Opportunity Information: Apply for NPS NOIP17AC01030
The Bison Partnership: Genetic Conservation Initiative (WICA) is a National Park Service (NPS) cooperative agreement focused on protecting the long-term genetic health and conservation value of the Wind Cave National Park (WCNP) bison and several related satellite herds. The project centers on building a practical, science-based genetic monitoring and management program that can guide future decisions about breeding, culling, and animal movement among herds. WCNP bison are treated as especially important because of their cultural, historical, and genetic significance, and the grant frames genetic conservation as a core requirement of responsible long-term management.
The effort is structured as a collaboration between the U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service and Texas A and M University AgriLife Research, with strong involvement from Wind Cave National Park and Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve. A key element is that NPS units and partners collect the biological samples during routine bison handling events (roundups), and those samples are then shipped to Texas A and M for laboratory analysis and long-term archiving. The primary sample type described is tail hair follicles, which are commonly used for DNA work because they are relatively easy to collect and store while still providing usable genetic material.
Scientifically, the initiative uses established genetic tools so results can be compared to earlier research and tracked over time. The work relies on mitochondrial DNA markers (to assess maternal lineages and mtDNA diversity) and nuclear DNA markers, particularly microsatellites developed and widely used in bison genetic studies (building on methods associated with Halbert’s marker sets). The project explicitly ties its planned analyses back to prior population genetic work on WCNP bison (including earlier studies by Derr, Halbert, and collaborators) so managers can tell whether genetic diversity and allele frequencies are stable or shifting across years. In addition to traditional marker approaches, the grant includes more modern genomic screening using a SNP-based platform (the BisonChip HD Array) to check genome integrity and look for signs of cattle introgression, which is a well-known conservation concern in some bison populations.
The project’s main on-the-ground research activities break into two sampling targets. First, during the 2017 roundups, the plan is to collect genetic samples from animals in five The Nature Conservancy (TNC) affiliated WCNP satellite herds, focusing on individuals that had not been sampled previously. Those samples are used to (1) confirm mtDNA status and quantify mitochondrial diversity across the satellite herds using established analytical methods, and (2) characterize each herd’s nuclear genetic structure using microsatellite markers. The nuclear analyses are intended to produce management-relevant metrics such as observed and expected heterozygosity (a snapshot of variation), estimates of inbreeding and overall genetic diversity, the average number of alleles per locus, and the presence of unique or rare alleles that may represent important genetic resources to retain.
Second, the initiative includes a targeted, contemporary check of the main WCNP herd itself. The plan is to randomly sample at least 10 animals under ten years of age across multiple cohorts, totaling roughly 50 animals, to evaluate whether key microsatellite allele and genotype frequencies have remained consistent over the previous decade. This is presented as a crucial test of whether the herd’s genetic status is being maintained under existing management. Alongside that time-comparison work, the project applies the SNP-based BisonChip HD Array to provide a higher-resolution look at the WCNP genome, with particular focus on detecting domestic cattle chromosomal regions and documenting the conservation integrity of the herd.
Roles are clearly divided under the cooperative agreement. Texas A and M University AgriLife Research, as the recipient, is responsible for conducting the laboratory and analytical work: determining mtDNA status and diversity patterns, calculating within-herd genetic structure and inbreeding-related measures for the satellite herds, testing the WCNP herd for stability in microsatellite allele/genotype frequencies, and running the SNP array analysis to evaluate genome integrity and potential cattle introgression. The National Park Service is responsible for collecting and submitting the genetic samples and, importantly, for translating the genetic findings into management practice. NPS commits to working with the university to develop tangible guidelines for effective population size calculations and to use those guidelines to shape metapopulation-style policies that manage the WCNP herd and satellite herds as an interconnected conservation unit. The management endpoint is practical decision support, including how to conserve existing diversity through culling strategies and intentional translocation of animals among herds.
Administratively, this opportunity was posted as a discretionary cooperative agreement under the Department of the Interior, National Park Service, with an activity focus in environment, natural resources, and research and development. The listing identifies eligibility for private institutions of higher education, an anticipated single award, and an award ceiling of $100,000. The opportunity was created July 31, 2017, with an original closing date of August 18, 2017, and is associated with CFDA 15.949. Overall, the grant is designed to produce both scientific baselines and applied management rules so that WCNP-associated bison herds can retain genetic diversity, minimize inbreeding risk, and document their conservation value over the long term.Apply for NPS NOIP17AC01030
- The Department of the Interior, National Park Service in the environment, natural resources, science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Bison Partnership: Genetic Conservation Initiative- WICA" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 15.949.
- This funding opportunity was created on Jul 31, 2017.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Aug 18, 2017. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $100,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Private institutions of higher education.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the Bison Partnership: Genetic Conservation Initiative (WICA)?
The Bison Partnership: Genetic Conservation Initiative (WICA) is a National Park Service (NPS) cooperative agreement focused on protecting the long-term genetic health and conservation value of the Wind Cave National Park (WCNP) bison and several related satellite herds. It is designed to build a practical, science-based genetic monitoring and management program that supports future herd decisions.
2. What is the main purpose of this cooperative agreement?
The main purpose is to establish a genetic monitoring and management framework that can guide long-term decisions about breeding, culling, and moving animals among WCNP and affiliated satellite herds. The program is meant to help retain genetic diversity, reduce inbreeding risk, and document conservation integrity over time.
3. Why are Wind Cave National Park (WCNP) bison considered especially important in this grant?
The WCNP bison are treated as especially important due to their cultural, historical, and genetic significance. The grant presents genetic conservation as a core requirement of responsible long-term management for these herds.
4. Which organizations are collaborating on this project?
The effort is structured as a collaboration between the U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service and Texas A&M University AgriLife Research, with strong involvement from Wind Cave National Park and Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve.
5. What is the role of Texas A&M University AgriLife Research under the agreement?
Texas A&M University AgriLife Research, as the recipient, is responsible for laboratory and analytical work. This includes determining mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) status and diversity patterns, analyzing nuclear genetic structure and inbreeding-related measures for satellite herds, testing WCNP for stability in microsatellite allele/genotype frequencies across time, and running SNP array analyses to evaluate genome integrity and potential cattle introgression.
6. What is the National Park Service responsible for in this project?
The National Park Service is responsible for collecting and submitting genetic samples and for translating genetic findings into management practice. NPS also commits to working with the university to develop practical guidelines (including effective population size calculations) and using those guidelines to shape metapopulation-style policies that manage WCNP and satellite herds as an interconnected conservation unit.
7. What types of biological samples are collected for genetic testing?
The primary sample type described is tail hair follicles. These are commonly used for DNA work because they are relatively easy to collect and store while still providing usable genetic material.
8. When and how are samples collected?
Samples are collected by NPS units and partners during routine bison handling events (roundups). The collected samples are then shipped to Texas A&M University AgriLife Research for laboratory analysis and long-term archiving.
9. Where are the samples analyzed and stored long-term?
According to the opportunity description, samples are shipped to Texas A&M for laboratory analysis and long-term archiving.
10. What genetic methods and tools are used in this initiative?
The initiative uses established genetic tools so results can be compared to earlier research and tracked over time. It relies on mitochondrial DNA markers (to assess maternal lineages and mtDNA diversity) and nuclear DNA markers, particularly microsatellites widely used in bison genetic studies. In addition, it includes modern genomic screening using a SNP-based platform called the BisonChip HD Array.
11. Why does the project include both mtDNA and nuclear DNA analyses?
mtDNA markers are used to assess maternal lineages and mitochondrial diversity, while nuclear DNA markers (microsatellites) are used to characterize within-herd genetic structure and broader measures of genetic variation and relatedness. Using both provides a more complete view of population genetics for management decisions.
12. What are microsatellites in the context of this project?
Microsatellites are nuclear DNA markers widely used in bison genetic studies. The grant notes that the initiative builds on established marker sets (associated with Halbert’s marker sets) so that results are consistent with and comparable to earlier bison population genetic research.
13. What is the BisonChip HD Array used for in this project?
The BisonChip HD Array is used as a SNP-based genomic screening platform to evaluate genome integrity and to look for signs of cattle introgression (domestic cattle chromosomal regions), which is a recognized conservation concern for some bison populations.
14. What is cattle introgression and why is it addressed here?
Cattle introgression refers to the presence of domestic cattle genetic material within bison genomes. The initiative includes SNP-based screening specifically to detect domestic cattle chromosomal regions and document the conservation integrity of the WCNP herd.
15. What earlier research does this project aim to be comparable with?
The project explicitly ties planned analyses back to prior population genetic work on WCNP bison, including earlier studies by Derr, Halbert, and collaborators. This allows managers to assess whether genetic diversity and allele frequencies remain stable or shift over time.
16. What are the two main sampling targets described in the project?
The on-the-ground research activities focus on (1) sampling five The Nature Conservancy (TNC) affiliated WCNP satellite herds during the 2017 roundups, emphasizing individuals not previously sampled, and (2) conducting a targeted, contemporary genetic check of the main WCNP herd using random sampling of younger animals across multiple cohorts.
17. What is planned for sampling the satellite herds?
During 2017 roundups, the plan is to collect genetic samples from animals in five TNC-affiliated WCNP satellite herds, focusing on individuals that had not been sampled previously. The samples support mtDNA confirmation and mitochondrial diversity assessment, and nuclear genetic structure characterization using microsatellites.
18. What genetic metrics will be produced for the satellite herds?
The satellite herd microsatellite analyses are intended to produce management-relevant metrics including observed and expected heterozygosity, estimates of inbreeding and overall genetic diversity, the average number of alleles per locus, and identification of unique or rare alleles that may be important genetic resources to retain.
19. What is planned for sampling the main WCNP herd?
The project includes randomly sampling at least 10 animals under ten years of age across multiple cohorts, totaling roughly 50 animals, to evaluate whether key microsatellite allele and genotype frequencies have remained consistent over the previous decade. The WCNP herd also receives SNP-based screening using the BisonChip HD Array.
20. Why does the project focus on animals under ten years of age for the WCNP sampling?
The opportunity describes a targeted, contemporary check of the herd and specifies random sampling of animals under ten years of age across multiple cohorts to support a time-based comparison of allele and genotype frequencies over roughly the prior decade.
21. What does the project mean by testing for stability in allele and genotype frequencies?
It refers to evaluating whether key microsatellite allele and genotype frequencies in the WCNP herd have remained consistent across a multi-year period (described as the previous decade). This is framed as a crucial test of whether the herd’s genetic status is being maintained under existing management.
22. What management decisions is this project intended to support?
The grant is designed to support practical decision-making, including guidance for breeding, culling strategies to conserve existing diversity, and intentional translocation (animal movement) among herds. It also supports metapopulation-style policies that treat WCNP and satellite herds as an interconnected conservation unit.
23. What is meant by a metapopulation-style approach in this opportunity?
In the context provided, it means managing the WCNP herd and its satellite herds as an interconnected unit, using genetic findings and effective population size guidelines to inform coordinated policies such as animal translocation and other management actions.
24. What is the anticipated grant mechanism and administering agency?
This opportunity is described as a discretionary cooperative agreement under the U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service.
25. What is the program and activity focus area for this opportunity?
The listing identifies the activity focus in environment, natural resources, and research and development.
26. Who is eligible to apply based on the listing?
The listing identifies eligibility for private institutions of higher education.
27. How many awards are anticipated?
The opportunity indicates an anticipated single award.
28. What is the maximum (ceiling) award amount listed?
The award ceiling listed is $100,000.
29. What are the key dates shown for this opportunity?
The opportunity was created on July 31, 2017, and the original closing date is listed as August 18, 2017.
30. What CFDA number is associated with this opportunity?
The opportunity is associated with CFDA 15.949.
31. What is the expected long-term outcome of the project?
The grant is designed to produce both scientific baselines and applied management rules so WCNP-associated bison herds can retain genetic diversity, minimize inbreeding risk, and document their long-term conservation value and genetic integrity.
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