Craig Fischer, PhD: Flat-tailed Horned Lizards of the Imperial Valley

Fine-scale Genomic Assessment and Monitoring of Flat-tailed Horned Lizards (Phrynosoma mcallii) in California’s Imperial Valley

– Craig G. Fischer, PhD  –

San Diego State University

Monday 28th August | 7pm MST

Location information below

Population genomics has become an important component of conservation planning, offering a suite of tools to conservation practitioners formerly relegated to academic labs and model species. Next generation sequencing techniques can affordably generate genome-wide data for hundreds of individuals, allowing for rapid and repeated genomic assessment in natural populations. We applied a conservation genomics toolkit to assess fine-scale population structure, detect barriers to connectivity, and baseline critical measures of genetic diversity for the flat-tailed horned lizard (Phrynosoma mcallii) in the Imperial Valley. We analyzed data collected from ongoing monitoring efforts as a case study for integrating temporal genetic monitoring into this Colorado Desert flagship species.

Dr. Craig Fischer has worked in wildlife management and conservation for over 15 years. He has worked for numerous state and federal wildlife agencies to conserve imperiled and understudied wildlife across multiple North American biomes. For the past 13 years he has resided and worked in the desert southwest where Sonoran Desert wildlife conservation has been central to his work. His interests are primarily in applied wildlife conservation and management with a focus on genomics and natural history.

Meetings are free public events in person or virtually:

Environment and Natural Resources 2 (ENR2)

1064 E Lowell St, Tucson AZ 85719

Room S215 – 2nd Floor

Enter ENR2 from Lowell St (north side)

Room opposite side of entrance via elevators (right) or stairs (left)

Parking is FREE in lot south of ENR2 OR $1/hr (card payment only) in garage adjacent (east) ENR2

To attend via Zoom:
https://arizona.zoom.us/j/85770665591