 Principal Investigators:
Gordon Luikart and Richard Harris
Funding Source(s): Wildlife Conservation Society
Project Duration: 2008
UM Project Affiliation:
DBS
We are addressing issues of connectivity, corridors, isolation, loss of genetic diversity, and possible barriers to movement among sub-populations of Marco Polo argali (Ovis ammon poli) throughout the 4 country transboundary region (Tajikistan, Afghanistan, China, Pakistan). We will use non-invasive sampling (primarily of feces) to provide data on the genetic structure of this meta-population because: the region is extremely remote and difficult to access; capturing large numbers of argali for research in this area is impractical, and; simply observing them during surveys does not provide the information we need.
By understanding the relative similarity of haplotypes (from mtDNA) and genotypes (from microsatellite markers) of individuals from various geographic locations within the overall range, we can address a number of questions related to conservation and land use policy. Are there identifiable sub-populations? If so, do any have levels of genetic diversity low enough to arouse concern for their future viability? Can we estimate the magnitude of gene-flow among groups of argali that appear to be geographically separate? If so, are there identifiable natural barriers or man-made barriers to gene-flow? Can we identify geographic regions that appear important in maintaining connectivity among demographically disparate populations? Is there sex biased gene flow such that females move far less than males?
We have now collected < 500 fecal pellet samples (many of which will be used only for population estimation. In addition to the < 300 samples from the Big Pamir, we have approximately 80 samples from the Little Pamir, 30 from the Pamirs of Tajikistan, 48 from the Tashkorgan area of adjacent Xinjiang, China, and 35 from the Shimshal Valley of Northern Pakistan. Of the Tajik samples, 21 yielded good or very good PCR products, suggesting that individual genotyping using microsatellites will be possible. Of the China samples, 25 seem likely high enough quality to yield individual genotypes. Unfortunately, preliminary analyses suggest the Pakistan samples were too degraded to yield useful DNA. Based on initial testing, we have indentified at least 9 microsatellite loci that appear to be identifiable from most samples (and have an additional 8-10 candidate loci), and that show sufficient variability to be useful. We appear to be on track to be able to characterize populations in the Big Pamir of Afghanistan, the Little Pamir of Afghanistan, the Wakhjir Valley of Afghanistan, the Tajik Pamirs, and the Chinese Pamirs based on both mtDNA and microsatellites with sample sizes sufficient to make valid inference.
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