Genetic Population Structure of Moose (Alces Alces) at Multiple Spatial Scales

Colson, Kevin

Spatial heterogeneity is an important feature of populations and species. Here, I examine well-characterized populations of moose (Alces alces) in southeastern Alaska for population structure on the inter-population and intra-population scale using genetic techniques. Within inter-population scale, I find that the moose populations of southeastern Alaska have considerable structure, exceeding that found in the remainder of Alaska, and comparable to introduced populations that went through major bottlenecks. I find that founder effects are likely a major source for creating genetic differentiation between populations. This differentiation is then maintained through limited dispersal, likely due to the complex topography of the region. I also provide new evidence that the subspecific boundary between A. a. andersoni and A. a. gigas is further north than previously appreciated. On the intra-population scale, I use two well-studied moose populations, and using characterized calving areas, find strong genetic structure among both populations within a small (≤10 km) spatial scale. Results of this intra-population genetic spatial autocorrelation study provide evidence for female natal philopatry in home range formation in moose and other cervids.