High levels of genetic diversity and an absence of genetic structure among breeding populations of the endangered Rufous-backed Bunting in Inner Mongolia, China: implications for conservation
Abstract Background The Rufous-backed Bunting, Emberiza jankowskii, is an endangered species that is primarily distributed in Inner Mongolia, China. The main threats to the continued persistence of this species are habitat loss and degradation. However, the impact of population loss on genetic diver...
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doaj-2b862da3a0b24973a1c6cfef6fbbb0192021-02-14T12:14:42ZengBMCAvian Research2053-71662021-02-0112111110.1186/s40657-020-00236-3High levels of genetic diversity and an absence of genetic structure among breeding populations of the endangered Rufous-backed Bunting in Inner Mongolia, China: implications for conservationShi Li0Dan Li1Lishi Zhang2Weiping Shang3Bo Qin4Yunlei Jiang5College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural UniversityCollege of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural UniversityCollege of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural UniversityCollege of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural UniversityCollege of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural UniversityCollege of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural UniversityAbstract Background The Rufous-backed Bunting, Emberiza jankowskii, is an endangered species that is primarily distributed in Inner Mongolia, China. The main threats to the continued persistence of this species are habitat loss and degradation. However, the impact of population loss on genetic diversity remains unclear. To support future conservation and management efforts, we assessed the genetic diversity and population structure of E. jankowskii using mitochondrial DNA and microsatellites. Methods Blood samples were collected from 7‒8-day-old nestlings in Inner Mongolia, China between May and August of 2012 and 2013. Mitochondrial DNA sequences and microsatellite markers were used to assess the genetic diversity, genetic structure and inbreeding of E. jankowskii. The results of genetic diversity and inbreeding were compared to other avian species. Results We found an unexpectedly high level of genetic diversity in terms of mitochondrial DNA and microsatellite compared to other avian species. However, there were high levels of gene flow and minimal genetic structuring, among the fragmented breeding populations of E. jankowskii in Inner Mongolia. These findings suggest that E. jankowskii in Inner Mongolia is a metapopulation. Despite the high genetic diversity of E. jankowskii, local populations in each small patch remain at risk of extinction due to habitat loss. In addition, the E. jankowskii population has a high risk of inbreeding. Conclusions To minimize further loss of genetic diversity of this endangered species, we suggest that the E. jankowskii in Inner Mongolia should be considered as a protected species for management purposes. Conservation efforts should concentrate on E. jankowskii habitat management. This may be most effectively achieved by protecting the current breeding habitats and prohibiting over-grazing.https://doi.org/10.1186/s40657-020-00236-3ConservationEmberiza jankowskiiGenetic diversityGenetic structureHabitat fragmentation |
collection |
DOAJ |
language |
English |
format |
Article |
sources |
DOAJ |
author |
Shi Li Dan Li Lishi Zhang Weiping Shang Bo Qin Yunlei Jiang |
spellingShingle |
Shi Li Dan Li Lishi Zhang Weiping Shang Bo Qin Yunlei Jiang High levels of genetic diversity and an absence of genetic structure among breeding populations of the endangered Rufous-backed Bunting in Inner Mongolia, China: implications for conservation Avian Research Conservation Emberiza jankowskii Genetic diversity Genetic structure Habitat fragmentation |
author_facet |
Shi Li Dan Li Lishi Zhang Weiping Shang Bo Qin Yunlei Jiang |
author_sort |
Shi Li |
title |
High levels of genetic diversity and an absence of genetic structure among breeding populations of the endangered Rufous-backed Bunting in Inner Mongolia, China: implications for conservation |
title_short |
High levels of genetic diversity and an absence of genetic structure among breeding populations of the endangered Rufous-backed Bunting in Inner Mongolia, China: implications for conservation |
title_full |
High levels of genetic diversity and an absence of genetic structure among breeding populations of the endangered Rufous-backed Bunting in Inner Mongolia, China: implications for conservation |
title_fullStr |
High levels of genetic diversity and an absence of genetic structure among breeding populations of the endangered Rufous-backed Bunting in Inner Mongolia, China: implications for conservation |
title_full_unstemmed |
High levels of genetic diversity and an absence of genetic structure among breeding populations of the endangered Rufous-backed Bunting in Inner Mongolia, China: implications for conservation |
title_sort |
high levels of genetic diversity and an absence of genetic structure among breeding populations of the endangered rufous-backed bunting in inner mongolia, china: implications for conservation |
publisher |
BMC |
series |
Avian Research |
issn |
2053-7166 |
publishDate |
2021-02-01 |
description |
Abstract Background The Rufous-backed Bunting, Emberiza jankowskii, is an endangered species that is primarily distributed in Inner Mongolia, China. The main threats to the continued persistence of this species are habitat loss and degradation. However, the impact of population loss on genetic diversity remains unclear. To support future conservation and management efforts, we assessed the genetic diversity and population structure of E. jankowskii using mitochondrial DNA and microsatellites. Methods Blood samples were collected from 7‒8-day-old nestlings in Inner Mongolia, China between May and August of 2012 and 2013. Mitochondrial DNA sequences and microsatellite markers were used to assess the genetic diversity, genetic structure and inbreeding of E. jankowskii. The results of genetic diversity and inbreeding were compared to other avian species. Results We found an unexpectedly high level of genetic diversity in terms of mitochondrial DNA and microsatellite compared to other avian species. However, there were high levels of gene flow and minimal genetic structuring, among the fragmented breeding populations of E. jankowskii in Inner Mongolia. These findings suggest that E. jankowskii in Inner Mongolia is a metapopulation. Despite the high genetic diversity of E. jankowskii, local populations in each small patch remain at risk of extinction due to habitat loss. In addition, the E. jankowskii population has a high risk of inbreeding. Conclusions To minimize further loss of genetic diversity of this endangered species, we suggest that the E. jankowskii in Inner Mongolia should be considered as a protected species for management purposes. Conservation efforts should concentrate on E. jankowskii habitat management. This may be most effectively achieved by protecting the current breeding habitats and prohibiting over-grazing. |
topic |
Conservation Emberiza jankowskii Genetic diversity Genetic structure Habitat fragmentation |
url |
https://doi.org/10.1186/s40657-020-00236-3 |
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