MtDNA genetic diversity and population history of a dwindling raptorial bird, the red kite (Milvus milvus)

摘要: The red kite (Milvus milvus) occurs in a relatively small area the southwestern Palearctic region, with population strongholds Central Europe. Following strong human persecutions at beginning of 20th century, populations have receded, particularly peripheral areas and islands. In order to describe compare levels genetic diversity phylogeographic patterns throughout its entire distribution Europe, sequence variation 357 bps part mitochondrial DNA control region was assessed eight 105 individuals. Overall, results indicate that declines affected mtDNA variation. We found low (values nucleotide ranging from 0 Majorca island 0.0062 Europe), only 10 distinct haplotypes, separated by divergence (mean = 0.75%). Highest haplotype diversities match demographic expectations, were European Spanish samples, where present occur, lowest values declining southern insular samples. Φst estimates indicated moderate gene flow between populations. Phylogeographic mismatch distributions analyses suggest central regions may been colonized glacial refugia (in Italian or Iberian peninsulas). Interspecific phylogenetic comparisons date split closely related species, black migrans), might be recent. level compared kite, is likely result recent (associated founder events), successive bottlenecks sizes. As there are several ongoing projects aimed reinforcing countries such as United Kingdom, Italy Spain, our prove useful for management species.