Genetic relationships of three Yukon caribou herds determined by DNA typing

• Published in: Rangifer
• Main Authors: Keri Zittlau, John Coffin, Richard Farnell, Gerald Kuzyk, Curtis Strobeck
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Septentrio Academic Publishing 2000
• Subjects: Yukon; caribou herds; DNA fingerprinting; home range; microsatellite; woodland caribou; Animal culture; SF1-1100; Aishihik; caribou; Rangifer; Rangifer tarandus
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.7557/2.20.5.1625; https://doaj.org/article/73c2e973e6104b5a8b579d6defee26dc

In this paper we examine genetic relationships of caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) in the Aishihik, Chisana, and Wolf Lake herds in the Yukon using DNA fingerprinting. The assignment test used in this analysis showed that the caribou herds were distinct. This finding is consistent with movement data from radio-collared caribou which demonstrates home range fidelity. We found a high level of heterozygosity and a genetic basis for population boundaries. DNA fingerprinting may provide an effective means to compare ecological and genetic relationships.