Genetic diversity and shallow genetic differentiation of the endangered scaly-sided merganser Mergus squamatus.

ABSTRACT: Examining patterns of genetic diversity are crucial for conservation planning on endangered species, while inferring the underlying process of recent anthropogenic habitat modifications in the context potential long-term demographic changes remains challenging. The globally endangered scaly-sided merganser (SSME), Mergus squamatus, is endemic to a narrow range in Northeast Asia, and its population has recently been contracted into two main breeding areas. Although low genetic diversity has been suggested in the Russian population, the genetic status and demographic history of these individuals have not been fully elucidated. We therefore examined the genetic diversity and structure of the breeding populations of the SSME and investigated the relative importance of historical and rec

SUBMITTER: Shen Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11233196 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature