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Contributed Poster

Session: Population Dynamics

PS 18-248 - Of weasels and SNPs: Expanding the molecular ecology toolbox for noninvasive study of threatened mustelids in the Pacific Northwest

Monday, August 7, 2023
5:00 PM – 6:30 PM PDT
Location: ESA Exhibit Hall
Abstract: Rapidly advancing molecular methods are increasingly applicable to non-model species, resulting in an explosion of genetic information that can inform the ecology and conservation of elusive or understudied taxa. For threatened species, genetic tools can be used to gather much-needed demographic data, as well as providing information on population health and structure that can inform future reintroduction or translocation efforts. Here, we present population genomics of two mustelids endemic to the Pacific Northwest: the federally threatened Humboldt or coastal marten (Martes caurina humboldtensis) and the Pacific fisher (Pekania pennanti) which has been considered for federal listing. Current broad-scale monitoring of both species relies on camera-trapping and scat detection dog surveys. Previous genetic methods for scats were limited to species identification, and hundreds of DNA extracts from marten and fisher scats are in storage with untapped information. Our primary objectives are to 1) assess genetic health of the coastal marten subspecies, 2) assess population structure of the Pacific fisher, and 3) develop molecular tools to improve noninvasive genetic monitoring of martens and fishers. We conducted de novo single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) discovery using ddRADseq data from 63 marten and 27 fisher samples. For coastal martens, we assessed genetic diversity within and gene flow between populations, as well as genetic differentiation from other nearby Pacific marten populations (M. c. vulpina and M. c. sierrae). For Pacific fisher, we assessed population structure in California and Oregon, and population health and genetic differentiation of the recently federally listed Sierra Nevada Distinct Population Segment. For each species, we identified informative SNPs and are in the process of developing a multifunctional GT-seq panel for individual, sex, and population identification. Genomics results show minor levels of inbreeding and genetic isolation in the Central Coast Humboldt marten population and genetic connectivity between other coastal marten populations. Similarly, results confirm that the recently listed fisher population in the southern Sierra Nevada is genetically isolated from other Pacific fisher populations and shows signs of inbreeding. Our results demonstrate the need for management actions that either improve genetic connectivity for isolated populations by providing dispersal corridors, or translocations into isolated populations to maintain genetic connectivity and health. Our GT-seq panels will allow for efficient, broad-scale demographic and genetic monitoring for both species, and future research using these panels will provide information on population density and landscape genetics.