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Location
Saratoga Springs, NY
Start Date
4-5-2009 12:00 AM
Description
Coyotes (Canis latrans) have been extremely successful in dispersing and expanding their range that now includes all fifty states of the United States in addition to Canada and parts of Central America. These animals have generally been considered a pest species due to their adaptive ability, high reproductivity, and impact as a top predator on commercial agricultural business. Population dynamics of coyotes is still poorly understood, yet such knowledge would be beneficial to management of coyotes in all areas. The goal of this study is to determine population structure in Alabama by using microsatellite DNA markers. In addition we plan to examine patterns of gene flow across an urban to rural gradient. This research is extremely applicable in urban coyote management as we will be able to describe gene flow between and among population of coyotes. Information gained about population structure among coyotes in east-central Alabama could be informative about populations across the southeastern region. It is our expectation that such biological data will be consolidated with the vast knowledge of the ecology of the southeastern coyote gathered to date to inform and aid management plans and decisions across the region. Approaching both conservation and management issues with a more unbiased view of the ecology of coyote populations will allow greater effectiveness in management practices for this species.
Recommended Citation
Dennis, D., Armstrong, J., Arjo, W., Brock, K., & Piaggio, A. (2009). Genetic analysis of population dynamics of the southeastern coyote (canis latrans). In Boulanger, J. (Ed.), The Thirteenth Wildlife Damage Management Conference (260). Saratoga Springs, NY: Thirteenth WDM Conference.
Included in
Genetic Analysis of Population Dynamics of the Southeastern Coyote (Canis latrans)
Saratoga Springs, NY
Coyotes (Canis latrans) have been extremely successful in dispersing and expanding their range that now includes all fifty states of the United States in addition to Canada and parts of Central America. These animals have generally been considered a pest species due to their adaptive ability, high reproductivity, and impact as a top predator on commercial agricultural business. Population dynamics of coyotes is still poorly understood, yet such knowledge would be beneficial to management of coyotes in all areas. The goal of this study is to determine population structure in Alabama by using microsatellite DNA markers. In addition we plan to examine patterns of gene flow across an urban to rural gradient. This research is extremely applicable in urban coyote management as we will be able to describe gene flow between and among population of coyotes. Information gained about population structure among coyotes in east-central Alabama could be informative about populations across the southeastern region. It is our expectation that such biological data will be consolidated with the vast knowledge of the ecology of the southeastern coyote gathered to date to inform and aid management plans and decisions across the region. Approaching both conservation and management issues with a more unbiased view of the ecology of coyote populations will allow greater effectiveness in management practices for this species.