Pupfish microsatellite profile on Beckman CEQ8000

 

 

 

Conservation Genetics Papers

 We use a battery of molecular markers to evaluate conservation genetics problems such as population structure and gene flow among sub-populations of White Sands pupfish (Cyprionodon tularosa) (Stockwell et al. 1998; Stockwell & Mulvey 1998; Miller 2001; Iyengar et al. 2004). This work indicates that the two native populations are genetically divergent at a level similar to other recognized pupfish species (Stockwell et al. 1998). This led us to recommend that these two lineages be recognized as separate Evolutionarily Significant Units of the White Sands pupfish (Stockwell et al. 1998). These findings are further supported by ecological differences among habitats and genetically based differences in body shape (Conservation Ecology). We have also found evidence for a severe genetic bottleneck for the Lost River population (Heilveil and Stockwell, unpublished). Finally, we have also recorded significant effects of habitat fragmentation within Lost River and Salt Creek (Heilveil and Stockwell unpublished).