Conservation and landscape genetics of Texas lesser prairie-chicken: Population structure and differentiation, genetic variability, and effective size

The lesser prairie-chicken (Tympanuchus pallidicinctus) is a grassland-dependent bird which has declined substantially during the last century as a result of habitat loss. I used nuclear microsatellites and mitochondrial sequence data to assess population differentiation and structure, genetic variability, and effective population size across Texas and adjoining areas of New Mexico. I identified 2 populations which can serve as management units, additional substructure, female-bias dispersal, male relatives on leks, and provide habitat connectivity recommendations. Results suggested panmictic historical condition and support northeast Texas Panhandle as historically central, and New Mexico and southwest Texas (NM_SWTX) as peripheral. However, current effective size of NM_SWTX was >2 times greater than northeast Texas Panhandle. Overall genetic diversity was high, but I did detect lower diversity in a small and isolated sub-region raising concern for such groups. Conservation actions should focus on maintenance of occupied habitat and preserving connectivity among extant populations.;Note: Chapter 1 is a literature review and subsequent chapters are written as manuscripts for journal submission.