Genetic variability within and among the 6 known populations of the endange
red Florida grasshopper sparrow (Ammodramus savannarum floridanus) was exam
ined using randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPDs) and microsatellites.
Information from DNA profiling may provide insight into sparrow movements a
nd a basis for recovery efforts. Blood samples were collected from 118 indi
viduals in southcentral Florida. Distances separating populations varied fr
om 4.0 to 33.3 km. Measures of allele frequencies indicated reduced heteroz
ygosity (mean F-IS = 0.134). Both the RAPD and microsatellite markers indic
ated little genetic differentiation among populations, except that the 2 sm
allest populations showed some genetic differentiation from the other popul
ations based upon the RAPD markers. Small geographic distances and interven
ing unsuitable habitat do not appear to inhibit movements between populatio
ns. Genetic similarities also may indicate populations that are only recent
ly isolated due to habitat fragmentation.