Landscape features influence genetic structure of black-tailed prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus) |
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Authors: | M F Antolin L T Savage R J Eisen |
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Institution: | (1) Department of Biology and Short Grass Steppe Long Term Ecological Research Program, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA;(2) Present address: Division of Vector-Borne Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, PO Box 2087, Fort Collins, CO 80522, USA |
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Abstract: | Black-tailed prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus) currently live in metapopulations in the parts of their range where plague, caused by the bacterium Yesinia pestis, has invaded. Prairie dogs are highly susceptible to the pathogen, with most animals within towns dying during Y. pestis outbreaks. A review of population genetic studies of prairie dogs demonstrates considerable differentiation between prairie
dog towns. Despite declines and fluctuations in size of prairie dog populations, they continue to harbor considerable genetic
variation. This results from continual dispersal and gene flow, likely along low-lying drainages that connect towns. When
combined with estimates of population size, the landscape genetic approach described here will provide precise estimates of
dispersal and gene flow, in addition to evaluation of long-term stability of prairie dog metapopulations. |
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Keywords: | Disease Dispersal Metapopulation Plague Population genetics Sciuridae |
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