Search

The distribution of the Lesser Prairie-Chicken (Tympanuchus pallidicinctus) has been markedly reduced due to loss and fragmentation of habitat. Portions of the historical range, however, have been recolonized and even expanded due to planting of conservation reserve program (CRP) fields that provide favorable vegetation structure for Lesser Prairie-Chickens. The source population(s) feeding the range expansion is unknown, yet has resulted in overlap between Lesser and Greater Prairie-Chickens (T. cupido) increasing the potential for hybridization. Our objectives were to characterize connectivity and genetic diversity among populations, identify source population(s) of recent range expansion, and examine hybridization with the Greater Prairie-Chicken. We analyzed 640 samples from across the range using 13 microsatellites. We identified three to four populations corresponding largely to ecoregions. The Shinnery Oak Prairie and Sand Sagebrush Prairie represented genetically distinct populations (F ST > 0.034 and F ST > 0.023 respectively). The Shortgrass/CRP Mosaic and Mixed Grass ecoregions appeared admixed (F ST = 0.009). Genetic diversity was similar among ecoregions and N e ranged from 142 (95 % CI 99–236) for the Shortgrass/CRP Mosaic to 296 (95 % CI 233–396) in the Mixed Grass Prairie. No recent migration was detected among ecoregions, except asymmetric dispersal from both the Mixed Grass Prairie and to a lesser extent the Sand Sagebrush Prairie north into adjacent Shortgrass/CRP Mosaic (m = 0.207, 95 % CI 0.116–0.298, m = 0.097, 95 % CI 0.010–0.183, respectively). Indices investigating potential hybridization in the Shortgrass/CRP Mosaic revealed that six of the 13 individuals with hybrid phenotypes were significantly admixed suggesting hybridization. Continued monitoring of diversity within and among ecoregions is warranted as are actions promoting genetic connectivity and range expansion.

We harvested 21 fallow deer (Dama dama) and 17 axis deer (Axis axis) in northern Mexico. Two fallow deer were positive for Babesia bigemina and one for Babesia bovis. Amplicons had the expected 170 and 291 base pairs and were identical to B. bigemina (S45366) and B. bovis (M38218), respectively.

Of 20 blood samples from nilgais from Mexico, five were polymerase chain reaction-positive for Babesia bigemina and one for Babesia bovis. Positive samples had the expected 170 (B. bigemina) and 291 (B. bovis) base pairs and were identical to Gen- Bank B. bigemina accession S45366 and B. bovis M38218.

Desert bighorn sheep ( Ovis canadensis mexicana ) became extinct in Texas, U.S.A., during the 1960s and reintroduction efforts have resulted in an extant population of about 300 free-ranging animals. We studied diet preferences of reintroduced desert bighorn sheep in three mountain ranges in western Texas, U.S.A., during 1994–1995. We predicted that botanical composition and species richness of diets of reintroduced male and female desert bighorns differ when sexes are segregated, but are similar during portions of the year when sexes are aggregated. There were few consistent differences in diet composition between sexes. Species richness of diets of male bighorns was greater than for females. Forbs were highly preferred by both sexes but forb bio-mass was less than 1 kg ha −1 in all seasons. Drought and impacts of historical livestock grazing on vegetation may have masked diet partitioning by sex.

Restoration of desert bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) is proceeding in several western states. Measurement of nutritional resources (quality and quantity) is not normally conducted to assess future and present translocation sites, although it has been recommended generally for evaluation of ungulate habitat. We estimated nutritional carrying capacity (based on nitrogen in forage species) of three mountain ranges in Trans-Pecos Texas where desert bighorn sheep have been translocated. We used an explicit nutritional constraint model to estimate carrying capacity on a seasonal basis. Although drought conditions prevailed during the study period, bighorns were not limited by quantity of vegetation. However, forage biomass of high nutritional quality (>1.5% N) was very low (