Microsatellite variability of the wood stork Mycteria americana (Aves, Ciconidae) in Cuba: implications for its conservation

Abstract

Microsatellite variability of the wood stork Mycteria americana (Aves, Ciconiidae) in Cuba: implications for its conservation. Mycteria americana (Aves, Ciconiidae) is the only species of stork found in the Caribbean. It is a permanent yet rare resident in Cuba, with only two reproductively active colonies. In this work, we used five microsatellite loci to characterize 37 individuals from these colonies, located in two of the most important wetlands of Cuba, the Zapata Swamp and the Sabana-Camagüey Archipelago. We found low genetic variability, with similar values to those reported for North and South American populations of the species, and little but significant genetic differentiation between colonies. Our results highlight the need to improve the management and conservation planning of the species in Cuba because the combination of low genetic variation, small colonies, anthropogenic influence and climatic factors could threaten its persistence.

Perfect and Imperfect Microsatellite Markers in Determination of Genetic Status of Greater Adjutant Stork (Leptoptilos dubius Gmelin)

“…However, the closer genetic relationship is obtainable in cross-specific amplification as evident in this study (Table 3). It has also been favoured that the observed low genetic variation in Mycteria Americana of Cuba with small colonies suffering from anthropogenic interferences [50] might be considered as valuable information for the conservation management of stork population in a given habitat. It may also be well argued that these sets of microsatellites used in this study proved to be useful for the Greater adjutant stork genetics and conservation implications.…”

“…Lack of species-specific microsatellite markers, perhaps be one of the reason for no genetic variability investigation, yet certain attempts were made on the genetic variability using microsatellite markers in other birds [44,45] like oriental population of white stork [46], European white stork [47], white faced Ibis [48], Painted stork [49], Wood stork [50] and in Asian woolly necked stork [51]. Thus, the rapid decline of the Greater adjutant has drawn wider attention to this background.…”

Cytotaxonomy and Molecular Analyses of Mycteria americana (Ciconiidae: Ciconiiformes): Insights on Stork Phylogeny

“…In order to understand the diversity and conservation of different populations of M. americana , the genetic variability of this species has been extensively studied by molecular biology [ 19 , 20 , 21 ]. However, the available cytogenetic data are restricted to the characterization of the karyotype by classical cytogenetics, with a 2n = 72 [ 22 ].…”