What genetics tell us about the conservation of the critically endangered Balearic Shearwater

摘要: The Balearic shearwater Puffinus mauretanicus is one of the most critically endangered seabirds in world. species endemic to archipelago, and conservation concerns are low number breeding pairs, adult survival, possible hybridization with a sibling species, morphologically smaller Yelkouan (P. yelkouan). We sampled almost entire range analyzed genetic variation at two mitochondrial DNA regions. No evidence population decline was found. Despite observed philopatry, we detected weak structure mainly due connectivity among colonies higher than expected, but also Pleistocene demographic expansion. Some showed high imbalance between immigration emigration rates, suggesting spatial heterogeneity patch quality. Genetic maternal introgression from reinforced, only peripheral colony not followed, least date, by spread introgressed mtDNA lineages. Morphometric differences were correlated haplotypes probably secondary contact several generations ago. Overall, results suggested that very recent this has yet decreased its variability, found should help reduce extinction risk. Spreading be monitored, jeopardized moment factors major actions concentrate enhancing survival.