Captive breeding and reintroduction of the lesser kestrel Falco naumanni: a genetic analysis using microsatellites |
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Authors: | Miguel Alcaide Juan J Negro David Serrano José L Antolín Sara Casado and Manel Pomarol |
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Institution: | (1) Estaci?n Biol?gica de Do?ana (CSIC), Pabell?n de Per?, Avda. Ma Luisa s/n , 41013 Sevilla, Spain;(2) DEMA, Defensa y Estudio del Medio Ambiente, Cr?a del cern?calo primilla, Ctra. Fuente del Maestre, km 17, 06200 Almendralejo, Spain;(3) GREFA, Grupo de Rehabilitaci?n de la Fauna Aut?ctona y su H?bitat, Apdo. 11, 28220 Majadahonda, Spain;(4) Centro de Recuperaci?n de Torreferrusa, Servici Proteci? Gesti? Fauna. Carretera Sabadell-Sta, Perpetua de la Moguda, Km. 4,5, 08037 Barcelona, Spain |
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Abstract: | We used microsatellites to assess ongoing captive breeding and reintroduction programs of the lesser kestrel. The extent of
genetic variation within the captive populations analysed did not differ significantly from that reported in wild populations.
Thus, the application of widely recommended management practices, such as the registration of crosses between individuals
in proper stud books and the introduction of new individuals into the genetic pools, has proven satisfactory to maintain high
levels of genetic variation. The high rates of hatching failure occasionally documented in captivity can therefore not be
attributed to depressed genetic variation. Even though genetic diversity in reintroduced populations did not differ significantly
when compared to wild populations either, average observed heterozygosities and inbreeding coefficients were significantly
lower and higher, respectively, when compared to the captive demes where released birds came. Monitoring of reproductive parameters
during single-pairing breeding and paternity inference within colonial facilities revealed large variations in breeding success
between reproductive adults. The relative number of breeding pairs that contributed to a large part of captive-born birds
(50–56%) was similar in both cases (28.6 and 26.9%, respectively). Thus, the chances for polygyny (rarely in this study),
extra-pair paternity (not found in this study) and/or social stimulation of breeding parameters do not seem to greatly affect
the genetically effective population size. Independently of breeding strategies, the release of unrelated fledglings into
the same area and the promotion of immigration should be mandatory to counteract founder effects and avoid inbreeding in reintroduced
populations of lesser kestrels. |
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