The DDT‐induced decline influenced genetic diversity in naturally recovered Peregrine falcons (Falco peregrinus) nesting within the Alaska Arctic and eastern interior

Abstract

We assessed the influence of the severe mid-20 th century population decline on genetic diversity in nonaugmented Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus populations nesting within the Alaska Arctic and eastern Interior. Microsatellite and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) data were analysed for Peregrine Falcons sampled from three periods: pre-decline, decline and post-decline. The influence of the decline on genetic diversity differed between the two locales. The Alaska Arctic was characterized by shifts in mtDNA haplotype frequencies, increased inbreeding coefficient, reduction in effective population size and increase in private haplotypes, and a signature of post-decline population growth was detected; by contrast, the eastern Interior showed a reduction in haplotype diversity and no differences in allelic or haplotypic frequencies between pre-and post-decline periods, though pre-decline birds clustered away from the other two periods and allelic frequency differences were observed between decline and post-decline periods. Patterns in genetic diversity suggest populations recovered through recruitment from within and immigration.

Whole‐genome survey reveals extensive variation in genetic diversity and inbreeding levels among peregrine falcon subspecies

“…In addition, multiple subspecies possess both island and mainland populations ( F. p. pealei , F. p. cassini , F. p. peregrinator , F. p. ernesti ) or varying levels of migratory behavior depending on local environmental conditions and resource availability ( F. p. anatum , F. p. peregrinus , F. p. babylonicus ; see Table S1; Gu et al, 2021; White, Cade, & Enderson, 2013). Although much genetic research has examined levels of diversity using a restricted set of presumably neutral or functional loci among peregrine falcon populations and subspecies (Bell et al, 2014; Brown et al, 2007; Gangoso et al, 2012; Jacobsen et al, 2008; Johnson et al, 2010; Ponnikas et al, 2017; Sonsthagen et al, 2022; Talbot et al, 2011, 2017; Weaving et al, 2021; White, Sonsthagen, et al, 2013), it remains unclear to what degree genomic diversity varies within the species on a broad geographic scale and whether the observed patterns are expected due to life history differences or spatial constraints that may have developed since subspecies and population differentiation.…”