Abstract
DNA-fingerprinting analysis of Blue Ducks (Hymenolaimus malacorhynchos) with two minisatellite probes indicated a decrease in genetic similarity (proportion of DNA bands shared) as geographic separation between samples increased. The genetic similarity between individuals from different regions (0.17-0.24) is within the range of the genetic similarities found within populations of other avian species. We found a significantly higher genetic similarity (0.36-0.51) within populations of Blue Ducks. The high degree of genetic relat- edness and inbreeding within populations leads us to suggest that dispersal is very limited and inbreeding is common. These appear to be natural characteristics of the Blue Duck social system, but may be exaggerated in populations in more modified habitats. Low allozyme variation (H = 0.002) precluded electrophoretic analysis of population structure. Received 6 April 1990, Accepted 9 June 1991.
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