Fine-scale genetic structure in the critically endangered red-fronted macaw in the absence of geographic and ecological barriers.

ABSTRACT: Behavioural and socio-cultural traits are recognized in the restriction of gene flow in species with high cognitive capacity and complex societies. This isolation by social barriers has been generally overlooked in threatened species by assuming disrupted gene flow due to population fragmentation and decline. We examine the genetic structure and ecology of the global population of the Critically Endangered red-fronted macaw (Ara rubrogenys), an endemic species to the inter-Andean valleys of Bolivia. We found a fine-scale genetic structuring in four genetic clusters. Genetic diversity was higher in wild compared to captive-bred macaws, but similar to that of captive wild-caught macaws. We found no clear evidence of severe genetic erosion in the population in recent decades, but it was paten

SUBMITTER: Blanco G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7804180 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature