Hybridization between Barred and Spotted Owls

Hamer, Thomas E.; Forsman, Eric D.

doi:10.2307/4088616

Cited by 50 publications

(36 citation statements)

References 7 publications

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“…The effect of the potential loss of this adaptation in hybrid owls in Oregon is unknown but should be considered. Finally, in addition to intraspecific hybridization, interspecific hybridization with barred owls is occurring in both northern and California subspecies (Hamer et al 1994;Dark et al 1998;Kelly et al 2003;Kelly & Forsman 2004;. These hybrids produce viable offspring, but rates of hybridization appear to be low (Kelly & Forsman 2004), so it is not clear how extensively this will effect subsequent gene pools.…”

Section: Relationships Among Subspeciesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Subspecific relationships and genetic structure in the spotted owl

Haig¹,

Mullins²,

Forsman³

2004

Conservation Genetics

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Hierarchical genetic structure was examined in the three geographically-defined subspecies of spotted owl (Strix occidentalis) to define relationships among subspecies and quantify variation within and among regional and local populations. Sequences (522 bp) from domains I and II of the mitochondrial control region were analyzed for 213 individuals from 30 local breeding areas. Results confirmed significant differences between northern spotted owls and the other traditional geographically defined subspecies but did not provide support for subspecific level differences between California and Mexican spotted owls. Divergence times among subspecies estimated with a 936 bp portion of the cytochrome b gene dated Northern and California/Mexican spotted owl divergence time to 115,000-125,000 years ago, whereas California/Mexican spotted owl divergence was estimated at 15,000 years ago. Nested clade analyses indicated an association between California spotted owl and Mexican spotted owl haplotypes, implying historical contact between the two groups. Results also identified a number of individuals geographically classified as northern spotted owls (S. o. caurina) that contained haplotypes identified as California spotted owls (S. o. occidentalis). Among all northern spotted owls sampled (n ¼ 131), 12.9% contained California spotted owl haplotypes. In the Klamath region, which is the contact zone between the two subspecies, 20.3% (n ¼ 59) of owls were classified as California spotted owls. The Klamath region is a zone of hybridization and speciation for many other taxa as well. Analyses of population structure indicated gene flow among regions within geographically defined subspecies although there was significant differentiation among northern and southern regions of Mexican spotted owls. Among all areas examined, genetic diversity was not significantly reduced except in California spotted owls where the southern region consists of one haplotype. Our results indicate a stable contact zone between northern and California spotted owls, maintaining distinct subspecific haplotypes within their traditional ranges. This supports recovery efforts based on the traditional subspecies designation for the northern spotted owl. Further, although little variation was found between California and Mexican spotted owls, we suggest they should be managed separately because of current isolation between groups.

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Section: Relationships Among Subspeciesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Subspecific relationships and genetic structure in the spotted owl

Haig¹,

Mullins²,

Forsman³

2004

Conservation Genetics

Self Cite

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“…Vocalizations of hybrids are very different than vocalizations of either pure Spotted Owls or pure Barred Owls (Hamer et al 1994). Pearson and Livezey (Presentation at Panel Meeting 2003) also observes that Barred Owls may emit short calls in 10-15 minute intervals or only one short call before going silent.…”

Section: Barred Owl Detection and Biases In Barred Owl Datamentioning

confidence: 99%

“…More than 50 cases of interspecific hybridization between Spotted and Barred Owls have now been documented from 1974-1999 although the extent of hybridization is not known (Hamer et al 1994, Dark et al 1998, Kelly 2001. Some occurrences of hybridization have been documented by direct observation, while others have been inferred from morphological and genetic data (Haig et al in press b).…”

Section: Hybridizationmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Because of their strong territoriality, survey protocols have been developed for this species (Forsman 1983). In the past decade, it has been noted that Spotted Owls seem to respond less when Barred Owls are present and several incidences of Barred Owls replacing Spotted Owls have been recorded (Iverson 1993, Hamer et al 1994, Dark et al 1998, Kelly et al 2003. It is possible that Spotted Owls exhibit reduced response rates when Barred Owls reside nearby .…”

Section: Territorialitymentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Hybridization between Spotted Owls and Barred Owls has been known for many years, but has been low (Hamer et al 1994, Dark et al 1998). Nevertheless, there was concern among some parties at the time of listing that hybridization of Barred and Spotted Owls would eventually lead to the loss of the Spotted Owl as a distinct species in this portion of its range.…”

Section: Hybridizationmentioning

confidence: 99%

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