Genetic Variation in the Midcontinental Population of Sandhill Cranes, Grus Canadensis

Authors

Jessica L. Petersen, Nebraska Wesleyan UniversityFollow
Richard Bischof, Wildlife Research Section, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, Lincoln, Nebraska
Gary L. Krapu, USGS Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, Jamestown, North Dakota
Allen L. Szalanski, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville

ORCID IDs

Jessica L. Petersen

Document Type

Article

Date of this Version

2-1-2003

Comments

Published in Biochemical Genetics, Vol. 41, Nos. 1/2, February 2003.

Abstract

Three subspecies of sandhill crane (Grus canadensis) are recognized in the Midcontinental population, the lesser (Grus c. canadensis), Canadian (G. c. rowani), and greater (G. c. tabida). Blood samples collected on the population's primary spring staging area in Nebraska, U.S.A., were used to resolve the genetic relationship among these subspecies. Phylogenetic analysis of 27 G. canadensis, by DNA sequencing of a 675 bp region of the mtDNA, supports the subspecies designations of G. c. canadensisand G. c. tabida. G. c. rowani individuals were intermediate with each of the other two subspecies. Genetic divergence ranged from 6.5 to 14.5% between G. c. canadensis and G. c. tabida, 0.5 to 6.6% within G. c. canadensis, and 0.1 to 6.0% within G. c. tabida. Sufficient DNA for analysis was obtained from shed feathers indicating a source of genetic material that does not require the capture or sacrifice of the birds. Other genetic markers and methods, including satellite telemetry, are required for obtaining detailed information on crane distributions as needed to establish effective management units for the MCP.