Rangewide genetic analysis of Lesser Prairie-Chicken reveals population structure, range expansion, and possible introgression

摘要: The distribution of the Lesser Prairie-Chicken (Tympanuchus pallidicinctus) has been markedly reduced due to loss and fragmentation habitat. Portions historical range, however, have recolonized even expanded planting conservation reserve program (CRP) fields that provide favorable vegetation structure for Prairie-Chickens. source population(s) feeding range expansion is unknown, yet resulted in overlap between Greater Prairie-Chickens (T. cupido) increasing potential hybridization. Our objectives were characterize connectivity genetic diversity among populations, identify recent expansion, examine hybridization with the Prairie-Chicken. We analyzed 640 samples from across using 13 microsatellites. identified three four populations corresponding largely ecoregions. Shinnery Oak Prairie Sand Sagebrush represented genetically distinct (F ST > 0.034 F ST > 0.023 respectively). Shortgrass/CRP Mosaic Mixed Grass ecoregions appeared admixed ST = 0.009). Genetic was similar N e ranged 142 (95 % CI 99–236) 296 233–396) Prairie. No migration detected ecoregions, except asymmetric dispersal both a lesser extent north into adjacent (m = 0.207, 95 % 0.116–0.298, m = 0.097, 0.010–0.183, Indices investigating revealed six individuals with hybrid phenotypes significantly suggesting Continued monitoring within warranted as are actions promoting expansion.