To demonstrate the importance of genetic data for multispecies conservation approaches, we examined the distribution of genetic variation across the range of the mountain whitefish ( Prosopium williamsoni ) at microsatellite and allozyme loci. The mountain whitefish is a common species that is particularly well suited for accurately revealing historical patterns of genetic structure and differs markedly from previously studied...

Ecological and life history characteristics such as population size, dispersal pattern, and mating system mediate the influence of genetic drift and gene flow on population subdivision. Bull trout ( Salvelinus confluentus ) and mountain whitefish ( Prosopium williamsoni ) differ markedly in spawning location, population size and mating system. Based on these differences, we predicted that bull trout would have reduced genetic...

There are currently no policy guidelines for treating hybrids under the U.S. Endangered Species Act (ESA). We considered the scientific basis for determining whether hybridized populations should be included as part of the westslope cutthroat trout ( Oncorhynchus clarki lewisi ) unit considered for listing under the ESA. Westslope cutthroat trout are threatened by genomic extinction because of widespread introgressive hybridiz...

Migratory bull trout ( Salvelinus confluentus ) historically spawned in tributaries of the Clark Fork River, Montana and inhabited Lake Pend Oreille as subadult and adult fish. However, in 1952 Cabinet Gorge Dam was constructed without fish passage facilities disrupting the connectivity of this system. Since the construction of this dam, bull trout populations in upstream tributaries have been in decline. Each year adult bull...