Assessing prehistoric genetic structure and diversity of North American elk (Cervus elaphus) populations in Alberta, Canada

Historic population declines and habitat loss nearly eradicated two North American elk subspecies, Rocky Mountain elk (Cervus elaphus nelsoni) and Manitoban elk (Cervus elaphus manitobensis), in Alberta, Canada. A study analyzing mitochondrial DNA from 50 ancient elk remains (2260 BCE to 1920 CE) revealed that while the genetic diversity of Manitoban elk was significantly reduced by these pressures, Rocky Mountain elk populations benefited from early 20th-century translocations from Yellowstone National Park. The research also found higher gene flow between the subspecies in the past compared to today, indicating they once formed a continuous population. This study provides critical baseline data for understanding the genetic impacts of historic declines and informs modern conservation efforts in Alberta.

Speller, C. F., Kooyman, B., Rodrigues, A. T., Langemann, E. G., Jobin, R. M., & Yang, D. Y. (2014). Assessing prehistoric genetic structure and diversity of North American elk (Cervus elaphus) populations in Alberta, Canada. Canadian Journal of Zoology, 92(4), 285–298. https://doi.org/10.1139/cjz-2013-0253