Genetic Diversity and Place in the General Phylogeographic Structure of Capercaillie, Tetrao Urogallus (Galliformes, Phasianidae), from Belarus

Abstract

We report on the assessment of the level of genetic diversity of the capercaillie in Belarus. This species of birds is a valuable biological resource, and also acts as a natural indicator for the state of large forests and the degree of their disturbance by human activities. Two subspecies of the capercaillie —Tetrao urogallus major (C. L. Brehm, 1831) and Tetrao urogallus pleskei (Stegmann, 1926) have been described for Belarus. The first domain of the mitochondrial DNA control region was used as the molecular marker for the study. An additional assessment of the level of genetic diversity of the capercaillie was carried out by calculating the effective size of its population (Ne) in Belarus. We found that the absence of subspecific structure is characteristic for all samples of the capercaillie from Belarus. The data on the intraspecific structure and genetic diversity of the capercaillie from Belarus allows us to considerits population in the central and eastern parts of the country as stable and sustainable. This can be explained by its inclusion in the general phylogeographic structure of birds of the boreal lineage. The low values of the effective population size for the partially isolated capercaillie population from the western part of the country indicate the need for increased attention and further monitoring of that population.

Genetic structure and diversity of the capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus) population in Belarus in the context of de-lineation of two subspecies: major and pleskei

“…The western subpopulation of the capercaillie can be considered as a management unit on its own, fit for being a subject of conservation and monitoring efforts as a group possessing a distinct pool of genetic diversity, which contributes to the total Belarusian capercaillie population, while still retain ing a clear reproductive connection with the eastern subpopulation. The same point also means that the western subpopulation cannot be considered an evolutionarily significant unit (ESU), a conclu sion that is also supported by earlier findings on genetic diversity of the Belarusian capercaillie popu lation gained from the analysis of mitochondrial control region polymorphism [Homel et al 2019].…”

“…In our earlier molecular genetic studies concerning the genetics of capercaillie population in Be larus, only the mitochondrial DNA control region as a genetic marker was used [Homel et al 2019]. According to our knowledge, no detailed studies of the genetic structure of the Belarusian capercaillie population based on a wider analysis using microsatellites or similar genetic markers have been car ried out before, despite it being a priority task for estimating the species' viability and determining its conservation status in the country.…”

“…According to our knowledge, no detailed studies of the genetic structure of the Belarusian capercaillie population based on a wider analysis using microsatellites or similar genetic markers have been car ried out before, despite it being a priority task for estimating the species' viability and determining its conservation status in the country. Additionally, the issue of two subspecies requires a more detailed investigation due to works concerning the species' phylogeography [Duriez et al 2007;Bajc et al 2011;Homel et al 2019], as well as the potential question of delineating independent management units for efficient conservation efforts.…”