|
Genetic Analyses for Investigating Parentage in King Eiders in Alaska
Active
King eiders are large ducks that breed in the Arctic. For unknown reasons, the North American population has declined by more than 50 percent since 1976, similar to declines in other sea-duck species. The highest known density of king eiders on the North Slope of Alaska occurs within the northeast planning area of the National Petroleum Reserve, an area that is being leased for oil and gas exploration. It is important to understand king eider population and breeding ecology in order to determine and manage any effects of energy development and other human activities on their breeding grounds. Given the difficulty of identifying bird movements by direct observation in remote areas, the USGS will use genetic techniques as the most efficient method to evaluate king eider populations.
Haig, Susan M. - Supervisory Research Wildlife Biologist
Phone: 541-750-7482
Email: susan_haig@usgs.gov
 |
