Genetic characterization of Neotropical Jabiru Storks: Insights for conservation

Waterbirds
By: , and 

Links

Abstract

Jabiru Stork (Jabiru mycteria is listed under Appendix I of CITES and considered threatened in Central America. The first population genetic analysis of Jabiru Storks was carried out using mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region sequences (520 bp) and five heterologous microsatellite loci. Samples were collected from the field (N = 49) and museum skins (N = 22) in Central (mainly Belize, Nicaragua and Costa Rica) and South America (Colombia, Venezuela, Peru and Brazil). A decline of mtDNA diversity was observed in comparisons between past (N = 20) and present (N = 40) samples collected in Central America and northern South America. Similar levels of microsatellite loci diversity were observed among contemporary samples. Lower levels of mtDNA variability were observed in samples from Central America and northern South America when compared to the Brazilian Pantanal region. Significant levels of genetic differentiation were found between contemporary locations sampled, whereas non-significant results were observed for historic samples. The non-geographic association of haplotypes observed at the cladograms and the recent divergence times estimated between locations are indicative of an evolutionary history of a large population size with limited population structure. Reconnection of populations via increased gene flow, particularly in Central America, is recommended if genetic structure and status are to be restored.
Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Genetic characterization of Neotropical Jabiru Storks: Insights for conservation
Series title Waterbirds
DOI 10.1675/063.033.0401
Volume 33
Issue 4
Year Published 2010
Language English
Contributing office(s) Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center
Larger Work Type Article
Larger Work Subtype Journal Article
Larger Work Title Waterbirds
First page 425
Last page 437
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details