Population augmentation with translocated individuals has been shown to alleviate the effects of bottlenecks and drift. The first step to determine whether restoration for genetic considerations is warranted is to genetically monitor reintroduced populations and compare results to those from the source. To assess the need for genetic restoration, we evaluated genetic diversity and structure of reintroduced (n = 3) and captive populations of the endangered black-footed ferret (Mustela nigripes). We measured genotypic changes among populations using seven microsatellite markers and compared phenotypic changes with eight morphometric characters. Results indicated that for the population which rapidly grew postreintroduction, genetic diversity was equivalent to the captive, source population. When growth languished, only the population that was augmented yearly maintained diversity. Without augmentation, allelic diversity declined precipitously and phenotypic changes were apparent. Ferrets from the genetically depaupertate population had smaller limbs and smaller overall body size than ferrets from the two populations with greater diversity. Population divergence (F ST = 0.10 ± 0.01) was surprisingly high given the common source of populations. Thus, it appears that 5-10 years of isolation resulted in both genotypic divergence and phenotypic changes to populations. We recommend translocation of 30-40 captive individuals per annum to reintroduction sites which have not become established quickly. This approach will maximize the retention of genetic diversity, yet maintain the beneficial effects of local adaptation without being swamped by immigration.

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Corn expressing insecticidal proteins derived from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt corn) has increased in usage in the United States from 8% of total corn acreage in 1996 to 67% in 2012. Because of this increase, it is important to be able to monitor the fate and transport of the insecticidal Bt proteins to evaluate environmental exposure and effects. Accurate and validated methods are needed to quantify these proteins in environmental matrices. A method to extract Bt Cry1Ab proteins from 3 soil types using a 10× phosphate-buffered saline with Tween buffer and a commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was validated through a series of 6 tests. The validation process for Cry1Ab extractions in soil has not yet been reported in the scientific literature. The extraction buffer and each soil matrix were tested and validated for the ELISA. Extraction efficiencies were 41%, 74%, and 89% for the 3 soil types and were significantly correlated with the organic matter content of the soil. Despite low recoveries, consistent results with low coefficients of variation allowed for accurate measurements. Through validating this method with 3 different soils, a sensitive, specific, precise, and accurate quantification of Bt Cry1Ab was developed. The validation process can be expanded and implemented in other environmental matrices, adding consistency to data across a wide range of samples.

The recent invasion of the Dressenid species, the quagga mussel, Dreissena bugensis, into Lakes Mead, Mohave and Havasu has raised questions about their ability to alter contaminant cycling. Mussels were collected from 25 locations in the three lakes. The overall average was 0.036 +/- 0.016 microg g(-1) Hg dry wt. The range of the three lakes was from 0.014-0.093 microg g(-1) Hg dry wt. There were no significant differences in mercury concentrations among the three lakes (F = 0.07; p = 0.794). From this baseline data of contaminants in quagga mussels from the lower Colorado River, this species may be used to biomonitor lake health.

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