Despite decades of decline, a genetic analysis of ruffed grouse reveals that Pennsylvania's state bird harbors more genetic diversity and connectivity than expected. The findings suggest that the iconic game bird could be maintained in persistent numbers if appropriate protections are implemented.
The study, led by Penn State and Pennsylvania Game Commission researchers, published in the journalAccording to the researchers, Pennsylvania's ruffed grouse populations have declined by up to 70% since the early 1960s, with birds in the southern part of the state particularly affected by West Nile virus, which is spread by mosquitoes, and by habitat fragmentation due to development.
As an initial step, the team produced the first high-quality reference genome for ruffed grouse. A reference genome, Luna said, is a representative example of a particular organism's genes. "This tells us that the population may not be doing as bad as we expected," Luna said."It also helped us to inform wildlife managers which areas would most benefit from the development of habitat corridors. However, it is just a snapshot of the population at this particular moment.
Toews noted that chromosomal inversions previously were found in other bird species and were expressed via different plumage patterns or more aggressive behaviors, for example. He said the team does not yet know how the inversions might affect the ruffed grouse. It's a topic the team plans to further investigate.In the meantime, Toews said, the chromosomal inversions have important implications for conservation.
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Ruffed grouse population more resilient than expected, genetic study findsDespite decades of decline, a genetic analysis of ruffed grouse reveals that Pennsylvania's state bird harbors more genetic diversity and connectivity than expected. The findings suggest that the iconic game bird could be maintained in persistent numbers if appropriate protections are implemented. The study, led by Penn State and Pennsylvania Game Commission researchers, is published in Molecular Ecology.
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