![]() These results reinforce the idea that when there is a large difference of populations, gene flow should be unidirectional from the more-fit to less-fit population, in order to avoid the introduction of deleterious alleles into healthier groups. Our findings indicate that genetic diversity should be introduced from the larger, genetically healthier populations of Pacific pocket mice into a smaller, less healthy population-and not the reverse. Interbreeding with the larger, more diverse populations increased the fitness of their offspring relative to this small population, but came at a cost to the larger population. Using the number of offspring as a measure of fitness, we examined the reproductive success of more than 300 Pacific pocket mice.ĭescendants of the smallest and least genetically diverse population had the lowest reproductive success. (They were rediscovered in 1993.)ĭrawing on genetic data from six generations of Pacific pocket mice in the conservation breeding program, we tracked reproductive success relative to a mouse’s wild ancestral population. The number of years the Pacific pocket mouse was considered extinct. How large are the wild populations, how large have they been historically, and how recently did they decline? How long have the populations been isolated? Are there local adaptations that are unique to the different populations? Understanding their history will provide important information about the source of population declines, and whether enabling migration between the isolated populations is an appropriate management strategy. We are hopeful that this far more complete and comprehensive dataset will allow us to address long-standing questions.įor example, a first analysis of this genomic dataset aims to understand the history of the Pacific pocket mouse. The results will also be used in method development of eDNA kits for citizen scientists to use.We were able to create “just right” habitats at our facility that allowed for protected breeding, which increased the population.įrom these genomes, the first of their kind for a species in the family Heteromyidae, we have identified about 14 million genetic variants across the Pacific pocket mouse genome. The San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance announced Wednesday that a Pacific pocket mouse named Pat born July 14, 2013, at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park under a conservation breeding program. Curd sampled soil in transects immediately after the enclosure was built and will continue to sample over the duration of the experiment. Q3: How does the reintroduction of the Pacific Pocket Mouse alter the biodiversity of its habitat?ĭr. Q2: How does the community of all kingdoms of organisms change after the removal of humans from the environment? Q1: How, and how often, must you sample in order to determine whether Pacific Pocket Mice are in an area? Emily Curd, postdoctoral researcher supported by the Catalyst award, is using eDNA sampling at the reintroduction enclosure to ask three conservation questions. Fifty individuals are being monitored over time and this will inform the planning of a larger scale reintroduction.Įnvironmental DNA is a non-invasive technique to monitor the presence of species. This project is in collaboration with the San Diego Zoo Safari Park’s scientists from the Pacific Pocket Mouse Conservation Breeding Facility who are reintroducing the Pacific Pocket Mouse in a large experimental enclosure in Laguna Beach. Environmental DNA detection of endangered Pacific Pocket Mice after reintroduction: method development for monitoring the coastal sage chapparal.īackground: The Pacific Pocket Mouse is an endangered species in California native to the coastal sage chapparal ecosystem that has also been prime housing development space. Pacific Pocket Mouse Research and monitoring to support recovery of endangered populations The critically endangered Pacific pocket mouse ( Perognathus longimembris pacificus ), once thought extinct was rediscovered at 4 sites along the coast of southern California during the 1990s.
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