Witnessing extinction: Population genetics of the last European Rollers ( Coracias garrulus ) in Austria and a first phylogeographic analysis of the species across its distribution range

• DOI: 10.1111/jzs.12256
• Publication Date: 2018-12-20T06:35:04Z
• Authors: Carina Nebel; Kerstin Kadletz; Anita Gamauf; Elisabeth Haring; Peter Sackl; Michael Tiefenbach; Hans Winkler; Frank E. Zachos
• Keywords: mtDNA control region; Subspecies; Population Genetics

Due to broad-scale habitat loss, European Rollers (Coracias garrulus) have been decreasing in numbers rapidly during the 20th century parts of their distribution range. In Austria, as 2017, only a completely isolated relict population two breeding pairs and few non-breeders remained Styria compared about 270 1950s. 2018, no breeders recorded. Since 2002, all nestlings adult birds Austria ringed. Given small census size, combined with lack immigration from other populations, genetic depletion seems likely. present study, mitochondrial control region sequence microsatellite data based on blood samples recent years were collected museum historical times (when more common widespread Austria) across range arrive at first preliminary phylogeographic dataset for species. The DNA showed decrease variation over time eventually reaching monomorphism, while diversity 10 loci was higher than expected change structuring through observed. These results indicate drift effects this Roller caused by fast breakdown size. Our analysis indicates division into an Asian group, roughly (but not exactly) accordance subspecies C. garrulus (Europe) Coracias semenowi (Asia). substructuring group along nuclear markers show Austrian be part formerly continuous opens way restocking Eastern Europe ("genetic rescue").