Genetic Comparison of White-tailed Ptarmigan Populations and Subspecies

Dr. Jessica Young and Craig Stanton

Abstract: Five subspeceies of White-tailed Ptarmigan are found in alpine habitats from Alaska to northern New Mexico. These and the surrounding habitats are sensitive to human impact and one of the subspecies is considered threatened. Little work has been done to distinguish the populations and subspecies. The purpose of this experiment was to gather information concerning the genetic differences of and between the populations and subspecies in an effort to provide wildlife officials background data needed for making management decisions. 200+ birds were sampled, 164 from which DNA was extracted. The DNA was amplified using PCR and primers coding for a conserved region of mitochondrial DNA. This segment was sequenced for a bird from Colorado and from Vancouver Island B.C. and showed two distinct haplotypes. Microsatellites were also investigated and at least 4 microsatellites were found to provide useful information.

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