Museum collections reveal that Buff-breasted Sandpipers (Calidris subruficollis) maintained mtDNA variability despite large population declines during the past 135 years Zachary T. LounsberryJuliana B. AlmeidaRichard B. Lanctot • Joseph R. LiebezeitBrett K. SandercockKhara M. Strum • Steve ZackSamantha M. Wisely

摘要: A principal goal of conservation efforts for threatened and endangered taxa is maintenance genetic diversity. Modern historic processes that limit popu- lation size can contribute to a loss variation reduce future adaptability species. Buff-breasted Sandpipers (Calidris subruficollis) are Neotropical migratory shorebird experienced rapid, large-scale declines in population numbers (population bottleneck) due intensive market hunting at the turn 20th century. Market ended shortly after passage Migratory Bird Treaty Act 1918, but subsequent losses have occurred continued anthropogenic disturbances throughout species' range. To assess impact on Sandpipers, we surveyed two mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) markers, control region cytochrome b, from 209 museum specimens collected between 1874 1983 460 modern samples 1993 2009. Measures mtDNA did not change significantly among individuals sampled before ban hunting, nor four temporal groups (Pre-Act, Early Post-Act, Late Modern; trend analysis: v 2 = 0.171, P 0.679). Similarly, observe common haplotypes, implying there was no substantial reduction unique matrilineal units during our 135-year study period. Using Bayesian Skyline reconstruction changes effective females (Nef), concluded Nef has been stable past Results resampling suggest diversity estimators be imprecise emphasize importance well- rounded analytical approach addressing hypotheses. Considering all evidence it appears were despite pressures early century habitat degradation latter half Conservation should continue focus maintaining avoid reaching threshold where variability lost.