Low genetic diversity and shallow population structure in the endangered vulture, Gyps coprotheres.

ABSTRACT: Globally, vulture species are experiencing major population declines. The southern African Cape vulture (Gyps coprotheres) has undergone severe population collapse which has led to a listing of Endangered by the IUCN. Here, a comprehensive genetic survey of G. coprotheres is conducted using microsatellite markers. Analyses revealed an overall reduction in heterozygosity compared to other vulture species that occur in South Africa (Gypaetus barbatus, Necrosyrtes monachus, and Gyps africanus). Bayesian clustering analysis and principal coordinate analysis identified shallow, subtle population structuring across South Africa. This provides some support for regional natal philopatry in this species. Despite recent reductions in population size, a genetic bottleneck was not detected by the gene

SUBMITTER: Kleinhans C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6445149 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature