Evaluation of experimental genetic management in reintroduced bighorn sheep.

ABSTRACT: Positive demographic responses have been reported in several species where the immigration or supplementation of genetically distinct individuals into wild populations has resulted in a genetic rescue effect. However, rarely have researchers incorporated what could be considerable risk of outbreeding depression into planning for genetic management programs. We assess the genetic effects of an experiment in genetic management involving replicate populations of California bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis californiana) in Oregon, USA, which previously experienced poor productivity and numerical declines. In the experiment, two declining populations were supplemented with ewes from a more genetically diverse population of California bighorn sheep in Nevada. We incorporated analysis of genetic sa

SUBMITTER: Olson ZH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3298953 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature