Genetic variability and population structure of the Montezuma quail (Cyrtonyx montezumae) in the northern limit of its distribution.

ABSTRACT: Restricted movement among populations decreases genetic variation, which may be the case for the Montezuma quail (Cyrtonyx montezumae), a small game bird that rarely flies long distances. In the northern limit of its distribution, it inhabits oak-juniper-pine savannas of Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. Understanding genetic structure can provide information about the demographic history of populations that is also important for conservation and management. The objective of this study was to determine patterns of genetic variation in Montezuma quail populations using nine DNA microsatellite loci. We genotyped 119 individuals from four study populations: Arizona, Western New Mexico, Central New Mexico, and West Texas. Compared to other quail, heterozygosity was low (H¯0 = 0.22 ± 0.04)

SUBMITTER: Sanchez-Murrieta E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10712304 | biostudies-literature | 2023

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature