Summary
I have an active research program in Conservation Science with an emphasis in Conservation Genetics. I am especially interested in the how organisms assort themselves on the landscape and the effect of habitat fragmentation on population dynamics. This general interest acts as an umbrella for a variety of research projects that range from basic research on metapopulation dynamics for variety of organisms including pikas (Ochotona princeps) and toads (Bufo boreas) to viability modeling of Lahontan cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarki henshawi) populations in both fragmented and non-fragmented systems. I use a variety of research tools to address these questions including molecular genetic techniques, population viability modeling, and traditional behavioral ecology methods. I have used a combination of mark-recapture and genetic methods, to examine mating and dispersal patterns, population genetic structure and the maintenance (or loss) of genetic variation in spatially heterogeneous habitats. I also use phylogeographic and phylogenetic approaches to species conservation issues.
Education
- Postdoctoral Fellow, University of ÁùºÏ±¦µä, Reno, 1994-1997
- Ph.D., Zoology, Arizona State University, 1995
Selected Publications
- Dochtermann, N. and M. Peacock. In press 5/12. Intra-specific density-dependence and -independence and taxonomic patterns of density-dependence. Oecologia.
- Rogers, S. D., and M. M. Peacock. 2012. The disappearing Northern Leopard Frog (Lithobates pipiens): conservation genetics and implications for remnant populations in western ÁùºÏ±¦µä. Ecology and Evolution Early view (online 8/12)
- Peacock M. M., and N. A. Dochtermann. 2012. Evolutionary potential but not extinction risk of Lahontan cutthroat trout is associated with stream characteristics. Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 69: 615-626.
- Gray, M. E., E. Z. Cameron, M. M. Peacock, D. S. Thain, and V. S. Kirchoff. 2012. Are low infidelity rates in feral horses due to infanticide risk? Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology 66: 529-537.
- Peacock, E., K. Titus, D. L. Garshelis, M. M. Peacock and M. Kuc. 2011. Mark-recapture using tetracycline and genetics reveal record-high bear density. Journal of Wildlife Management 75:1513-1520.
- Dochtermann, N. A., and M. M. Peacock. 2010. Differences in population size variability among populations and species of the family Salmonidae. Journal of Animal Ecology 79: 888-896.
- Peacock, M. M., M. L. Robinson, T. Walters, H. A. Mathewson and R. Perkins. 2010. The evolutionarily significant unit concept and the role of translocated populations in preserving the genetic legacy of Lahontan cutthroat trout. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 139:382-395.
- White, A., E. Z. Cameron, and M. M. Peacock. 2010. Grouping Patterns in Warthogs, Phacochoerus africanus: does communal care of young explain sociality? Behaviour 147:1-18.
- Al-Chokhachy, R., M. Peacock, L. Heki and G. Thiede.* 2009. Evaluating the reintroduction potential of Lahontan cutthroat trout in Fallen Leaf Lake, California. North American Journal of Fisheries Management 29:1296-1313.
- Peacock, M. M., K. H. Beard, E. M. O'Neill, V. Kirchoff, and M. B. Peters. 2009. Strong founder effects and low genetic diversity in introduced populations of Coqui frogs. Molecular Ecology 18:3603-3615.