The goals of this study are to: (1) generate a genetic toolset (80-90 microsatellite loci per species) for long term genetic monitoring of both wild and captive populations of each threatened gartersnake species (THEQ & THRU) that inhabit Arizona and New Mexico; (2) conduct field surveys at Saliz Creek to assess the genetic, demographic, and life history effects of a 2012 wild translocation event for THRU to better assess the strategies of genetic management and success of translocations; (3) conduct targeted surveys for both species at key sites to collect additional samples from geographic gaps and increase sample sizes at previously sampled sites to further evaluate connectivity and genetic diversity of these threatened snakes; (4) use this new genetic toolset to provide estimates of genetic diversity of THEQ and THRU from tissue samples already in hand (our combined 2010-2015 genetic samples) and newly collected tissues to provide managers with a baseline standard of diversity to be used for long term genetic monitoring and management of wild and captive populations of gartersnakes.
