Genetic Monitoring for the Conservation of an Idaho-Endemic Fish
Faculty Mentor Information
Dr. Elise Connor, College of Western Idaho; Yuri Calderon, College of Western Idaho; Audrey Harris, Eagle Fish Genetics Lab; and Matthew Campbell, Eagle Fish Genetics Lab
Presentation Date
7-15-2026
Abstract
Shoshone sculpin Cottus greenei are found in only a handful of springs around Hagerman Valley, Idaho, an area that has been heavily developed for agriculture, aquaculture, and hydropower. We sampled C. greenei in Banbury Springs, near the southernmost extent of their range, in 2014, 2018, 2022, and 2026 to monitor overall population health. Extracted DNA was sequenced using a GT-seq panel of 82 single nucleotide polymorphism loci, and genotypes were used to assess deviations from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, calculate expected heterozygosity and pairwise F_st, and estimate effective population size. We found no significant changes across time, meaning the population has remained relatively stable for the past 12 years. To inform conservation decisions and ensure their future stability, C. greenei should continue to be monitored across their entire range.
Genetic Monitoring for the Conservation of an Idaho-Endemic Fish
Shoshone sculpin Cottus greenei are found in only a handful of springs around Hagerman Valley, Idaho, an area that has been heavily developed for agriculture, aquaculture, and hydropower. We sampled C. greenei in Banbury Springs, near the southernmost extent of their range, in 2014, 2018, 2022, and 2026 to monitor overall population health. Extracted DNA was sequenced using a GT-seq panel of 82 single nucleotide polymorphism loci, and genotypes were used to assess deviations from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, calculate expected heterozygosity and pairwise F_st, and estimate effective population size. We found no significant changes across time, meaning the population has remained relatively stable for the past 12 years. To inform conservation decisions and ensure their future stability, C. greenei should continue to be monitored across their entire range.