Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Units Program: Arizona
Education, Research and Technical Assistance for Managing Our Natural Resources

Goal: Develop microsatellite markers using whole genome sequencing and assess genetic diversity of samples from Florida. This project is a collaborative effort with Joan Morrison at Trinity College who has studied the caracara in Florida for more than a decade. She has more than 100 blood samples from unrelated adults, which we will use to genotype and estimate population-level genetic characteristics. From this information we will estimate inbreeding, potential bottlenecks, and be able to inform managers of the genetic health of this endangered population.