Genetic Structure and Diversity in Bighorn Sheep Populations

Bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) exhibit complex patterns of genetic structure shaped by historical fragmentation, isolation by distance and habitat barriers, and management interventions such as translocations. Native herds are often partitioned into distinct genetic clusters corresponding to mountain ranges or drainage systems, with limited natural gene flow resulting from rugged terrain and anthropogenic landscape changes. Genetic diversity within these clusters varies according to past demographic bottlenecks, effective population sizes and local adaptation to pathogens or climate. Genome‐wide markers have revealed both deep lineage splits—reflecting long‐term vicariance—and more recent admixture arising from restoration efforts. Maintaining heterozygosity and preventing inbreeding depression are central goals for conservation, as is the identification of source populations that balance genetic compatibility and ecological suitability. Advances in high‐throughput sequencing and genotyping‐by‐sequencing are enabling more precise estimates of population connectivity, effective population size and the impacts of management actions. These insights underpin strategies to preserve adaptive potential, guide future translocations and safeguard the long‐term viability of bighorn sheep across their range.

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Genetic Structure and Diversity in Bighorn Sheep Populations publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in genetic structure and diversity in bighorn sheep populations across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Genetic structure: The spatial distribution of genetic variation within and among populations, reflecting historical processes and current gene flow.

Genetic diversity: The variety of alleles and genotypes present within a population, indicative of its evolutionary potential and resilience.

Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP): A genomic position at which individuals differ by a single nucleotide, used as markers for assessing genetic variation.

Admixture: The mixing of previously isolated populations or lineages, resulting in individuals with genetic ancestry from multiple sources.

Effective population size (Ne): The number of breeding individuals in a population that contribute genes to the next generation, influencing genetic drift and inbreeding.

Translocation: The human‐mediated movement of individuals from one population to another to restore or augment genetic diversity and connectivity.

References

1. The genetic legacy of 50 years of desert bighorn sheep translocations. Evolutionary Applications (2018).
2. Evaluating wildlife translocations using genomics: A bighorn sheep case study. Ecology and Evolution (2020).