The montane sky islands of the Great Basin are characterized by unique, isolated habitats and communities that likely are vulnerable to extirpation with environmental change. A subspecies of yellow pine chipmunk, the Humboldt yellow pine chipmunk (Tamias amoenus celeris), is associated with the whitebark and limber pine forests of the Pine Forest Range (PFR) in Nevada. We sampled T. amoenus and least chipmunks (T. minimus) from the isolated PFR and compared genetic diversity between these populations and more “mainland” populations, including other subspecies of chipmunks. Given the high frequency of hybridization in Tamias, we tested for hybridization between T. amoenus and T. minimus in the PFR. We examined phylogenetic relationships, population divergence and diversity, and screened populations for a common pathogen, Borrelia hermsii, to gain insight into population health. We found T. amoenus of the PFR are closely related to T. amoenus in the Warner Mountains and Sierra Nevada, but maintain substantively lower genetic variation. Microsatellite analyses show PFR T. amoenus are highly genetically differentiated from other populations. In contrast, PFR T. minimus had higher genetic diversity that was comparable to the other T. minimus population we sampled. Pathogen screening revealed that T. amoenus carried higher pathogen loads than T. minimus in the PFR, although the prevalence of infection was similar to other Tamias populations. Our assessment of habitat associations suggests that the Humboldt yellow pine chipmunk almost entirely is restricted to the conifer systems of the PFR, while least chipmunks are prevalent in the other forests. Our work highlights the need for continued conservation and research efforts to identify how response to environmental change can be facilitated in isolated species and habitats.

KC Bell, J Van Gunst, MB Teglas, J Hsueh, MD Matocq 2021, Lost in a sagebrush sea: comparative genetic assessment of an isolated montane population of Tamias amoenus, Journal of Mammalogy, gyaa166

Extension Associated Contacts

 

Also of Interest:

 
Why we volunteer: Stories from 4-H leaders in Clark County
The success of Extension's 4-H Youth Development Program in Clark County is driven by the dedication and enthusiasm of its volunteers. Hear the experiences of several volunteers who are generously sharing their time, knowledge and energy to mentor young people, fostering skills, ...
Tesar, R. 2025, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno
Connor Billman leading a classroom full of 4-H'ers in an activity.
Graduate of the Pack: Connor Billman, International Agriculture Education Fellowship Program fellow
Empowering youth and elevating small-holder farmers through agricultural science
Andrews, A. 2021, Nevada Today
schurz sign
Walker River Indian Reservation: Youth Development
This fact sheet contains information on the Walker River Paiute Indian Reservation and the possible youth risk factors. Learn about major problems that affect the youth in the reservation and the protective factors in place.
Emm, S. 2006, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno, FS-06-63
Connor Billman leading a classroom full of 4-H'ers in an activity.
University and 4-H alum works to improve school-based agriculture education in Ghana
Connor Billman teaching youth and helping rural Ghana communities grow food through prestigious International Agricultural Education Fellowship
Andrews, A. 2021, Nevada Today
4-H After School Report and Student Outcomes at Ralph Cadwallader Middle School
The?4-H After School program by the?University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) Extension 4-H Youth Development?in Clark County, offers students at Ralph Cadwallader Middle School an inclusive developmental experience.
Carrera, Y. 2024, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno
 

Associated Programs

rocketeering on campus

Washoe County 4-H Youth Development

4-H strengthens and promotes healthy youth development to give young people the capacity to act as responsible citizens and agents of community change.

Building rockets from straws in a great lesson in propulsion.

4-H Youth Development

4-H is a community of young people across America learning leadership, citizenship and life skills.