Genetic distinctiveness of an endangered falcon: Implications for conservation in Europe.

ABSTRACT: In the Falconidae, the genus Falco comprises species of large birds of prey with wide distribution worldwide. However, the European lanner falcon Falco biarmicus feldeggii is rapidly heading for global extinction following a dramatic decline caused by anthropogenic interference. Conservation projects are currently underway with the main purpose of increasing its population size in the Mediterranean basin through captive breeding and release of birds into the wild. To support the projects, and strengthen the legitimacy of conservation efforts consistently with the Evolutionary Significant Unit concept, we explored the possibility of characterising the gene pool of the European lanner and reliably distinguishing it from other falcon taxa inhabiting the Mediterranean area, which show morpholo

SUBMITTER: Attili L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10732417 | biostudies-literature | 2023

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature