My research focuses on the use of genetic, morphometric and field techniques to answer multidisciplinary questions about the ecology, biogeography and population biology of carnivores. My research goal is to endeavor in basic scientific research that is pertinent to conservation and to enhance the quality of applied wildlife management by utilizing cutting edge techniques. I maintain two laboratories, the Conservation Genetic and Molecular Ecology Lab and the Ancient DNA Lab.
The model system with which I am currently working is the black-footed ferret (Mustela nigripes). This species provides an empirical example of a well documented population bottleneck and recovery which allows for testing some basic tenets of conservation biology of which there are few examples. Using DNA extracted from museum specimens, I reconstructed past population genetics of this species across its former range (Wisely et al. 2002, Wisely and Fleischer, in prep). I have evaluated the ability of the species survival plan to retain genetic variability in the captive population (Wisely et al. 2003) and documented morphological changes to the captive population (Wisely et al. 2002). Currently, I am documenting and describing inbreeding depression in this species. I am co-principal investigator of biomedical surveys of wild-born black-footed ferrets which assess male reproductive fitness, immunosuppression and genetic diversity in individuals from populations that have differing population trajectories.
Aubry, K.B., Wisely, S.M., Raley, C.M., and Buskirk, S.W. 2004. Zoogeography, spacing patterns and dispersal in fishers: insights gained from combining field and genetic data. Pages 211-230 in Martens and fishers (Martes) in human-altered environments: an international perspective. D.J. Harrison, A.K. Fuller and G. Proulx, eds. Kluwer Academic Publishers, New York.
Wisely, S.M., Maldonado, J.E., and Fleischer, R.C. 2004. Turbinal bones as a source of ancient DNA. Conservation Genetics 5:105-107.
Buskirk, S.W. and Wisely, S.M. 2004. Bioappraisal. In: Species at risk: economic incentives to protect endangered species on private property. J. Shogren, ed., Austin TX: University of Texas Press. (in press).
Wisely, S.M., Buskirk, S.W., Russell, G., Aubry, K. and Zielinski, W. 2004. Genetic structure and diversity of the fisher (Martes pennanti) in a peninsular and peripheral metapopulation. Journal of Mammalogy (in press).
Wisely, S.M. and Golightly, R.T. 2003. Behavioral and ecological adaptations to water economy in two species of plethodontid salamander. Journal of Herpetology 37:659-665.
Wisely, S.M., McDonald, D.B., and Buskirk, S.W. 2003. Evaluation of the species survival plan and captive breeding program for the black-footed ferret. Zoo Biology 22:287-298.
Wisely, S.M., Fleming, M., McDonald, D.B., Buskirk, S.W., and Ostrander, E. 2002. Genetic diversity and fitness in black-footed ferrets before and during a bottleneck. Journal of Heredity 93:231-237.
Wisely, S.M., Ososky, J.J., and Buskirk, S.W. 2002. Morphological changes to black-footed ferrets resulting from captivity. Canadian Journal of Zoology. 80:1562-1568.
