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Fine-scale genetic structure in the critically endangered red-fronted macaw in the absence of geographic and ecological barriers.
- Source :
-
Scientific reports [Sci Rep] 2021 Jan 12; Vol. 11 (1), pp. 556. Date of Electronic Publication: 2021 Jan 12. - Publication Year :
- 2021
-
Abstract
- Behavioural and socio-cultural traits are recognized in the restriction of gene flow in species with high cognitive capacity and complex societies. This isolation by social barriers has been generally overlooked in threatened species by assuming disrupted gene flow due to population fragmentation and decline. We examine the genetic structure and ecology of the global population of the Critically Endangered red-fronted macaw (Ara rubrogenys), an endemic species to the inter-Andean valleys of Bolivia. We found a fine-scale genetic structuring in four genetic clusters. Genetic diversity was higher in wild compared to captive-bred macaws, but similar to that of captive wild-caught macaws. We found no clear evidence of severe genetic erosion in the population in recent decades, but it was patent in historic times, overlapping with drastic human habitat transformation and macaw persecution over millennia. We found no evidence of geographical and ecological barriers, owing to the high dispersal ability, nesting and foraging habits between genetic clusters. The lack of genetic intermixing despite long-distance foraging and seasonal movements suggests recruitment in natal colonies and other social factors reinforcing philopatry-related genetic structure. Conservation efforts should be specifically focussed on major threats in each genetic cluster as independent conservation units, and also considered in ex-situ management.
- Subjects :
- Animal Migration physiology
Animals
Bolivia
Conservation of Natural Resources
Genetic Variation
Genetics, Population
Multigene Family
Population Dynamics
Seasons
Behavior, Animal physiology
Cognition physiology
Ecosystem
Endangered Species
Gene Flow
Genetic Structures
Geography
Parrots genetics
Parrots physiology
Social Behavior
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 2045-2322
- Volume :
- 11
- Issue :
- 1
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- Scientific reports
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 33436676
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-79575-6