Admixture between released and wild game birds: A changing genetic landscape in European mallards (Anas platyrhynchos)

摘要: Disruption of naturally evolved spatial patterns genetic variation and local adaptations is a growing concern in wildlife management conservation. During the last decade, releases native taxa with potentially non-native genotypes have received increased attention. This has mostly concerned conservation programs, but are also widely carried out to boost harvest opportunities. The mallard, Anas platyrhynchos, one few terrestrial migratory vertebrates subjected large-scale for hunting purposes. It most numerous widespread duck world, yet each year more than three million farmed mallard ducklings released into wild European Union alone increase harvestable population. study aimed determine effects such species, specifically if mallards differ genetically among subpopulations Europe, there signs admixture between two groups, structure population changed since began 1970s, current data matches global across Northern hemisphere. We used Bayesian clustering (Structure software) Discriminant Analysis Principal Components (DAPC) analyze historical present-day (n = 171 n 209, respectively) as well 211) from six countries inferred by 360 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Both methods showed clear differentiation mallards. Admixed individuals were found population, implicating introgression despite low survival Such cryptic would alter composition populations may unknown long-term consequences