Nov 2016: George Olah spent years collecting macaw DNA in south-eastern Peru and we used landscape data from the Carnegie Airborne Observatory to analyse spatial patterns of gene flow. We now know that macaws have relatively few natural barriers to dispersal, except very high mountain ranges.
Our new paper provides data about natural gene flow that will serve as a baseline for monitoring and preserving connectivity across the Amazon.
Olah G, Smith AL, Asner GP, Brightsmith DJ, Heinsohn RG, Peakall R (2016). Exploring dispersal barriers using landscape genetic resistance modelling in scarlet macaws of the Peruvian Amazon. Landscape Ecology DOI: 10.1007/s10980-016-0457-8. Read online.
Check out the 3-minute video documentary about this work:
Our new paper provides data about natural gene flow that will serve as a baseline for monitoring and preserving connectivity across the Amazon.
Olah G, Smith AL, Asner GP, Brightsmith DJ, Heinsohn RG, Peakall R (2016). Exploring dispersal barriers using landscape genetic resistance modelling in scarlet macaws of the Peruvian Amazon. Landscape Ecology DOI: 10.1007/s10980-016-0457-8. Read online.
Check out the 3-minute video documentary about this work: