Population genetic structure of the European kestrel Falco tinnunculus in Central Poland

Abstract

We analysed the genetic structure of the European kestrel population of Central Poland using nine highly polymorphic microsatellite loci. Samples were collected in two urban locations (Warsaw and Łódź) and two rural areas. Sampling locations were at nearly equal distances from each other along an east to west line. We performed genotyping in a total of 99 birds. The results revealed the presence of a genetic structure in the population investigated. Bayesian clustering indicated that samples originated from more than one population. Genetic differentiation was less pronounced among the birds nesting in Warsaw and in the two rural sites, whereas all pairwise comparisons with the Łódź population indicated moderate and significant genetic differentiation. The observed pattern of differentiation might have been caused by two factors: changes in allele frequency between seasons and/ or the founding of the urban population of Łódź from a different source population than the urban population from Warsaw. Additionally, we found a rather high gene flow among kestrels from the Warsaw urban area and the two investigated rural areas.

Genetic diversity and population structure in contemporary house sparrow populations along an urbanization gradient

“…A study on common kestrels (Falco tinnuculus) did not reveal differences in levels of allelic richness or genetic differentiation between urban and rural areas (Riegert et al, 2010;Rutkowski et al, 2010). Likewise, pairwise levels of differentiation indicated weak structuring between urban and coastal populations of song sparrows (Melospiza melodia) (MacDougall-Shackleton et al, 2011).…”

The spatial genetic structure of the yellow-necked mouse in an urban environment – a recent invader vs. a closely related permanent inhabitant

“…15 years after a significant increase in the number of animals within the city borders, and reported a small but significant genetic differentiation between urban and rural sampling sites, as well as slightly reduced genetic variability within urban populations, probably due to the founder effect (Wandeler et al 2003). In another such study, the genetic variability of a breeding population of European kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) recently founded (in the 1970s) in the city of Warsaw was compared with rural populations and no differences were found, suggesting undisturbed gene flow between the relatively new urban population and birds from nonurban areas (Rutkowski et al 2009). …”

“…amphibians), often related to a specific environment, such as water bodies, exhibit decreased genetic variability due to isolation and intensified genetic drift (Hitchings and Beebee 1998;Noël et al 2007;Noël and Lapointe 2010;Mikulič and Pišút 2012;Munshi-South et al 2013;Zak and Pehek 2013, but see also Saarikivi et al 2013); (ii) mobile species able to cross environmental barriers seem to maintain a high level of genetic variability, probably avoiding complete isolation between patches of habitat within the city as well as between urban and rural areas (Desender et al 2005;Gardner-Santana et al 2009;Rutkowski et al 2009;Bj rklund et al 2010;Munshi-South and Kharchenko 2010); (iii) urban populations, usually fragmented into local subpopulations inhabiting small patches of suitable habitats (e.g. green spaces), exhibit pronounced genetic structure (Rubin et al 2001;Wood and Pullin 2002;Wandeler et al 2003;Desender et al 2005;Gardner-Santana et al 2009;Bj rklund et al 2010;Delaney et al 2010;Munshi-South and Kharchenko 2010;Vangestel et al 2011;Gortat et al 2013Gortat et al , 2015aMunshi-South et al 2013;Unfried et al 2013).…”

Assessment of the Genetic Potential of the Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus peregrinus) Population Used in the Reintroduction Program in Poland

“…Some peregrine falcon populations have been subjected to genetic variance analysis. The process of “gene flow” in dispersed populations shows that no continental subspecies is genetically isolated from another [ 20 ], but an analysis of two rural and two urban groups in a Polish population of European kestrels showed significant genetic differentiation between the analyzed groups [ 21 ].…”