U.S. Department of the Interior

U.S. Geological Survey

Fact Sheet 2005–3138

December 2005

Rocky Mountain Center for Conservation Genetics 

and Systematics

Printed on recycled paper

Genetics in 

Conservation

The use of molecular 

genetic tools has become 

increasingly important in 

addressing conservation 

issues pertaining to plants 

and animals. Genetic 

information can be used 

to augment studies of 

population dynamics and 

population viability, investigate systematics, refine taxonomic 

definitions, investigate population structure and gene flow, and 

document genetic diversity in a variety of plant and animal 

species. Further, genetic techniques are being used to investigate mating systems through paternity analysis, analyze ancient 

DNA samples from museum specimens, and estimate population size and survival rates using DNA as a unique marker. Such 

information is essential for the sound management of small, 

isolated populations or populations of concern and is currently 

being used by universities, zoos, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife 

Service, and numerous state fish and wildlife agencies.

Pooling Expertise and Resources

The Rocky Mountain Center for Conservation Genetics and 

Systematics (RMCCGS) was developed by the University of 

Denver (DU) and the U.S. Geological Survey, Fort Collins Science Center (USGS-FORT) to address the ever-growing need 

for research in these areas. The collaborative effort between DU 

and USGS combines different resources and philosophies, providing an academically rich and dynamic setting for conducting 

research. Further, the RMCCGS has additional partnerships 

with the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, the Denver Zoo, and the Denver Botanic Gardens. These institutions 

provide additional expertise, perspectives, and resources for the 

conservation of plants and animals. In addition, undergraduate and graduate students have the opportunity to interact with 

scientists of diverse academic backgrounds and to participate 

in scientific research with direct applications to conservation 

problems. The results are better interpretations and innovative, 

science-based solutions to ecological problems. 

The RMCCGS is equipped for DNA sequencing and analysis 

of DNA fragments using state-of-the-art molecular laboratory equipment, including a capillary-based automated DNA 

sequencer and a variety of thermocyclers. The Center offers 

various types of genotyping methods. In addition, the RMCCGS 

contains a separate ultra-clean laboratory for ancient DNA work 

and a fully equipped computer lab for data analysis. 

Services

At the RMCCGS, 

we routinely perform DNA extraction, sequencing, 

and fragment 

analysis and have 

used such techniques to generate 

information used 

by biologists to 

help manage species of concern. 

We welcome collaborators needing 

the aforementioned 

services. Using 

our newly developed rapid-capture 

technique, we have 

been successful in isolating microsatellites from numerous 

species (birds, mammals, reptiles, and invertebrates) that have 

effectively been used in population studies. We offer the service 

Matt Suby/University of Denver of microsatellite isolation for any interested parties. 

Josh Parker/University of Wyoming
Our ancient DNA facility is being used to determine the sex of 

bones from the extinct Hawaiian Giant Goose. This information will help determine if abnormal bony outgrowths on wings 

and lamellar thickenings elsewhere on some skeletons allowed 

the wings to be used for 

aggressive male-male 

interactions.

Another project conducted 

in the ancient DNA facility 

is comparing the genetic 

make-up of modern populations of White-Tailed 

Kites in the western United 

States with ancient samples 

to determine the extent of a 

proposed genetic bottleneck in the 1930s.

We have recently begun 

to use transposable elements, specifically the chicken repeat 1 (CR1), for systematic 

studies of waterfowl. A rapid-capture technique developed at 

the RMCCGS allows for the efficient isolation of CR1 elements 

aiding in this study.

Directors

Drs. Tom Quinn (Department of Biological Sciences-DU) and 

Sara Oyler-McCance (USGS-FORT) serve as Center 

Co-Directors. Dr. Quinn was one of the first to apply molecular 

methods to the study of natural animal populations. Dr. OylerMcCance’s molecular expertise is complemented by extensive 

previous field work with vertebrates.

Center 

Research

We have used DNA 

sequence data (mitochondrial, chloroplast, 

and nuclear) along 

with DNA fragment 

data from nuclear microsatellites to document the population 

structure of many 

species, including 

Greater Sage-Grouse, 

Gunnison SageGrouse, Mountain 

Plover, Lesser Prairie-Chicken, Trumpeter Swan, Midget-Faded 

Rattlesnake, and Wood Frog. Information from these projects is 

being used to redefine taxonomic boundaries, investigate hybrid 

zones, and define distinct population segment and management 

units.

Our genetic techniques have allowed us to uniquely identify 

individuals for analysis of mating systems and mark-recapture 

analysis to estimate population size. These techniques are 

currently being used on Gunnison Sage-Grouse, Greater 

Sage-Grouse, and the Indiana 

Bat. As a part of these projects, we are also perfecting 

the extraction of DNA from 

low-quantity, non-invasive 

samples such as feathers and 

excrement.

We are currently involved in a project on ancient tea trees in the 

Yunnan Province in China. Ancient tea gardens in the Province contain tea trees thousands of years old that have intrinsic 

value to minority cultures in China. Our project is an attempt to 

provide genetic verification of the origin of tea leaves from the 

ancient tea gardens. This confirmation allows them to be marketed so that the minority cultures maintaining those gardens 

are recognized and profit from sales, thereby helping to preserve 

their culture and improve socio-economic conditions. 

Richard Johnson/USGS

J.F.K. Sparks/Indiana State University

Bill Iko/USGS

Wayne Miller

Gary Kramer/USFWS

For inquiries about science capabilities, research, services, or 

partnership opportunities, please visit our website at

<www.rmccgs.usgs.gov>. 

Or, you may contact: 

Thomas W. Quinn Sara J. Oyler-McCance

Dept. of Biological U.S. Geological Survey

Sciences at: Dept. of Biological Sciences

University of Denver University of Denver

Denver, CO 80208 Denver, CO 80208

Tel: 303.871.3466 Tel: 303.871.7782

Fax: 303.871.3471 Fax: 303.871.3471

E-mail: tquinn@du.edu E-mail: sara_oyler-mccance@usgs.gov