Abstract
The IUCN Red List categorizes species based on their geographical distribution and population size. However, attributes such as genetic information are not yet considered. We compiled information on genetic diversity (HE, HO) and inbreeding coefficient (f) along with their ecological attributes (IUCN category, migratory habit, forest dependence and habitat type) from a literature survey to assess whether bird species categorized as being of highest conservation concern display the lowest genetic diversity. We used generalized linear mixed models (GLMM) to test whether avian species with less inclusive characteristics (e.g., taxa with small geographical distributions or low dispersal capability) display lower genetic diversity than those classified as Least Concern (LC). We used hylogenetic generalized least squares (pGLS) to account for phylogenetic independence of predictor variables and to verify robustness of GLMMs (generalized linear mixed models). In general, GLMM revealed more significant relationships among ecological attributes and genetic diversity patterns. After accounting for phylogenetic independence, the highest average heterozygosity values were observed in species falling under the LC category; non–migratory birds showed lower HO and HE average values than migratory birds, while non–forest birds showed lower heterozygosity than forest birds. Hence, we corroborate our hypothesis that genetic diversity of birds is lower in species of high conservation concern. We hope our results promote further studies on genetic diversity of bird populations. Lastly, we propose the incorporation of genetic data as metrics in the assessment of bird conservation status.
Highlights
The IUCN Red Lists of threatened species, hereafter Red Lists, is the source of best available information on the global conservation status of species worldwide, providing quantitative measures of extinction risks (Lamoreux et al, 2003) and associated drivers (Baillie et al, 2004)
Since phylogeny is known to influence ecological and morphological characteristics (Harvey and Pagel, 1991; Bennett and Owens, 2002), we used generalized least squares to account for phylogenetic relationships and verify the robustness of the results found by significant generalized linear mixed models (GLMM)
Studies including bird genetic diversity data obtained using microsatellite markers increased significantly between 2013 and 2014, reflecting the popularization of this technique during this period. Most of these studies were conducted on Passeriformes and/ or taxa belonging to the least concern (LC) IUCN category, suggesting that sampling effort is an obstacle to the application of molecular techniques to study less abundant and/or threatened species
Summary
The IUCN Red Lists of threatened species, hereafter Red Lists, is the source of best available information on the global conservation status of species worldwide, providing quantitative measures of extinction risks (Lamoreux et al, 2003) and associated drivers (Baillie et al, 2004). Red Lists are an important tool to prioritize species conservation and identification of key biodiversity areas, and to guide conservation responses, provide support for planning or implementing biodiversity projects, and help understand potential impacts on biodiversity (Bennun et al, 2018). In this sense, Red List indicators bear the potential to quantify possible anthropogenic threats to species (e.g., Wraith and Pickering, 2018), and to strategically connect science and politics (Do et al, 2018; Rabaud et al, 2018). Such changes can increase selection pressures and culminate in genetic erosion, thereby endangering population persistence in the longer term (Bijlsma and Loeschcke, 2012)
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