Genetic analysis of a Bison bison herd derived from the Yellowstone National Park population

Abstract

Th e objective of this study is to inventory the current genetic diversity of the bison quarantine feasibility study (BQFS) herd originating from Yellowstone National Park (YNP) using previously described microsatellite, mitochondrial and nuclear DNA markers with the aim to determine the degree, if any, of cattle DNA introgression in this herd. Th is work can provide an important tool in monitoring and managing bison genetic diversity as brucellosis-free reintroduced herds are re-established throughout the US for conservation purposes. Th e BQFS composed of 89 Bison bison from YNP that were quarantined and tested to qualify as free of brucellosis in 2006 -2007. Understanding genetic diversity of the herd is important to determine if any genetic characteristics such as cattle DNA introgression or low genetic diversity may threaten the herd ' s protected status. We evaluated genetic diversity at 42 microsatellite loci representing each of the nuclear chromosomes in the bison genome. We found no detectable evidence of cattle DNA introgression in this herd through nuclear markers and mitochondrial DNA analysis. Parentage analysis of the BQFS herd indicated that the majority of mature adults were actively breeding and contributing off spring. Genetic diversity levels in the quarantined herd were high and comparable to the YNP parent herd, suggesting a low risk of genetic loss in the near future. Based on these fi ndings, the genetic diversity currently available within the BQFS herd will provide a strong foundation for bison reintroduced herds and for the preservation of the species.

The Comparative Institutions Approach to Wildlife Governance

“…Largely due to geographic isolation, the bison in Yellowstone were not hunted to extinction, and today the Yellowstone herd is the only herd in the United States known to be free of domestic cattle DNA. 128 From a low of about two dozen in 1900, Yellowstone bison population today varies from 3,000 to 4,000. 129 The Yellowstone herd is an anomaly among private and public herds as it is not fenced and routinely roams outside Yellowstone boundaries in the winter to find better grazing on lower elevation lands outside the park.…”