Abstract - Genetic Variation Among Three Prairie Dog Colonies (Cynomys ludovicianus) on the Great Plains: A Preliminary Report

Bowser, Gillian. 1993. Genetic Variation Among Three Prairie Dog Colonies (Cynomys ludovicianus) on the Great Plains: A Preliminary Report.

Abstract

In this report the author examines the regional isolation of prairie dog colonies on the Great Plains by addressing the following questions: (1) What are the population dynamics, as explained by genetic comparisons, for several existing prairie dog colonies on the Great Plains? (2) Is inbreeding (genetic isolation) contributing to a decline in managed populations? (3) How isolated are the different populations? (4) Is there an effect of management reductions on prairie dog genetics? (5) What is the estimated rate of dispersal among the populations?