LANDSCAPE GENETICS OF THE SAN DIEGO FAIRY SHRIMP (BRANCHINECTA SANDIEGONENSIS)

Natalie S Goddard; San Diego State University; ngoddard@mail.sdsu.edu; Andrew J Bohonak, Marie A Simovich, Charles Black, Ketan V Patel, Nicholas S Graige

The San Diego fairy shrimp (Branchinecta sandiegonensis) is listed as federally endangered as a result of large-scale urbanization and subsequent vernal pool habitat loss. When new pools are created for mitigation or disturbed pools are restored, sediment from existing pools may be used for inoculation. The success of these projects can depend on whether source material is taken from a gene pool that is differentially adapted from the destination. Previous studies have suggested that there are at least two relatively differentiated gene pools of San Diego fairy shrimp within San Diego County. A putative contact zone between these gene pools occurs primarily on land owned by the Marine Corps Air Station at Miramar (MCAS Miramar). Using the mitochondrial gene COI in conjunction with seven microsatellite loci, we have delineated the relatively abrupt gene pool boundary with greater precision than was previously known. We have also tested for additional population structure within each of these regional gene pools, based on a variety of pool-specific and landscape features. A greater understanding of the processes underlying genetic population structure in endangered species such as the San Diego fairy shrimp can lead to more effective management and conservation decisions.

Ecology and Management of Wildlife on Military Lands     Student Paper