Assessing the genetic structure of capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus) in Romania

Abstract

Romania holds the most extensive mountain range with oldgrowth forests, in which both habitat surface and capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus) numbers are ones of the highest in Central and Eastern Europe. While previous genetic studies have found that the individuals located in different European mountain ranges are isolated and have highlighted that the species is declining. Here, we are aiming to assess the genetic structure of capercaillie in Romania by genotyping 137 samples collected in the field with 9 STR markers. Expected heterozygosity was 0.586, whereas observed heterozygosity values were 0.859. Population structure analyses indicated weak population differentiation and suggested that sufficient gene flow exists among individuals sampled in different mountain regions. We did not find evidence for a past genetic bottleneck. Our findings contain important information to wildlife managers to focus conservation efforts in areas such as Curvature Carpathians, which serve as a connectivity corridor to avoid eroding the extent or quality of habitat and to prevent further fragmentation.