Abstract
The Eurasian or spotted nutcracker (Nucifraga caryocatactes) is a widespread resident corvid found throughout the Palearctic from Central Europe to Japan. Characterized by periodic bouts of irruptive dispersal in search of Pinus seed crops, this species has potential for high levels of gene flow across its range. Previous analysis of 11 individuals did not find significant range-wide population genetic structure. We investigated population structure using 924 base pairs of mitochondrial DNA control region sequence data from 62 individuals from 12 populations distributed throughout the nutcracker’s range. We complemented this analysis by incorporating additional genetic data from previously published sequences. High levels of genetic diversity and limited population genetic structure were detected suggesting that potential barriers to dispersal do not restrict gene flow in nutcrackers.
Highlights
In Eurasia, phylogeographic studies of many widespread vertebrate species have revealed a variety of geographical patterns of population structure influenced by current and historical landscapes, with little overall consensus among species
Using mitochondrial DNA, east–west splits have been documented for a variety of vertebrates including bats (Flanders et al, 2009), and several avian species (e.g., Eurasian magpie (Pica pica; Kryukov et al, 2004), rook (Corvus frugilegus; Haring, Gamauf & Kryukov, 2007), and red-breasted flycatcher (Ficedula parva; Zink et al, 2008))
Little population structure has been detected in some widespread species, such as otters (Lutra lutra; Ferrando et al, 2004) and several avifauna species (e.g., great spotted woodpecker (Dendrocopos major; Zink, Drovetski & Rohwer, 2002), common sandpiper (Actitis hypoleucos; Zink et al, 2008), and Eurasian magpie (Pica pica; Zhang et al, 2012))
Summary
In Eurasia, phylogeographic studies of many widespread vertebrate species have revealed a variety of geographical patterns of population structure influenced by current and historical landscapes, with little overall consensus among species. Little population structure has been detected in some widespread species, such as otters (Lutra lutra; Ferrando et al, 2004) and several avifauna species (e.g., great spotted woodpecker (Dendrocopos major; Zink, Drovetski & Rohwer, 2002), common sandpiper (Actitis hypoleucos; Zink et al, 2008), and Eurasian magpie (Pica pica; Zhang et al, 2012)).
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