Unraveling the complex biogeographic and anthropogenic history of mountain goats (Oreamnos americanus) in Alaska.

This article focuses on the population genetic structure and demographic history of mountain goats (Oreamnos americanus) in Alaska, examining the influence of both natural events and human-mediated translocations. Using genetic data from 816 individuals genotyped at 18 microsatellite loci, the study identified four genetically distinct subpopulations corresponding to Southcentral Alaska and three groups in Southeast Alaska, with the primary demographic split occurring after the Last Glacial Maximum (~13,620 years ago). Simulations of historical translocations to three islands showed that Baranof Island’s mountain goat population exhibits higher genetic diversity than expected from translocation alone, supporting the hypothesis of an endemic population existing there prior to the early 20th-century introduction. The findings underscore the combined roles of glacial history and human activity in shaping the current biogeography and genetic diversity of Alaskan mountain goats.