Genetic Diversity and Population Structure of Shoshone Sculpin Cottus greenei in the Hagerman Valley of South-Central Idaho

The Shoshone sculpin Cottus greenei is a micro-endemic species and an extreme habitat specialist, geographically restricted to the spring outlets that flow from Snake River Plain Aquifer into within Hagerman Valley of south central Idaho. Although previous studies documented range its relative abundance, no have assessed genetic diversity structure. We sampled 20 populations throughout genotyped 1311 with panel 12 microsatellite loci. Results indicate very high levels differentiation among most (average pairwise FST = 0.24), indicating limited gene flow. Preservation this will require protection preservation multiple isolated populations.