A new study, lead by University of Wyoming Ph.D. candidate Melanie LaCava, has been studying the genetics of Wyomings pronghorn herds. Wyoming is home to roughly half of North Americas pronghorn population approximately 750,000 individuals. Their findings show that, despite multiple mountain ranges, three major highways, and ranges that span hundreds of miles, Wyomings pronghorn have little-to-no genetic differentiation. Despite the massive barriers across the state, in doesnt seem to have caused any changes amongst pronghorn.

On a genetic level, they all look pretty much alike.

The study included sample collection from 2014 thru 2019, examined genetic data of 398 male and female pronghorn across Wyoming, excluding Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks. While certain surprising, this lack of diversity makes sense given how the animals behave. Pronghorn are social animals, but many do not live in the same groups for their whole lives. They enjoy a much more flexible social structure than Wyomings other hoof stock. Many dont even consistently migrate. To LaCava, it shows the connectivity of all of the states pronghorn. All the barriers, human or natural, have not stopped them from mingling with their peers. But this does not detract from the importance of preserving their migration corridors and core habitats we want to ensure their populations stay happy and healthy.

You can examine the full study Pronghorn Population Genomics Show Connectivity in the Core of Their Range in the online publication Journal of Mammalogy.

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Little to No Genetic Differentiation in Wyoming's Pronghorn | - mybighornbasin

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