Population Structure of Pacific Common Eiders Breeding in Alaska
Abstract We used satellite telemetry to study the migration routes and wintering areas of two allopatric breeding populations of Pacific Common Eiders (Somateria mollissimav-nigrum) in Alaska: the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, and the western Beaufort Sea coast. Only 6% (2 of 36) of females wintered within...
| Published in: | The Condor |
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| Main Authors: | , |
| Format: | Article in Journal/Newspaper |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Oxford University Press (OUP)
2002
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/condor/104.4.780 http://academic.oup.com/condor/article-pdf/104/4/780/29711881/condor0780.pdf |
| Summary: | Abstract We used satellite telemetry to study the migration routes and wintering areas of two allopatric breeding populations of Pacific Common Eiders (Somateria mollissimav-nigrum) in Alaska: the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, and the western Beaufort Sea coast. Only 6% (2 of 36) of females wintered within the wintering area of the other breeding population. Both breeding populations wintered in the closest available ice-free habitat, perhaps to minimize migratory distance. Two Beaufort Sea females wintered in areas used by Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta females, implying potential gene flow among breeding areas. Yet, we conclude that these two populations are largely geographically isolated throughout the annual cycle and the environmental factors influencing survival and reproduction likely differ between these groups of birds. Thus, regardless of the potential gene flow among breeding populations, we suggest that birds from these two breeding areas should be managed as separate populations. Estructura Poblacional Reproductiva de Somateria mollissimav-nigrum en Alaska Resumen. Usamos telemetría satelital para estudiar las rutas de migración y áreas de invernada de dos poblaciones alopáticas reproductivas de Somateria mollissimav-nigrum en Alaska: la del Delta Yukon-Kuskokwim, y la de la costa oeste del Mar de Beaufort. Solo el 6% (2 de 36) de las hembras invernaron dentro del área de invernada de la otra población reproductiva. Las dos poblaciones invernaron en el hábitat libre de hielo más cercano, tal vez para minimizar la distancia de migración. Dos hembras del Mar de Beaufort invernaron en áreas usadas por hembras del Delta de Yukon-Kuskokwim, implicando un potencial flujo génico entre las áreas de reproducción. Sin embargo, concluimos que estas dos poblaciones están aisladas geográficamente a lo largo del ciclo anual y que los factores ambientales que afectan la supervivencia y reproducción son probablemente diferentes entre estos grupos de aves. Por lo tanto, a pesar del flujo génico potencial entre las poblaciones ... |
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