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Genetic structure of rhinoceros auklets, Cerorhinca monocerata, breeding in British Columbia, Alaska, and Japan

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Abstract

Data from eight microsatellite markers screened in 246 rhinoceros auklets (Cerorhinca monocerata) from across the North Pacific revealed multiple genetic groups. The east (North America) to west (Japan) split was clearly evident in all analyses. Within the eastern Pacific, a minimum of three genetic groups are present. Surprisingly, rhinoceros auklets from Triangle Island, British Columbia, were genetically isolated from other nearby populations, including the breeding colony on Pine Island (~100 km to the east). A fourth genetic cluster (Chowiet Is) was detected using principal coordinate’s analysis; however, sample sizes were limited. Patterns of differentiation correspond to nonbreeding distributions with the eastern and western Pacific birds spending time off the west coast of North America and Japan, respectively, and may represent historical isolation in separate refugia during the Pleistocene glaciations. The patterns of genetic structure result from a combination of historical and contemporary factors influencing dispersal of rhinoceros auklets.

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Acknowledgments

We would like to thank Mikaela Davis, Johanna Havelaar, Glen Keddie, Kyle Morrison, Kate Shapiro, and Marjorie Sorenson for providing field assistance and the Canadian Coast Guard, West Coast Helicopters and light keepers at Pine Island for logistical support. Thanks to Amy Tabata for conducting the molecular laboratory work and to the anonymous reviewers for their valuable comments. Samples were collected under permits from Environment Canada and US bird Banding Lab (permit 20,022) and following the guidelines approved by Animal Care (Simon Fraser University) and USGS Alaska Science Center Animal Care and Use Committee. Funding was provided by Environment Canada (Canadian Wildlife Service Pacific and Yukon Region and STAGE of Science and Technology Branch).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Pacific Biological Station, 3190 Hammond Bay Road, Nanaimo, BC, V9T 6N7, Canada

    Cathryn L. Abbott

  2. Environment Canada, 5421 Robertson Rd., Delta, BC, V4K 3N2, Canada

    Rhonda L. Millikin & Mark J. Hipfner

  3. Institute for Seabird Research and Conservation, 12850 Mountain Place, Anchorage, AK, 99516, USA

    Scott Hatch

  4. National Institute of Polar Research, Midoricho, Tachikawa, Tokyo, 190-0014, Japan

    Motohiro Ito

  5. Graduate School of Fisheries Sciences, Hokkaido University, Minato-cho 3-1-1, Hakodate, 041-8611, Japan

    Yutaka Watanuki

  6. Department of Biological Sciences, University of Lethbridge, 4401 University Drive, Lethbridge, AB, T1K 3M4, Canada

    Theresa M. Burg

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  1. Cathryn L. Abbott
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  2. Rhonda L. Millikin
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  3. Mark J. Hipfner
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  5. Motohiro Ito
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  6. Yutaka Watanuki
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  7. Theresa M. Burg
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Correspondence to Theresa M. Burg.

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Communicated by T. Reusch.

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Abbott, C.L., Millikin, R.L., Hipfner, M.J. et al. Genetic structure of rhinoceros auklets, Cerorhinca monocerata, breeding in British Columbia, Alaska, and Japan. Mar Biol 161, 275–283 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00227-013-2333-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00227-013-2333-2

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