High genetic diversity yet weak population genetic structure in European common terns.

Autor: Lončar V; Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia., Kralj J; Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts, Zagreb, Croatia., Stronen AV; Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.; Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark., Grgurević M; Kite Pharma, Hoofddorp, The Netherlands., Pavlinec Ž; Aquarium Pula, Pula, Croatia., Jurinović L; Croatian Veterinary Institute, Poultry Centre, Zagreb, Croatia., Svetličić I; Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia., Buzan E; Faculty of Mathematics, Natural Sciences, and Information Technologies, University of Primorska, Koper, Slovenia.; Faculty of Environmental Protection, Velenje, Slovenia., Piro S; AG Vogelwarte, Zoological Institute and Museum, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany., Herrmann C; Agency for Environment, Nature Conservation and Geology Mecklenburg- Vorpommern, Hiddensee Bird Ringing Scheme, Güstrow, Germany., Škornik I; Sečovlje Salina Nature Park, Soline Pridelava Soli d.o.o., Portorož, Slovenia., Tome D; National Institute of Biology, Ljubljana, Slovenia., Kovács G; BirdLife Hungary South-Balaton Local Group, Balatonlelle, Hungary., Preiszner B; HUN-REN Balaton Limnological Research Institute, Tihany, Hungary., Szinai P; Balaton-felvidéki National Park Directorate, Csopak, Hungary.; Bird Ringing and Migration Study Group of BirdLife Hungary, Budapest, Hungary., Volponi S; Italian Institute for Environmental Protection and Research, Ozzano dell'Emilia, Italy., Stipoljev S; Laboratory of Evolutionary Genetics, Division of Molecular Biology, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Zagreb, Croatia., Galov A; Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia. ana.galov@biol.pmf.unizg.hr.
Jazyk: angličtina
Zdroj: Scientific reports [Sci Rep] 2024 Nov 25; Vol. 14 (1), pp. 29173. Date of Electronic Publication: 2024 Nov 25.
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-80614-9
Abstrakt: The common tern (Sterna hirundo) is a migratory seabird experiencing a decline in breeding pairs across several European populations due to various threats, including habitat destruction and human disturbance. This study investigates the population genetic structure and diversity of common terns sampled extensively across three European areas-Northern, Southern Inland and Southern Marine-during the breeding seasons, using 18 microsatellite markers and a mitochondrial DNA control region fragment. High genetic diversity was found in both types of markers, with the Southern Marine group showing the lowest overall diversity, although signals of possible population bottlenecks were detected in all groups. Various analyses indicated that population genetic structure was weak or absent, suggesting high gene flow among groups. The low genetic differentiation is likely influenced by distinct migration patterns, particularly between Southern Inland and Marine groups. Our results suggest that geographical distance between breeding colonies had minimal effect on population genetic structure. Further studies with tracking devices are needed to clarify how migration dynamics impacts genetic structure in common terns, while conservation efforts should focus on securing multiple breeding sites and currently unoccupied areas to increase options for habitat selection, supporting the species' genetic diversity and long-term resilience.
Competing Interests: Declarations. Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests. Ethics declarations: All methods and procedures in this study were carried out in accordance with relevant guidelines and regulations, including ARRIVE guidelines and regulations. Research was conducted with the approval of the Ethical Committee of the University of Zagreb, Faculty of Science, Croatia. Sampling permissions were obtained from each country’s relevant institutions. This includes Germany’s Landkreis Vorpommern-Greifswald (No. 60.5/Br, VG-19-028), and Landesamt für Landwirtschaft, Lebensmittelsicherheit und Fischerei Mecklenburg-Vorpommern (No. 7221.3-2-007/19); Hungary’s Pest County Government Office, Department of Environmental Protection and Nature Conservation (No. PE-KTFO/1672-6/2019); Slovenia’s Environmental Agency (No. 35601-8/2015 - 7), and the Ministry of the Environment, Climate and Energy (No. 35601-37/2013-14); Croatia’s Ministry of Environment and Energy (No. 517-07-1-1-1-18-4), and The Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development (Nos 517-05-1-1-21-4 and 517-10-1-2-23-4); and the Italian Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA), under the authorisation of Law 157/1992 [Art. 4(1) and Art. 7(5)].
(© 2024. The Author(s).)
Databáze: MEDLINE
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