Inter and intra-island genetic structure and differentiation of the endemic Bolle's Laurel Pigeon (Columba bollii) in the Canary archipelago

Marrero, Patricia, Fregel, Rosa and Richardson, David S. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7226-9074 (2024) Inter and intra-island genetic structure and differentiation of the endemic Bolle's Laurel Pigeon (Columba bollii) in the Canary archipelago. Zoology, 167. ISSN 0944-2006

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Abstract

Islands provide excellent settings for studying the evolutionary history of species, since their geographic isolation and relatively small size limit gene flow between populations, and promote divergence and speciation. The endemic Bolle's Laurel Pigeon Columba bollii is an arboreal frugivorous bird species distributed on laurel forests in four islands of the Canary archipelago. To elucidate the population genetics, we genotyped ten microsatellite loci using DNA obtained from non-invasive samples collected across practically all laurel forest remnants, and subsequently grouped into eight sampling sites. Analyses including F-statistics, Bayesian clustering approaches, isolation by distance tests and population graph topologies, were used to infer the genetic diversity and the population differentiation within and among insular populations. Additionally, we evaluated the effect of null alleles on data analysis. Low genetic diversity was found in all populations of Bolle’s Laurel Pigeon, with no significant differences in diversity among them. However, significant genetic differentiation was detected among all populations, with pigeons from La Palma and El Hierro exhibiting the closest affinity. Bayesian clustering supported population separation between islands, and also detected fine-scale structure within the Tenerife and La Gomera populations. Our results suggest that, despite columbids have a high movement ability, they can show signature of genetic divergence among populations, particularly on oceanic islands. Geological history of the islands and distribution range of habitats could have close influence on the evolutionary trajectories of these birds. This approach can provide practical tools to implement appropriate conservation measures for range-restricted species and their habitat.

Item Type:	Article
Faculty \ School:	Faculty of Science > School of Biological Sciences
UEA Research Groups:	Faculty of Science > Research Centres > Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Conservation Faculty of Science > Research Groups > Organisms and the Environment
Depositing User:	LivePure Connector
Date Deposited:	24 Sep 2024 12:56
Last Modified:	01 Nov 2024 04:30
URI:	https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/96801
DOI:	10.1016/j.zool.2024.126209

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