Abstract
A set of 16 microsatellite loci was developed and characterized for the Xantus’ hummingbird (Hylocharis xantusii) by using 454 next-generation sequencing. Twenty-five H. xantusii samples from one population were genotyped; all loci were polymorphic, with the number of alleles ranging from three to ten. The mean observed heterozygosity was 0.681 for all loci. No significant linkage disequilibrium was detected, but five loci (Hxan05, 06, 09, 13 and 14) showed deviation from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. These microsatellite loci are the first to be characterized for H. xantusii. A moderate to high level of cross-species amplification was observed across the six hummingbird species (31% - 87.5%), with the best cross amplification results observed in the closest related species (H. leucotis, Cynanthus latirostris, Calypte costae). The availability of these molecular tools allows assessing questions integrating population genetics, ecology, conservation, and evolutionary history for H. xantusii and for other phyogenetically related species.
Highlights
Endemic species with a narrow distribution and specific habitat requirements are usually vulnerable to ecological disturbances and environmental changes [1]
The Xantus’ hummingbird Hylocharis xantusii (Lawrence 1860) is endemic to central and southern Baja California Peninsula (BCP); limited information is available regarding its biology and ecology [4], but it has been observed that its distribution is discontinuous, having four genetic populations mainly associated to oases [5]
We focus on the only endemic hummingbird species of the BCP, the Xantus’ hummingbird
Summary
Endemic species with a narrow distribution and specific habitat requirements are usually vulnerable to ecological disturbances and environmental changes (e.g. deforestation, introduced diseases, competition and predation pressures) [1]. The Xantus’ hummingbird Hylocharis xantusii (Lawrence 1860) is endemic to central and southern Baja California Peninsula (BCP); limited information is available regarding its biology and ecology [4], but it has been observed that its distribution is discontinuous, having four genetic populations mainly associated to oases [5]. This species can be found in oak-pine and tropical deciduous forests, oases, canyons and streams; often near fresh water [4] [6] [7]. We tested the transferability and level of polymorphism of the genetic markers developed in six related species, in order to confirm the utility of the markers for further broader comparative analysis
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