Comparative genomic analysis identifies potential adaptive variation in .

is associated with respiratory disease in wild and domestic Caprinae globally, with wide variation in disease outcomes within and between host species. To gain insight into phylogenetic structure and mechanisms of pathogenicity for this bacterial species, we compared genomes for 99 samples from 6 countries (Australia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, China, France and USA) and 4 host species (domestic sheep, domestic goats, bighorn sheep and caribou). Core genome sequences of assemblies from domestic sheep and goats fell into two well-supported phylogenetic clades that are divergent enough to be considered different bacterial species, consistent with each of these two clades having an evolutionary origin in separate host species.

Genetic analysis of harvest samples reveals population structure in a highly mobile generalist carnivore.

Delineating wildlife population boundaries is important for effective population monitoring and management. The bobcat () is a highly mobile generalist carnivore that is ecologically and economically important. We sampled 1225 bobcats harvested in South Dakota, USA (2014-2019), of which 878 were retained to assess genetic diversity and infer population genetic structure using 17 microsatellite loci.

Factors influencing productivity of eastern wild turkeys in northeastern South Dakota.

Population growth is highly sensitive to changes in reproductive rates for many avian species. Understanding how reproductive rates are related to environmental conditions can give managers insight into factors contributing to population change. Harvest trends of eastern wild turkey in northeastern South Dakota suggest a decline in abundance.

Mountain goat survival and mortality during a period of increased puma abundance in the Black Hills, South Dakota.

We investigated survival and cause-specific mortality for a mountain goat () population during a period when the puma () population was growing in the Black Hills, South Dakota, 2006-2018. We obtained survival data from 47 adult goats ( = 33 females,  = 14 males). Annual survival varied from 0.

Removal of chronic carrier ewes eliminates pneumonia in a bighorn sheep population.

Chronic pathogen carriage is one mechanism that allows diseases to persist in populations. We hypothesized that persistent or recurrent pneumonia in bighorn sheep () populations may be caused by chronic carriers of (). Our experimental approach allowed us to address a conservation need while investigating the role of chronic carriage in disease persistence.

Timing of vegetation sampling does not influence associations between visual obstruction and turkey nest survival in a montane forest.

Evaluating relationships between ecological processes that occur concurrently is complicated by the potential for such processes to covary. Ground-nesting birds rely on habitat characteristics that provide visual and olfactory concealment from predators; this protection often is provided by vegetation at the nest site. Recently, researchers have raised concern that measuring vegetation characteristics at nest fate (success or failure) introduces a bias, as vegetation at successful nests is measured later in the growing season (and has more time to grow) compared with failed nests.

Hunting and mountain sheep: Do current harvest practices affect horn growth?

The influence of human harvest on evolution of secondary sexual characteristics has implications for sustainable management of wildlife populations. The phenotypic consequences of selectively removing males with large horns or antlers from ungulate populations have been a topic of heightened concern in recent years. Harvest can affect size of horn-like structures in two ways: (a) shifting age structure toward younger age classes, which can reduce the mean size of horn-like structures, or (b) selecting against genes that produce large, fast-growing males.

Nutritional condition and physiological stress levels of elk in the Black Hills, South Dakota.

Percent of body fat and physiological stress are important correlates to wildlife demographics. We studied winter percent of body fat and physiological stress levels for a declining elk () population in South Dakota, 2011-2013. We obtained percent of winter body fat, pregnancy status, lactation status, and physiological stress data from 58 adult females (2+ years old).