Genetic diversity of the Carpathian capercaillie in space and time-Reference-Cited by-同舟云学术

Genetic diversity of the Carpathian capercaillie in space and time

Published:2024-03-01 Issue:1 Volume:66 Page:46-60
ISSN:2199-5907
Container-title:Folia Forestalia Polonica
language:en
Short-container-title:

Author:

Santorek Anna¹,Armatys Paweł²,Pregler Barbara³,Zwijacz-Kozica Tomasz⁴,Żurek Zbigniew²,Hotała Paweł³,Brozik Wojciech³,Rutkowski Robert¹

Affiliation:

1. Museum and Institute of Zoology PAS , Wilcza 64 , Warsaw , Poland

2. Gorce National Park , Poręba Wielka 590 , Niedźwiedź , Poland

3. Babia Góra National Park , 34-223 Zawoja , Poland

4. Tatra National Park , Kuźnice 1 , Zakopane , Poland

Abstract

Abstract Knowledge about changes occurring in the genetic structure of populations is extremely important in the case of endangered species. Research studies conducted in space and time allow us to identify factors that are influencing gene flow. Especially in the case of species occurring in the form of dispersed, more or less isolated populations, this is crucial for developing effective conservation strategies. The Carpathians are one of the most important capercaillies stronghold in Central Europe. The population here is fragmented, and at least, some groups of birds are small and isolated. This study aimed to determine whether the genetic structure of the capercaillie in the Polish part of the Carpathians has changed over the last decade. The research was conducted in three Polish national parks: Babia Góra National Park (BAB), Gorce (GOR) and Tatra (TAT). A total of over 1,300 non-invasive samples were collected for genetic analyses in two periods: 2010–2013 and 2021–2022. Individuals were identified using microsatellite markers. It was found that during the research period, there were approximately 200 capercaillie individuals in the Parks. The level of genetic variability in individual strongholds has not changed significantly. However, traces of a new gene pool were found in BAB, which could have appeared from other areas of the Carpathians where the species is being reintroduced. GOR shows features of a sink population: low genetic variability, low number of individuals and gradual decline in emigration. During the period covered by the study, the genetic structure has changed little: the studied strongholds are partially genetically isolated, but gene flow between BAB and GOR appears to be increasingly limited. TAT is a hybrid and transition zone for gene flow between smaller strongholds. The results emphasize the importance of areas with stable, numerous populations for the survival of smaller, peripheral groups of the capercaillie in mountain areas.

Publisher

Walter de Gruyter GmbH

Link

https://www.sciendo.com/pdf/10.2478/ffp-2024-0005

Reference58 articles.

1. Bajc, M. 2011. Genetic differentiation of the Western Capercaillie highlights the importance of Southeastern Europe for understanding the species phylogeography. PLoS One, 6 (8), e23602.

2. Banks, S.C., Piggott, M.P. 2022. Non-invasive genetic sampling is one of our most powerful and ethical tools for threatened species population monitoring: a reply to Lavery et al. Biodiversity Conservation, 31, 723–728.

3. Bergl, R.A., Vigilant, L. 2007. Genetic analysis reveals population structure and recent migration within the highly fragmented range of the Cross River gorilla. Molecular Ecology, 16, 501–516.

4. Brookfield, J.F.Y. 1996. A simple new method for estimating null allele frequency from heterozygote deficiency. Molecular Ecology, 5, 453–455.

5. Caizergues, A., Dubois, S., Mondor, G., Rasplus, J.F. 2001. Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci in black grouse (Tetrao tetrix). Molecular Ecology Notes, 1 (1/2), 36–38.