Evaluation of the Genetic Management of the Endangered Mississippi Sandhill Crane (Grus canadensis pulla)

The genetic status of the critically endangered Mississippi sandhill crane (Grus canadensis pulla) was analyzed using 2009 studbook data from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service managed captive breeding and release program. Microsatellite DNA data provided information on shared founder genotypes, allowing for refined analysis of genetic variation in the population, and informed breeding recommendations. The genetic variation observed in the Mississippi sandhill crane was contrasted with variation observed in the Florida sandhill crane (Grus canadensis pratensis). Results show far less variation in the Mississippi population. Results also suggest that while gene flow no longer occurs between the two populations, the introduction of cranes from the Florida population would help to increase the observed genetic diversity of the Mississippi sandhill crane population.

Name thesis:degree_name

M.S.

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Biological Sciences

Year

2009

Author dc:creator

• Henkel, Jessica Renee

Contributors dc:contributor

• Howard, Jerome J.
• Jones, Ken
• Leibo, Stanley

• captive breeding
• Grus canadensis pulla
• Mississippi sandhill crane
• Grus canadensis pratensis
• pedigree analysis
• microsatellite DNA

Repository record dc:identifier

https://scholarworks.uno.edu/td/1024

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:scholarworks.uno.edu:td-2005