Study Description

Title:
Reconsideration of Definition of Genetic Conservation Units in Western Snowy Plovers

Status: Completed

Objectives:
Snowy plovers that inhabit the western coast of North America currently are listed under the Endangered Species Act as a distinct population segment from other snowy plovers that inhabit the Great Basin and southeastern United States. An analysis of genetic information was conducted to examine whether there were significant genetic divisions, for example subspecies, among snowy plovers in North America and the Caribbean. Using snowy plover data from up to 15 breeding areas and from 155 different snowy plovers, few genetic differences were detected within the continental United States, suggesting there are no separate subspecies within the United States. More specifically, there was no evidence that the western snowy plovers were genetically distinct from those in the Great Basin. Other research has described population characteristics that distinguish the coastal population from inland birds, and this information can be combined with the genetics information in considering taxonomic and management decisions.

Related Publications:

Contact:
Haig, Susan M. - Supervisory Research Wildlife Biologist
Phone: 541-750-7482
Email: susan_haig@usgs.gov

U.S. Department of Interior, U.S. Geological Survey
Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center
URL: http://fresc.usgs.gov/
Contact: fresc_webmaster@usgs.gov
Last Update: June 30, 2003
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