SREL Reprint #1856

Spatial-genetic variation in a white-tailed deer herd

Michael H. Smith1,2, Kevin B. Willis1, and Paul E. Johns1

1Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Drawer E, Aiken, South Carolina 29802
2Departments of Zoology and Genetics, Institute of Ecology and School of Forest Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602

Abstract: Genetic variability was studied in a herd of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus). Significant variation in common allele frequency for seven variable loci and multilocus heterozygosity was observed between deer from upland and swamp areas less than 5 km apart. Annual changes in allele frequency were correlated between swamp and upland areas, but inter-area differences in frequencies did not appear to decrease over years. Gene flow has not been sufficient to eliminate genetic differences over years. Historical factors do not seem sufficient to account for differences between areas. Some form of habitat related selection could explain continued differences between the areas.

SREL Reprint #1856

Smith, M.H., K.B. Willis, and P.E. Johns. 1990. Spatial-genetic variation in a white-tailed deer herd. pp. 80-84 In: Transactions of the 20th International Union of Game Biologists. IUGB, Trondheim. 

This information was provided by the University of Georgia's Savannah River Ecology Laboratory (srel.uga.edu).