Genetic diversity in Arctic-nesting geese: Implications for management and conservation

The North Pacific Rim harbors breeding populations of many unique wildlife resources, of which waterfowl are among the most abundant and taxonomically diverse. Arctic nesting geese in particular are wide-spread in distribution (Figure 1), and though only seasons residents, they have evolved many unique adaptations for breeding in northern latitudes. This diversity has been recognized and managed at many taxonomic and geographic levels (Figure 2). Populations are spatially structured on macro- and micro-geographic scales reflecting taxon-specific migratory tendencies, and breeding and winter site fidelity.