Phylogenetic Analysis of Some Wild Birds in Şanlıurfa (Türkiye)

Abstract

The increase in population worldwide causes an increase in anthropogenic effects such as agriculture and industry, and as a result, the habitat of many naturally living species is changing. Because of this change, it is known that the species that adapt to the environment live, and the ones that do not adapt either migrate or their generation is endangered. Birds are species-rich and unique in their adaptation to a wide variety of habitats. In Şanlıurfa, both the construction of dams and the increase in agricultural activities affect bird diversity significantly. Therefore, it is important to take precautions by investigating their phylogenetic origins and migration routes. The aim of the present study is to perform phylogenetic analysis using mtDNA COI marker for some wild bird species in Şanlıurfa. Muscle tissue was taken from nine wild bird species, DNA isolation was performed using a commercial kit, and the target gene region was amplified by using PCR method. The genetic structure of the species was determined by sequence analysis of the obtained target PCR products and a phylogenetic tree was drawn. The results were evaluated at haplotype level by comparing with the sequences in the gene bank. It was determined that the haplotypes determined for Tyto alba, Ciconia ciconia, and Elanus caeruleus species were new and not found in other countries.