My research focuses on genetic structure of birds, primarily at the level of populations and species. By using genetic data such as DNA sequences or genotypic frequency data (i.e., microsatellite DNA, SNPs), I apply current phylogenetic and population genetic methods to identify evolutionary relationships among taxa or populations to help facilitate in their conservation and maintain viable populations.

Human mediated changes in landscape over a relatively short amount of time (e.g., <100 years in North America; see the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment) have placed considerable pressure on a large number of populations. Genetic data allow us to identify demographic factors, or processes, which have helped shape the biology of a species or population of interest. Combining knowledge of geographic distribution and ecology, historical and current, I can be of assistance by making recommendations in helping preserve natural systems by identifying correlations between genetic differentiation and aspects of biology such as habitat requirements, behavioral limitations, breeding system, seasonal movements, and morphological characteristics. In addition, evolutionary relationships unique to a particular lineage, which may not be obvious from the surface, can be identified using genetic methods, and, depending on its distinctiveness, may require specific conservation efforts in order to prevent extinction.

The utility and importance of genetic methods in helping conserve biodiversity is undeniable.

Current research primarily addresses conservation issues related to grouse (Family: Phasianidae) and birds of prey (Order: Falconiformes). Projects consist of a large number of taxa ranging from the greater (Tympanuchus cupido pinnatus) and endangered Attwater’s prairie-chicken (T. c. attwateri), Milvine kites (genus Milvus), hook-billed kite (Chondrohierax uncinatus), Old World vultures (genus Gyps), harpy eagle (Harpia harpyja), gyrfalcon (Falco rusticolus), peregrine falcon (F. peregrinus), Aplomado falcon (F. femoralis), and orange-breasted falcon (F. deiroleucus). I work directly with both government and nonprofit organizations to help incorporate current genetic methods into active conservation efforts.

Since 2003, I have been working primarily with a highly respected and devoted conservation organization, The Peregrine Fund, where I serve as a Research Scientist. With The Peregrine Fund, I have been able to apply my knowledge and expertise to a large number of important long-term conservation projects. Many birds of prey have become threatened with extinction, and, coupled with the paucity of information we have on their life histories, our research is crucial for identifying priorities for conservation. With limited funding and countless taxa deserving consideration, genetic methods can help us focus on those cases that require immediate attention. Furthermore, when adequate sample sizes exist, we have been able to address questions related to demographic processes such as population structure or dispersal that would have been very difficult, if not impossible, to assess using non-genetic methods.

In my research, I often utilize tissue samples collected from contemporary populations; however, due to difficulties in obtaining adequate sample sizes or collecting rare taxa in geographically inaccessible localities, I also employ tissues obtained from museum specimens for DNA extractions. Some of these projects would not have been possible without access to museum specimens, and such studies further demonstrate the absolute importance of museum collections in helping inventory biodiversity and aiding in conservation.

Assistant Research Scientist

University of Michigan

Museum of Zoology-Bird Division

Dept. of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology

1109 Geddes Avenue

Ann Arbor, MI 48109

Tel: 734.764.3145

Fax:734.763.4080

jeffaj (AT) umich (dot) edu