The phylo-geography and population genetics of three Crotalus species in Southern Arizona (C. atrox, C. cerastes, and C. scutulatus) were examined using mitochondrial DNA genes and nuclear microsatellite DNA markers. My focus was twofold: (1) the phylo-geography and population structure in Southern Arizona and (2) possible genetic signatures of population fragmentation by linear barriers on rattlesnakes populations at Picacho Peak. My results show genetic signatures of geneflow restrictions in one species (C. atrox) which coincide with Interstate 10. I did not observe similar genetic effects in C. cerastes or scutulatus, possibly caused by smaller sample sizes and marker numbers. I found limited phylo-geographic and population genetic structure for all three species in Southern Arizona indicating large interconnected populations. This study provides wildlife management with a powerful genetic toolset and provides important baseline data for future assessment and monitoring efforts of important predators and their populations in the Sonoran desert habitat.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:arizona.edu/oai:arizona.openrepository.com:10150/205210 |
| Date | January 2011 |
| Creators | Pozarowski, Krystyn Michelle |
| Contributors | Wienert, Ted, Culver, Melanie, Herrmann, Hans-Werner |
| Publisher | The University of Arizona. |
| Source Sets | University of Arizona |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | text, Electronic Thesis |
| Rights | Copyright © is held by the author. Digital access to this material is made possible by the University Libraries, University of Arizona. Further transmission, reproduction or presentation (such as public display or performance) of protected items is prohibited except with permission of the author. |
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