Individual genetic diversity correlates with the size and spatial isolation of natal colonies in a bird metapopulation.

ABSTRACT: The genetic consequences of small population size and isolation are of central concern in both population and conservation biology. Organisms with a metapopulation structure generally show effective population sizes that are much smaller than the number of mature individuals and this can reduce genetic diversity especially in small sized and isolated subpopulations. Here, we examine the association between heterozygosity and the size and spatial isolation of natal colonies in a metapopulation of lesser kestrels (Falco naumanni). For this purpose, we used capture-mark-recapture data to determine the patterns of immigration into the studied colonies, and 11 highly polymorphic microsatellite markers that allowed us to estimate genetic diversity of locally born individuals. We found that indiv

SUBMITTER: Ortego J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2596367 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature