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Genetic variability and gene flow in the globally, critically-endangered Taita thrush

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Abstract

Analysis of 155 individuals with seven polymorphicmicrosatellite DNA markers showed significant genetic differentiationbetween the only three remaining subpopulations of the globally,critically-endangered Taita thrush. Small, recently-disturbedsubpopulations such as studied here may violate the assumptions ofmutation-drift and gene flow-drift equilibrium inherent to mostpopulation genetic tools that estimate gene flow. We thereforeidentified putative dispersers using two recently-developed assignmenttests based on individual genotypes. Previous-generation and currentmigration rates between any two subpopulations were estimated at one andzero individuals per generation, respectively. Strong congruence withnon-genetic estimates of between-fragment dispersal provided indirectevidence for the accuracy of the assignment test. From a conservationperspective, the available demographic and genetic data suggest asubstantial threat to the long-term survival of at least the smallestsubpopulation.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Laboratory of Animal Ecology, Department of Biology, University of Antwerp (UIA), Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610, Wilrijk, Belgium;

    Peter Galbusera

  2. Laboratory of Animal Ecology, Department of Biology, University of Antwerp (UIA), Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610, Wilrijk, Belgium;

    Luc Lens, Tine Schenck & Erik Matthysen

  3. Department of Ornithology, National Museums of Kenya, PO Box 40658, Nairobi, Kenya

    Luc Lens & Edward Waiyaki

Authors
  1. Peter Galbusera
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  2. Luc Lens
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  3. Tine Schenck
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  4. Edward Waiyaki
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  5. Erik Matthysen
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Correspondence to Peter Galbusera.

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Galbusera, P., Lens, L., Schenck, T. et al. Genetic variability and gene flow in the globally, critically-endangered Taita thrush. Conservation Genetics 1, 45–55 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1010184200648

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