Spatial and temporal variability of microgeographic genetic structure in white-tailed deer

Journal of Mammalogy
By: , and 

Links

Abstract

Techniques are described that define contiguous genetic subpopulations of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) based on the spatial dispersion of 4,749 individuals that possessed discrete character values (alleles or genotypes) during each of 6 years (1974-1979). White-tailed deer were not uniformly distributed in space, but exhibited considerable spatial genetic structuring. Significant non-random clusters of individuals were documented during each year based on specific alleles and genotypes at the Sdh locus. Considerable temporal variation was observed in the position and genetic composition of specific clusters, which reflected changes in allele frequency in small geographic areas. The position of clusters did not consistently correspond with traditional management boundaries based on major discontinuities in habitat (swamp versus upland) and hunt compartments that were defined by roads and streams. Spatio-temporal stability of observed genetic contiguous clusters was interpreted relative to method and intensity of harvest, movements, and breeding ecology.

Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Spatial and temporal variability of microgeographic genetic structure in white-tailed deer
Series title Journal of Mammalogy
DOI 10.2307/1382933
Volume 78
Issue 3
Year Published 1997
Language English
Publisher Oxford Academic
Contributing office(s) Alaska Science Center
Description 12 p.
First page 744
Last page 755
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details