Estimation of the Genetic Diversity of Willow Warbler Populations of the Subspecies Phylloscopus trochilus acredula (L.) in Different Parts of Its Nesting Area in the European Part of Russia

Abstract

The genetic diversity (GD) of the Phylloscopus trochilus acredula subspecies populations was studied in different parts of the breeding area in the European part of Russia using microsatellite analysis. It was detected that the level of GD sufficient for the preservation of population genetic structure of the species with optimal ratio of intra- and interpopulation components of the gene diversity and minimal deviations from panmixia is maintained in the studied populations. The maximal values of GD indices were registered in an ecologically suboptimum zone on the periphery of the breeding range.