Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, Gulf Coast CESU Grant for Conservation of European Bison Genetic Diversity

We aim to accomplish the conservation of European Bison by proposing the development of genetic tools which will 1) allow for the assessment of genetic diversity across the species and in comparison to American bison and domestic cattle; 2) provide a means of tracing both maternal and paternal lineages; and, 3) be readily transferable to laboratories across the world. To be more specific we propose the use of three independent, yet complimentary genetic systems. The first genetic system is to define polymorphisms in the mitochondrial genome between European bison, American bison, and domestic cattle and develop a PCR-based assay to distinguish the mitochondrial types from these three species. The second genetic system is to use nuclear autosomal microsatellites to directly compare genetic diversity between European bison and American bison. Lastly, the third genetic system is to develop a panel of Y-chromosome markers to identify and trace male lineages in European bison.

This project will provide a wealth of knowledge regarding the amount and type of genetic variation present both the mitochondrial and nuclear genome of European bison, and how that variation compares with related species. Additionally, we expect to identify variants present only in European bison, and not in American bison or domestic cattle, which will be used to develop quick and cost-effective methods to distinguish the three species. Finally, the methods used in this study will be easily transferable to laboratories across the world for further investigations of genetic variation and to assist in European bison conservation efforts.

NoRock conducts research in support of natural resources management in the mountains and plains of Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, and Idaho. The Center produces and disseminates scientific information needed for decision-making in collaboration with Federal and State land management agencies, Native American tribes, academic institutions and organizations.

Since 2001, NoRock has funded projects that advance the Center in producing strong and unbiased scientific information necessary for decision making. The Center will continue to support such projects.