CRB: Population Bottlenecks, Inbreeding and Estimation of Molecular Genetic Variation

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Successful completion of the proposed research will result in a greater understanding of the roles of inbreeding and genetic drift in reducing genetic variation and fitness in both captive and wild populations of the endangered nene (Branta sandvicensis). Important information should also be obtained concerning the relative abilities of two different molecular techniques (DNA fingerprinting and haploid mitochondrial DNA sequencing) to assess inbreeding, genetic variation and their possible fitness consequences in these same populations. Because demographic and historic data are also available for these populations the genetic data can be used to test models of population genetic theory. Lastly, the genetic and demographic data should provide valuable input to the design of future captive breeding programs as well as to management of individuals reintroduced to the diminishing wild population.