Young, J.R. & Minchella, D.J. 1997: The role of genetics and behaviour in sage grouse Centrocercus urophasianus management and conservation. - Wildl. Biol. 3: 276.
Typically, in species with lek mating systems such as sage grouse Centrocercus urophasianus, only a small percentage of males mate and contribute genetically to subsequent generations. These extreme skews in male mating success can severely reduce the amount of genetic variation in a population due to reductions in effective population size. The extent of within and between population genetic differentiation was measured in four sage grouse populations using DNA-fingerprinting. Sage grouse had higher band-sharing and Fst values than those estimated for other outbred non-lekking avian species. Sage grouse exhibited moderately high levels of differentiation among populations as well as between leks within a population. The geographical distribution of sage grouse and other North American lekking grouse has been reduced sharply during this century. It is suggested that lek mating species may be particularly vulnerable to environmental changes because their skewed male mating distribution reduces population genetic diversity and potential to adapt to changing conditions. In addition, it is suggested that male and female behaviours associated with lek mating systems may result in increased management and conservation concerns.
Key words: behaviour, Centrocercus urophasianus, DNA- fingerprinting, genetics, lek mating systems, North America, sage grouse
Jessica R. Young, Department of Biology, Western State College, Gunnison, Colorado 81231, USA
Dennis J. Minchella, Department of Biology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, USA