Using Genetic Analyses To Inform On-The-Ground Conservation for Multiple Sagebrush-Associated Wildlife Species Active

While many of the seasonal migratory corridors for mule deer and pronghorn are known, key areas for genetic exchange in these species are not. USGS scientists and collaborators at the University of Wyoming are building on the growing information base of movements by marked deer and pronghorn and preliminary genetic work for both species to increase the understanding of gene flow through migration corridors. Genetically “mapping” multiple species on a landscape can help identify where conservation actions can be most beneficial to many species or where conservation for a single species might be harmful to others. Results of this study can assist in making smart conservation planning actions, maximize conservation efforts, and reduce potential conservation conflicts based on single species habitat management.