Cactus Wren Genetic Analysis - Historical Museum Samples

The purpose of this study is to gather genetic data from museum samples collected in the early 1900s to compare levels of genetic diversity and population structure to present day estimates. From this analysis, USGS hopes to determine whether there has been an increase in population genetic differentiation and a loss of genetic diversity in Southern California Cactus Wrens over the past century, and to quantify these changes. Results will help inform potential management actions such as choosing source populations for re-establishment and augmentation. This project will consist of the following objectives:1) Develop protocols for DNA extraction and amplification of historical museum samples for microsatellite loci; 2) Travel to museums in California to retrieve tissue from relevant museum specimens; 3) Genotype samples, analyze patterns of genetic differentiation and diversity, and prepare a report comparing past to present population genetic structure.

Genetic study
Vertebrate Species
completed
Project Groups
  • SDMMP33 Cactus Wren Genetic Analysis

Project Focus

Coastal cactus wren

coastal sage scrub

Amy Vandergast

U.S. Geological Survey

Amy Vandergast

Kris Preston

Kelly Barr

Project Protocol
Historical Population Structure and Genetic Diversity in the Cactus Wren in Coastal Southern Califor

This protocol is an excerpt from a 2014 report by Barr and Vandergast. Protocol includes: collecting samples, assessing data quality, identifying population structure, and calculating genetic diversity.

genetic sample collection
Strategic Elements
  • pre FY15-1
File name Lead Author Year Type
Historical Population Structure and Genetic Diversity in the Cactus Wren in Coastal Southern California Barr, Kelly; Vandergast, Amy 2014 report