Assessment of the Genetic Potential of the Peregrine Falcon ( Falco peregrinus peregrinus ) Population Used in the Reintroduction Program in Poland

Microsatellite DNA analysis is a powerful tool for assessing population genetics. The main aim of this study was to assess the genetic potential of the peregrine falcon population covered by the restitution program. We characterized individuals from breeders that set their birds for release into the...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Genes
Main Authors: Karol O. Puchała, Zuzanna Nowak-Życzyńska, Sławomir Sielicki, Wanda Olech
Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2021
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Online Access:https://doi.org/10.3390/genes12050666
https://doaj.org/article/b94acedd121a4e4c9f9c7637a3f37412
Description
Summary:Microsatellite DNA analysis is a powerful tool for assessing population genetics. The main aim of this study was to assess the genetic potential of the peregrine falcon population covered by the restitution program. We characterized individuals from breeders that set their birds for release into the wild and birds that have been reintroduced in previous years. This was done using a well-known microsatellite panel designed for the peregrine falcon containing 10 markers. We calculated the genetic distance between individuals and populations using the UPGMA (unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean) method and then performed a Principal Coordinates Analysis (PCoA) and constructed phylogenetic trees, to visualize the results. In addition, we used the Bayesian clustering method, assuming 1–15 hypothetical populations, to find the model that best fit the data. Units were segregated into groups regardless of the country of origin, and the number of alleles and observed heterozygosity were different in different breeding groups. The wild and captive populations were grouped independent of the original population.