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Identification of metapopulation dynamics among Northern Goshawks of the Alexander Archipelago, Alaska, and Coastal British Columbia

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Abstract

Northern Goshawks occupying the Alexander Archipelago, Alaska, and coastal British Columbia nest primarily in old-growth and mature forest, which results in spatial heterogeneity in the distribution of individuals across the landscape. We used microsatellite and mitochondrial data to infer genetic structure, gene flow, and fluctuations in population demography through evolutionary time. Patterns in the genetic signatures were used to assess predictions associated with the three population models: panmixia, metapopulation, and isolated populations. Population genetic structure was observed along with asymmetry in gene flow estimates that changed directionality at different temporal scales, consistent with metapopulation model predictions. Therefore, Northern Goshawk assemblages located in the Alexander Archipelago and coastal British Columbia interact through a metapopulation framework, though they may not fit the classic model of a metapopulation. Long-term population sources (coastal mainland British Columbia) and sinks (Revillagigedo and Vancouver islands) were identified. However, there was no trend through evolutionary time in the directionality of dispersal among the remaining assemblages, suggestive of a rescue–effect dynamic. Admiralty, Douglas, and Chichagof island complex appears to be an evolutionarily recent source population in the Alexander Archipelago. In addition, Kupreanof island complex and Kispiox Forest District populations have high dispersal rates to populations in close geographic proximity and potentially serve as local source populations. Metapopulation dynamics occurring in the Alexander Archipelago and coastal British Columbia by Northern Goshawks highlight the importance of both occupied and unoccupied habitats to long-term population persistence of goshawks in this region.

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Acknowledgments

This paper would not have been possible without the help from many individuals who provided field, logistic, and laboratory assistance. Funding was provided by Brigham Young University, US Geological Survey Alaska Science Center, US Forest Service, Environment Canada, and the US Fish and Wildlife Service. Technological support was provided by Shawn Houston, University of Alaska Life Science Informatics computer cluster (NIH P20RR016466). We especially thank the Bird Treatment and Learning Center in Anchorage, Alaska, for providing samples useful in marker development. CR Dial, J Rearick, and J Unland rendered laboratory assistance. The manuscript was improved by comments from P Beerli, Florida State University; S Boyce, US Forest Service; V Penteriani, Estación Biológica de Doñana, C.S.I.C.; and two anonymous reviewers. Mention of trade names or commercial products does not constitute endorsement or recommendation for use.

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  1. Sarah A. Sonsthagen

    Present address: Alaska Science Center, US Geological Survey, 4210 University Dr., Anchorage, AK, 99508, USA

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Birds and Laboratories of Analytical Biology, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC, 20013, USA

    Sarah A. Sonsthagen

  2. Alaska Science Center, US Geological Survey, 4210 University Dr., Anchorage, AK, 99508, USA

    George K. Sage, Judy R. Gust & Sandra L. Talbot

  3. Ministry of Environment, 1812 Miracle Beach Drive, Black Creek, BC, V9J 1K1, Canada

    Erica L. McClaren

  4. Wildlife Dynamics Consulting, Box 3596, Smithers, BC, V0J 2N0, Canada

    Frank I. Doyle

  5. Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Division of Wildlife Conservation, P.O. Box 25526, Juneau, AK, 99802, USA

    Kimberly Titus

  6. Department of Biology and Wildlife, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK, 99775, USA

    Robert E. Wilson

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  1. Sarah A. Sonsthagen
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Sonsthagen, S.A., McClaren, E.L., Doyle, F.I. et al. Identification of metapopulation dynamics among Northern Goshawks of the Alexander Archipelago, Alaska, and Coastal British Columbia. Conserv Genet 13, 1045–1057 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10592-012-0352-z

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