Genetic assessment of the red squirrel in Illinois: Immigrants or Exotics? |
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| Authors: | William S Beatty Zhiwei Liu Emily K Latch Thomas A Nelson |
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| Institution: | 1. Department of Biological Sciences, Eastern Illinois University, 600 Lincoln Avenue, Charleston, IL 61920, USA;2. Department of Biological Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, 3209 N. Maryland Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53211, USA;3. Department of Biology, North Georgia College and State University, 332 Sunset Drive, Dahlonega, GA 30533, USA |
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| Abstract: | Novel populations pose unusual challenges for wildlife managers because knowledge regarding the source of these populations is essential to develop sound management approaches. One example that illustrates the complexity of this issue is the small population of red squirrels (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) identified in northeastern Illinois in the 1970s. To elucidate the source of the red squirrel population in Illinois, we examined both contemporary and less recent patterns of genetic structure using nuclear microsatellite loci and mitochondrial DNA. Analyses revealed the Illinois subpopulation was primarily comprised of descendents of immigrants from Indiana, but there was also evidence of a translocation of squirrels from Minnesota. We recommend continued protection for the red squirrel in Illinois due to its restricted geographic range, small population size, and status as a native population. © 2011 The Wildlife Society. |
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| Keywords: | genetic assignment Illinois microsatellite mitochondrial DNA Tamiasciurus hudsonicus |
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