Preferred Session: Genetics in Wildlife Investigation, Conservation, and Management

Type of paper: Poster presentation I intend to participate in the Student Judging program. 

Paper Title: Population Genomics of the Endemic Galapagos Dove (Zenaida galapagoensis)

Eva J. Driggs, San Francisco State University Department of Biology, 1600 Holloway Ave, San Francisco, CA 94132, edriggs@sfsu.edu, (310) 946-9495; Co–authors: Jack P. Dumbacher; and Jaime A. Chaves

Abstract: The Galapagos dove (Zenaida galapagoensis) is an endemic bird species found on every major island of the Galapagos. However, Z. galapagoensis populations have declined 20-29% in the last decades due to introduced predators (e.g., cats) and human disturbance. Despite this recent decline, Z. galapagoensis' population dynamics remain largely understudied. Previous research using five microsatellite markers found high gene flow between populations across five islands, but little information about other important genetic metrics was provided. The proposed study will expand on this previous work by investigating the population dynamics at the genomic level, across both subspecies, and on a broader range of islands. To accomplish this, we aim to 1) sequence and assemble the first genome for Z. galapagoensis, 2) re-sequence a series of individuals from a wider range of islands (both subspecies), and 3) explore phylogenetic relationships among lineages and provide population genetic metrics. This study will increase our understanding of the population dynamics of Z. galapagoensis and inform its population status, potentially highlighting islands with dire need for conservation measures.