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Genetic and morphological differentiation between remnant populations of an endangered species: the case of the Seychelles White‐eye
Author(s) -
Rocamora Gérard J.,
Richardson David S.
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
ibis
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.933
H-Index - 80
eISSN - 1474-919X
pISSN - 0019-1019
DOI - 10.1046/j.1474-919x.2003.00140.x
Subject(s) - endangered species , biology , threatened species , white (mutation) , zoology , population , ecology , genetic variation , critically endangered , genetic variability , evolutionary biology , genetics , demography , genotype , sociology , habitat , gene
The Seychelles White‐eye Zosterops modestus is a critically endangered species that survives in two remnant populations on the islands of Mahé and Conception. Multilocus minisatellite DNA fingerprinting and morphometric measurements were used to assess the levels of variation between these populations. Mahé White‐eyes are on average significantly larger than Conception birds, as are males compared to females. The mean level of bandsharing ( c. 60%) indicates low levels of genetic variability within both populations. Bandsharing is significantly lower between populations (32%), suggesting that the two populations are genetically isolated from each other, and that one is not a subsample from the other. Both populations should therefore be considered as equally important genetic reservoirs that deserve to be safeguarded. Although each population appears locally adapted to its particular island environment, such limited differentiation is not considered of major taxonomic significance. Recombining genetic variation by mixing individuals from both populations may be beneficial for the species in view of future island transfers. This illustrates the importance of investigating differentiation between remnant populations of a threatened species to orientate future conservation and management measures.