation of Piping Plovers. The primary goals were More... The Piping Plover (Charadrius melodus) is a migratory shorebird currently listed as Endangered in Canada and the U.S. Great Lakes, and threatened throughout the remainder of its U.S. breeding and winter range. In this study, scientists undertook the first comprehensive molecular genetic-based investigation of Piping Plovers. The primary goals were to (1) address higher level subspecific taxonomic issues, (2) characterize population genetic structure, and (3) make inferences regarding past bottlenecks or population expansions that have occurred within this species. The findings illustrate strong support for separate Atlantic and Interior Piping Plover subspecies. Population genetic analyses suggested that genetic structure was stronger among Atlantic birds relative to the Interior group. Overall, differences observed between Interior and Atlantic birds may reflect differences in spatiotemporal stability of Piping Plover nesting habitat between regions. Less...