Assessing genetic variation in natal populations of small Canada geese via microsatellite loci

Traditionally, waterfowl biologists have identified specific groups of Canada geese (Branta canadensis) by the recovery of marked individuals and/or their winter distribution. From winter distributions and field observations of marked birds, small Canada geese in the Central Flyway have been placed into two categories, the Tall Grass Prairie (TGP) and Short Grass Prairie (SGP) populations. These populations nest primarily in the Northwest Territories, Canada.;Although banding and collaring data provide information on the organisms movement, it does not predict potential gene flow, nor does it give the history of a birds genetic make-up. Because Canada geese are philopatric, this behavior increases the potential for populations to become genetically isolated. I tried to determine if there were genetic subdivisions among geographically distinct groups.;I conducted a search for genetic markers that provide direct rather than implied information regarding breeding groups. This was done by constructing a genomic DNA library and three microsatellite sub-libraries. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primers were constructed to amplify each microsatellite locus. For each of the five informative microsatellite loci, 13 natal populations (;These markers proved to be highly polymorphic, having seven to 24 alleles per locus. The average observed heterozygosity values ranged from 0.342 (locus TTUCG-1) to 0.778 (TTUCG-2). Polymorphism information content (PIC) values indicated that the markers were moderately to highly informative as molecular markers, as values ranged from 0.406 (locus TTUCG-4) to 0.909 (locus TTUCG-5), respectively. However, little genetic subdivision was found among the 13 groups of small Canada geese examined (average for all individuals (R;This data set provides information from the nuclear genome which is congruent with mitochondrial DNA, in that subdivision at the population level is lacking. It is possible that subspecies are mixed in local breeding areas, or there is enough gene flow to prevent detection of differences among breeding groups. Possibly, current banding efforts may be best suited to monitor harvest and movement of small-bodied Canada geese in the Central Flyway.