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Conservation genetics of bull trout: Geographic distribution of variation at microsatellite loci

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Abstract

We describe the genetic population structure of65 bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus)populations from the northwestern United Statesusing four microsatellite loci. Thedistribution of genetic variation as measuredby microsatellites is consistent with previousallozyme and mitochondrial DNA analysis. Thereis relatively little genetic variation withinpopulations (H S = 0.000 – 0.404,average H S = 0.186, but substantialdivergence between populations (F ST = 0.659). In addition, those populations that had low genetic variation forallozymes also tended to have low geneticvariation at microsatellite loci. Microsatellite analysis supports the existenceof at least three major geneticallydifferentiated groups of bull trout: (1)``Coastal'' bull trout populations, (2) ``SnakeRiver'' populations, which also include the JohnDay, Umatilla, and Walla Walla Rivers and, (3)populations from the upper Columbia River,primarily from the Clark Fork basin. Withinthe major assemblages, populations are furthersubdivided, primarily at the river basin level. Most of the genetic similarities we havedetected probably reflect patterns of historicisolation and gene flow. However, in somecases, genetic drift and low levels ofvariation appear to have influenced therelationships inferred from these data. Finally, we suggest using a hierarchicalapproach to direct management actions inspecies such as bull trout for which most ofthe genetic variation exists among populationsand local populations in close proximitytypically are genetically distinct.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Wild Trout and Salmon Genetics Laboratory, Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT, 59812, USA

    P. Spruell, N. Kanda & F.W. Allendorf

  2. 28655 Hwy 34, Corvallis, OR, 97333, USA

    A.R. Hemmingsen

  3. USDA Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station, Forestry and Range Sciences Laboratory, 1401 Gekeler Lane, La Grande, OR, 97850, USA

    P.J. Howell

  4. The Institute of Cetacean Research, 4-18 Toyomi-cho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-0055, Japan

    N. Kanda

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  1. P. Spruell
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  2. A.R. Hemmingsen
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  3. P.J. Howell
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  4. N. Kanda
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  5. F.W. Allendorf
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Correspondence to P. Spruell.

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Spruell, P., Hemmingsen, A., Howell, P. et al. Conservation genetics of bull trout: Geographic distribution of variation at microsatellite loci. Conservation Genetics 4, 17–29 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1021841000262

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