Incorporating Genetic Data into Spatially-explicit Population Viability Models for Gunnison Sage-grouse
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By Fort Collins Science Center
August 31, 2016
This goal of this study is to develop a spatially explicit habitat-population modeling framework to assess the viability of Gunnison sage-grouse and each of the seven populations (Gunnison Basin and six satellite populations).
Components of this process include:
- Characterizing habitat for the Gunnison Basin and satellite populations
- Developing a spatially explicit individual-based model
- Simulating population dynamics and persistence to identify population thresholds and characterize population resiliency, redundancy, and representation (and indicating possible strategies for improvements to these)
- Quantifying the impacts of alternative habitat restoration and translocation strategies on regional and local population persistence
- Comparing model outcomes to previous approaches and results
- Setting the stage for future model applications that comprehensively address specific threats and stressors.
This research is in collaboration with Colorado State University.
Molecular Ecology Lab (MEL)
The Molecular Ecology Laboratory applies innovative genetic and genomic technologies to address a variety of complex questions and issues facing the Nation's natural resources. While we continually update the scale and efficiency of laboratory procedures to meet stakeholder needs, we must also be innovative and flexible in addressing those needs that have no off-the-shelf solution. We help...
Landscape Genetics of Sage Grouse
Loss and fragmentation of sagebrush habitats are among the primary causes of decline in greater and Gunnison sage-grouse. A fundamental need for species conservation is to identify and subsequently maintain a set of connected populations. Landscape genetics combines the fields of population genetics and landscape ecology to investigate how landscape and environmental features affect connectivity...
Molecular Ecology Lab (MEL)
The Molecular Ecology Laboratory applies innovative genetic and genomic technologies to address a variety of complex questions and issues facing the Nation's natural resources. While we continually update the scale and efficiency of laboratory procedures to meet stakeholder needs, we must also be innovative and flexible in addressing those needs that have no off-the-shelf solution. We help...
Landscape Genetics of Sage Grouse
Loss and fragmentation of sagebrush habitats are among the primary causes of decline in greater and Gunnison sage-grouse. A fundamental need for species conservation is to identify and subsequently maintain a set of connected populations. Landscape genetics combines the fields of population genetics and landscape ecology to investigate how landscape and environmental features affect connectivity...