Date:
June 3, 2020
Source:
University of Wyoming
A
University of Wyoming researcher led a study of great gray owls in a four-state
region, showing that range discontinuity could lead to genetic drift and
subsequent loss of genetic diversity in these birds.
Lower
genetic diversity in these owls means they are more susceptible to changes in
their environment and, thus, less able to adapt quickly.
"With
lower genetic diversity, such owls have less ability to adapt to changes that
include extreme fire effects on their habitats; human developments; stresses
caused by diseases such as West Nile virus and trichomonas, a nasty parasite
that damages their oral cavity and can lead to starvation; and other
diseases," says Holly Ernest, a UW professor of wildlife genomics and
disease ecology, and the Wyoming Excellence Chair in Disease Ecology in UW's
Department of Veterinary Sciences and the Program in Ecology. "Another
stress can be overzealous photographers who get too near nesting sites and
scare great gray owl moms and dads off their nests and endanger the
nestlings."
Ernest
was the senior and corresponding author of a paper, titled "Population
Genomic Diversity and Structure at the Discontinuous Southern Range of the
Great Gray Owl in North America," that was published online May 31
in Conservation Genetics, a journal that promotes the conservation of
biodiversity. The journal publishes original research papers, short
communications, review papers and perspectives. Contributions include work from
the disciplines of population genetics, molecular ecology, molecular biology,
evolutionary biology, systematics, forensics and others.
Beth
Mendelsohn, a 2018 UW Master of Science graduate in veterinary sciences and the
Haub School of Environment and Natural Resources, from Missoula, Mont., is the
paper's lead author. Mendelsohn is now a raptor biologist conducting research
to improve owl and hawk conservation in Rocky Mountain ecosystems.
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