This project uses genetic techniques to try and determine why the eastern massasauga rattlesnake (Sistrurus catenatus catenatus) is doing relatively well in Michigan
compared to its other populations. Although massasaugas are in decline throughout their range Michigan remains a stronghold, retaining approximately 70% of their
populations. Gibbs et al. found that massasaugas live in very localized populations, with isolation occuring at distances of only 1.5 km.
The genetic component is an attempt to determine the amount of genetic variation in the massasauga populations, if the Michigan populations show evidence of
a bottleneck, and how much movement occurs between populations in Michigan.
We suspect that movement between populations in Michigan is greater than that observed in other studies and is part of the explanation for the success of
Michigan's massasauga populations.
Jennifer Moore M.S. Graduate - Currently in a Ph.D. program at the Univ. of Wellington, New Zealand
Rachael Kropiewnicki M.S. Student
Funding provided by:
Michigan Department of Natural Resources - Natural Heritage Program
Central Michigan University
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