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December 1, 2008
To: Public
Subject: Proposed Genetics Monitoring Protocol for Grizzly Bears in the Greater Yellowstone Area
The Final Conservation Strategy for the Grizzly Bear in the Greater Yellowstone Area (March, 2007) identifies a number of monitoring protocols to help determine how well the Conservation Strategy is being implemented. However, the monitoring protocol for genetic diversity required updating as stated in Final Rule delisting the Yellowstone Grizzly Bear published in the Federal Register on March 29, 2007. The rule states on page 14885 that there will be a "genetic monitoring information updating process”.
The purpose of this letter is to seek public comment on the “Proposed Genetics Monitoring Protocol for Grizzly Bears in the Greater Yellowstone Area”. A copy of the protocol is attached.
Click here to read the full genetic monitoring public comment document...
Proposed genetics monitoring protocol for grizzly bears in the Greater Yellowstone Area
Background
Genetic issues are of concern for the Greater Yellowstone Area (GYA) grizzly bear population because it is an isolated population where genetic declines over time are expected due to inbreeding effects. Miller and Waits (2003), recommend that 1-2 effective migrants per generation is an appropriate level of gene flow into the Yellowstone grizzly population..
Recent long-distance movements of grizzly bears documented by DNA samples and telemetry have shown that grizzly movements of at least 140 air miles are possible in the northern Rockies. Such movements highlight the need to monitor all Yellowstone bears captured or dead in order to determine if movement into this area has occurred.
Click here to read the Proposed genetics monitoring protocol for grizzly bears DNA document...
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