A genetic Wallace's Line across Wyoming

Authors(s): D. McDonald

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Publication Date: 0000-00-00

Type: annual report

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Abstract: Objectives In GTNP, our goals are to examine habitat use and genetic structure of Black Rosy-Finches, Leucosticte atrata. Rosy-finches are extreme habitat specialists, nesting at elevations above 9,000 feet, near permanent snowfields and using crevices in cliffs as nesting substrate. WY has two breeding species -- L. atrata in the NW (including GTNP) and L. australis, which breeds in SE WY and through much of CO. Our genetic and habitat studies will elucidate the levels of connectivity among rosy-finch populations, using a combination of microsatellite DNA markers and GIS mapping of suitable breeding habitat. They will also examine the nature of the social system, where conflicting evidence concerning parental care and highly male-biased sex ratios have heretofore been the subject of considerable speculation but little concrete information. Findings and Status Fieldwork in 2001 consisted of a few exploratory surveys of potential habitat in the Tetons. A request of extension of the research (through Jun-03) has been approved to allow greater development of technology and resources. As part of the larger study of the genus Leucosticte, we have developed a GIS model of habitat that will be field-tested in the summer of 2002 in various parts of WY, MT, UT and CO.

Keywords: Grand Teton National Park, habitat, breeding, animal, bird, ornithology, Aves, finch, Black Rosy-Finch, Leucosticte atrata, habitat, nest, nesting, population, mortality, behavior, Teton Mountain Range