Mehrenfl
06-26-2006, 07:47 PM
Here's information on a 2006 Delta project trying to help our Florida Mottled Duck. There should be a real big project right around the corner!!
Guo-Jing Weng – Ph. D. candidate
Advisor: Dr. Sara Schweitzer
University: University of Georgia
Conservation genetics of an introduced Mottled Duck population
Mottled Ducks from Texas, Louisiana, and Florida were reintroduced to South Carolina from 1975-1982. This introduced population has expanded its range southward, such that breeding populations occur in southern Georgia. Furthermore, at least one banded individual from the introduced population was found in Florida. This is of concern to ornithologists because the Florida Mottled Duck is considered a distinct sub-species. Thus, managers seek to maintain the genetic purity of the Florida Mottled Duck population. Guo-Jing will use genetic techniques to detect the possibility of gene flow between the Florida and South Carolina/Georgia populations of Mottled Ducks, as well as make comparisons of the genetic composition of these populations. Unlike most North American ducks, Mottled Ducks tend to have a more sedentary nature and occur in much smaller groups than their North American cousins, especially the ubiquitous Mallard. Guo-Jing will also investigate the grouping and genetic structure of sub-populations of Mottled Ducks along the South Carolina/Georgia coastal zone, which will reveal breeding units of importance to managers.
Guo-Jing Weng – Ph. D. candidate
Advisor: Dr. Sara Schweitzer
University: University of Georgia
Conservation genetics of an introduced Mottled Duck population
Mottled Ducks from Texas, Louisiana, and Florida were reintroduced to South Carolina from 1975-1982. This introduced population has expanded its range southward, such that breeding populations occur in southern Georgia. Furthermore, at least one banded individual from the introduced population was found in Florida. This is of concern to ornithologists because the Florida Mottled Duck is considered a distinct sub-species. Thus, managers seek to maintain the genetic purity of the Florida Mottled Duck population. Guo-Jing will use genetic techniques to detect the possibility of gene flow between the Florida and South Carolina/Georgia populations of Mottled Ducks, as well as make comparisons of the genetic composition of these populations. Unlike most North American ducks, Mottled Ducks tend to have a more sedentary nature and occur in much smaller groups than their North American cousins, especially the ubiquitous Mallard. Guo-Jing will also investigate the grouping and genetic structure of sub-populations of Mottled Ducks along the South Carolina/Georgia coastal zone, which will reveal breeding units of importance to managers.