Integrating genetic and stable isotope analyses to infer the population structure of the White-winged Snowfinch Montifringilla nivalis in Western Europe

摘要: The population structure and seasonal movements of alpine birds in Europe are still largely unknown. Species living high mountains now face acute risks habitat loss, range contractions local extinction due to current projected climate change. Therefore, a better understanding the spatial structuring exchange among populations European mountain is important from both ecological conservation points view. White-winged Snowfinch Montifringilla nivalis one most characteristic passerines habitats Europe. Despite fact that its breeding nuclei relatively well defined, we know little about species’ Western By analysing two mitochondrial loci (cytochrome b control region) stable isotopes hydrogen (δ2H), assessed what extent Snowfinches Cantabrian Mountains (CM), Pyrenees Alps, also wintering Eastern Pyrenees, function as metapopulation. We first show phylogenetic relationships (Montifringilla subsp. nivalis) within complex. When assessing Europe, haplotypes were present all populations, but was only found CM where it predominated. widespread at grounds majority individuals, none them showed haplotype specific CM. did not find differences δ2H for primary feathers rectrices individuals had considerably lower values: isotopic analysis could thus be useful assign their Alpine grounds. Further studies combining ringing analyses intrinsic markers an essential step appraising metapopulation dynamics guiding conservation.