Population Structure of the Lower Keys Marsh Rabbit as Determined by Mitochondrial DNA Analysis Academic Article uri icon

abstract

  • We used nucleotide sequence data from a mitochondrial DNA fragment to characterize variation within the endangered Lower Keys marsh rabbit (Sylvilagus palustris hefneri). We observed 5 unique mitochondrial haplotypes across different sampling sites in the Lower Florida Keys, USA. Based on the frequency of these haplotypes at different geographic locations and relationships among haplotypes, we observed 2 distinct clades or groups of sampling sites (western and eastern clades). These 2 groups showed low levels of gene flow. Regardless of their origin, marsh rabbits from the Lower Florida Keys can be separated into 2 genetically distinct management units, which should be considered prior to implementation of translocations as a means of offsetting recent population declines.

published proceedings

  • JOURNAL OF WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT

author list (cited authors)

  • Crouse, A. L., Honeycutt, R. L., Mccleery, R. A., Faulhaber, C. A., Perry, N. D., & Lopez, R. R.

citation count

  • 5

complete list of authors

  • Crouse, Amanda L||Honeycutt, Rodney L||Mccleery, Robert A||Faulhaber, Craig A||Perry, Neil D||Lopez, Roel R

publication date

  • April 2009

publisher