Genetic patterns and conservation of the Scarlet Macaw (Ara macao) in Costa Rica

 

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Bibliographic Details
Authors: Monge, Otto, Schmidt, Kari, Vaughan, Christopher, Gutiérrez-Espeleta, Gustavo
Format: artículo
Publication Date:2015
Description:Once widely distributed throughout the lowland forests of Costa Rica, scarlet macaws (Ara macao) have been reduced to two major, geographically separated, pop ulations along the Pacific slope. Past demographic declines raise conservation concerns regarding the detrimental effects of population fragmentation. This investigation aimed to evaluate the current status of scarlet macaws along the Pacific slope by examining levels of genetic variation and patterns of genetic structure within and among remnant populations. Statistical analyses using multilocus genotypes revealed strong differentiation between Central and South Pacific populations, suggesting local geographic barriers have historically restricted gene flow between these locali ties. High genetic diversity suggests neither population suffers from genetic erosion, likely resulting from relatively large population sizes and high dispersal capacity and longevity. However, evidence of disequilibrium within the Central Pacific population infers anthropogenic threats have disrupted natural population dynamics. These results advo cate on focusing available resources on habitat restoration.
Country:Repositorio UNA
Institution:Universidad Nacional de Costa Rica
Repositorio:Repositorio UNA
Language:Inglés
OAI Identifier:oai:https://repositorio.una.ac.cr:11056/23424
Online Access:http://hdl.handle.net/11056/23424
Access Level:acceso abierto
Keyword:ARA MACAO
CONSERVATION
FRAGMENTATION
GENETIC STRUCTURE
SCARLET MACAW
CONSERVACIÓN
FRAGMENTACIÓN
ESTRUCTURA GENÉTICA