Genetic Identification of Spotted Owls, Barred Owls, and Their Hybrids: Legal Implications of Hybrid Identity

摘要: : Recent population expansion of Barred Owls ( Strix varia) into western North America has led to concern that they may compete with and further harm the Northern Spotted Owl ( S. occidentalis caurina), which is already listed as threatened under U.S. Endangered Species Act (ESA). Because hybridize, there a legal need ESA for forensic identification both species their hybrids. We used mitochondrial control-region DNA amplified fragment-length polymorphism (AFLP) analyses assess maternal biparental gene flow in this hybridization process. Mitochondrial sequences (524 base pairs) indicated large divergence between (13.9%). Further, formed two distinct clades no signs previous introgression. Fourteen diagnostic AFLP bands also extensive species, including markers differentiating them. Principal coordinate assignment tests clearly supported differentiation. found hybrids had unique genetic combinations, from parental identified known well potential unclear taxonomic status. Our corroborated findings field studies most genetically sampled resulted crosses female male Owls. These make it possible identify these can now be research, conservation, law enforcement. Several avenues facilitate future conservation other ESA-listed similarity-of-appearance clause (section 4[e]) Migratory Bird Treaty Act. The appears useful route at time. Resumen: La reciente de la poblacion Strix varia hacia el oeste Norte ha llevado preocupacion que puede competir con y posteriormente danar S. caurina, esta enlistada como amenazada en Acta Especies Peligro E. U. (AEP). Debido hibridan, por mandato AEP hay una necesidad identificacion forense ambas especies sus hibridos. Utilizamos analisis ADN region control mitocondrial polimorfismo longitud fragmento amplificado (PLFA) para evaluar flujo genico materno este proceso hibridacion. Las secuencias pares bases) indicaron amplia divergencia ente caurina Mas aun, las formaron dos clados diferentes sin signos introgresion previa. Catorce bandas diagnostico PLFA tambien extensiva entre especies, incluyendo marcadores diferencian especies. Analisis componentes principales pruebas acomodo claramente sustentaron diferenciacion. Encontramos los hibridos tenian combinaciones geneticas unicas, parentales e identificaban conocidos asi potenciales estatus taxonomico incierto. Nuestros corroboraron extensivos estudios campo mayoria muestreados geneticamente resultaron cruzas hembras machos caurina. Estos geneticos hacen sea posible identificar estas ahora pueden ser utilizados investigacion, conservacion aplicacion ley. Varias rutas legales facilitar futura otras enlistadas clausula similitud apariencia (seccion del Tratado Aves Migratorias. Por momento, Migratorias parece ruta mas util.