Genetic isolation in an endemic African habitat specialist

• DOI: 10.1111/ibi.12520
• Publication Date: 2017-07-31T15:46:36Z
• Authors: Natalie dos Remedios; Clemens Küpper; Tamás Székely; Neil Baker; Wilferd Versfeld; Patricia L. M. Lee
• Keywords: Subspecies; Genetic divergence

The Chestnut‐banded Plover Charadrius pallidus is a Near‐Threatened shorebird species endemic to mainland Africa. We examined levels of genetic differentiation between its two morphologically and geographically distinct subspecies, C. p. in southern Africa (population size 11 000–16 000) venustus eastern 6500). In contrast other plover that maintain connectivity over thousands kilometres across continental Africa, we found profound differences remote sampling sites. Phylogenetic network analysis based on four nuclear mitochondrial gene regions, population structure analyses microsatellite loci, indicated strong divergence, with 2.36% sequence divergence individuals sampled Namibia (southern Africa) those Kenya Tanzania (eastern Africa). This distinction African populations was also supported by highly clusters markers (global F ST = 0.309, 0.510, D 0.182). Behavioural factors may promote this include habitat specialization, monogamous mating behaviour sedentariness. Reliance an extremely small number saline lakes for breeding limited dispersal are likely reproductive isolation suggest the subspecies warrant elevation full status. To assess fully, additional sample collection will be needed, phenotypic traits from species’ entire range.