A greater yellowstone ecosystem grizzly bear case study: genetic reassessment for managers

Abstract There are five grizzly bear ( Ursus arctos horribilis ) populations in the lower 48 states of United States. My goal this Commentary was to ascertain whether genetic diversity is being lost from isolated GYE population and better understand any viability implications. I reviewed scientific literature, including two key studies that US Fish Wildlife Service (USFWS) relied upon for their 2007 current 2017 genetics policy. discovered some reveal a loss heterozygosity population, both historically recent decades. Some had statistically significant depletion rate. review took place periodically between 2010 2021 indicates genome too small long-term adaptation. The paper includes discussion about evolutionary adaptation which invokes time frames rarely considered by nature conservation planners. also examined statements USFWS’s delisting regulations highlighted those seem incongruent with thought. If read scientists, land managers, administrators, environmentalists, others background, they will USFWS decisions policy statements. This case study illustrates management agencies can provide one-sided treatment science when writing genetics.