Meeting Abstract

P3.84  Tuesday, Jan. 6  Population and conservation genetics of two Georgia populations of the gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) HUTCHISON, N.L.*; HARRISON, J.S.; ROSTAL, D.C.; Georgia Southern University, Statesboro; Georgia Southern University, Statesboro; Georgia Southern University, Statesboro nhutchi1@email.georgiasouthern.edu

The gopher tortoise, Gopherus polyphemus, is threatened throughout its range due in large part to habitat loss and degradation. Gopherus polyphemus is considered a keystone species in sand hill, longleaf pine, and scrub ecosystems of the southeastern United States. Two populations in close geographic proximity (70 miles) were studied whose habitats differ as a consequence of management practices. Fort Stewart Army Reservation (FSAR) is frequently burned where as George L. Smith State Park (GLS) is an infrequently burned habitat. Results of previous research have shown that FSAR females are significantly larger and produce significantly larger eggs and hatchlings than GLS females. In addition, surveys at the two sites have shown that the FSAR site has a larger number of active burrows and a larger proportion of active to inactive burrows than the GLS site. The main objective of the study presented here is to characterize the genetic variation within and between the FSAR and GLS populations of G. polyphemus. Two primary questions are addressed: 1) Does the level of genetic variation within the FSAR population differ from that found within the GLS population? 2) What is the degree of population genetic subdivision between the FSAR and GLS populations?