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Jose Pestano - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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genetic signature of a severe forest fire on the endangered gran canaria blue Chaffinch fringilla teydea polatzeki
Conservation Genetics, 2012Co-Authors: Nicolas M Suarez, E Betancor, Felipe Rodriguez, Rosa Fregel, Jose PestanoAbstract:Habitat destruction has been identified as one of the main threats to biodiversity. Among all factors causing habitat disturbance, wildfire is recognized as one of the most important ecological forces that influences not only the physical environment, but also the structure and composition of floral and faunal communities. These processes are often translated in population bottlenecks, which occur frequently in threatened species and result in loss of genetic diversity and evolutionary potential. In this study, we analyzed the genetic consequences of a demographic bottleneck produced by a forest fire that reduced the population of the endangered blue Chaffinch (Fringilla teydea polatzeki), which inhabits the island of Gran Canaria, to approximately 122 individuals. Analysis of nine microsatellite loci revealed that, while a decline in census was observed during the bottleneck, there was no observed excess of heterozygosity or evidence of a decline in allelic richness, two characteristic bottleneck signatures. On the contrary, we observed that the Gran Canaria blue Chaffinch has retained significant levels of genetic diversity and shows no evidence of an increased level of inbreeding (FIS) either before or after the bottleneck. The results from this study have important implications for the conservation of this endangered subspecies and provide insights concerning management strategies to prevent its extinction.
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microsatellite loci isolation in the endangered gran canarian blue Chaffinch fringilla teydea polatzeki and their utility in closely related taxa
Conservation Genetics, 2009Co-Authors: Nicolas M Suarez, Ana M Gonzalez, E Betancor, Jose PestanoAbstract:The blue Chaffinch, Fringilla teydea, is an endemic species of the Canary Islands. This species is formed by two subspecies: The Teneriffean blue Chaffinch (F. t. teydea), and the endangered Gran Canarian blue Chaffinch, (F. t. polatzeki). Here we report the isolation and characterization of nine tetranucleotide microsatellites (AAAG and AAAT) from the Gran Canarian subspecies, using an enrichment protocol. An average of 7.8 alleles per locus and an average observed heterozygosity of 0.773 were found (n = 28). The loci were tested for their ability to cross amplify in the Teneriffean subspecies and in the common Chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs). These microsatellites will be used to manage a captive breeding programme for the endangered Gran Canarian subspecies.
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microsatellite loci isolation in the canarian common Chaffinch fringilla coelebs and their utility in other canarian finches
Molecular Ecology Resources, 2009Co-Authors: Nicolas M Suarez, E Betancor, Jose PestanoAbstract:The taxonomic classification of the common Chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs) that inhabits the Canary Islands has been under debate for decades, mainly due to the absence of nuclear DNA analyses. In this study we describe the isolation and characterization of ten microsatellite loci (AAAG, AAAT and GT) from a La Palma specimen using an enrichment protocol. Two loci were monomorphic in the populations analysed (La Gomera and La Palma), but the remaining ones presented 2 or more alleles, with an average of 11.63 alleles per locus and an average observed heterozygosity of 0.735 (n = 44). All loci were tested for their utility in other Canarian populations and other finch species.
Carrascal, Luis M. - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Gran Canaria Blue Chaffinch, Fringilla polatzeki.
Lynx Edicions, 2021Co-Authors: Moreno, José C., Carrascal, Luis M.Abstract:The Gran Canaria Blue Chaffi nch is restricted to Gran Canaria in the Canary Islands. It was initially considered a subspecies of Fringilla teydea [HBW]. However, Sangster et al. (2016) and Lifj eld et al. (2016) demonstrated its taxonomic status as a species. Th ere are two breeding areas in the SW and central part of the island, located in a single 50-km square. The core historical population thrives in the pine forests of the Inagua Nature Reserve, where it was discovered in the beginning of the 20th century. It is estimated at 195–430 birds (Carrascal et al. 2017), inhabiting a fragmented habitat with only a small area of highly suitable habitat (8 km2 out of 37.6 km2). A new population is located in La Cumbre pine woods, with the first breeding record in 2008 and around 70 birds in 2018 (Delgado et al. 2016). Very few birds inhabited the pine forests of Tamadaba up to 1991, with occasional records of wandering non-breeding individuals. Th e Gran Canaria Blue Chaffinch breeds in open stands of mature pine forests (pines >15 m in height with tree cover around 33%) located above 1100 m asl and in areas with the highest amount of summer rainfall (13–20 mm; Carrascal et al. 2017). The breeding population was stable in Inagua from 1994 until a wildfi re in July 2007, with a density of 9–16 birds/km2. In spring 2008, the population density was only around half as high, but increased gradually afterwards, reaching 15.8 birds/km2 in 2016 (Moreno et al. 2018), thus showing a striking resilience. In La Cumbre, the population increased from 1–2 pairs in 2008 to c 70 birds in 2018 (3.5 birds/km2). Birds from a captive breeding programme and birds translocated from the wild population of Inagua have contributed to the growth of this population
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Project to increase range and population size of the priority species Fringilla polatzeki (Gran Canaria blue Chaffinch)
2019Co-Authors: Carrascal, Luis M., Nogales Manuel, De Oñate Ruth, Rodríguez FelipeAbstract:The project's target species, the Gran Canaria Blue Chaffinch (Fringilla polatzeki), colloquially known as "pinzul" and "pinero", is considered in the Annex I of the Birds Directive as a "priority species”. At the beginning of the project, its population was estimated to be about 300 individuals distributed between the Inagua pine forest (source population; 279 individuals, CI 95%: 195 - 430) and the Central Summit pine forests (24 individuals minimum), and by the end of the project, the population is now around 430 individuals spread out across Inagua (362 CI 95%: 257 – 489) and the Central Summit (68 CI95%: 43 – 109), according to 2019 census. The project took place in the central part of the island of Gran Canaria, where the action area is completely located within the Natura 2000 Network. The actions have been focused around the creation of a viable population of blue Chaffinch in the Gran Canaria Summit, through the release of 107 individuals that come from captive breeding and the wild population of Inagua, as well as the creation of ecological corridors to reduce habitat fragmentation. These corridors aim to connect the Inagua pine forest with the Summit, and the summit pine forest with Cruz de Tejeda, by the planting of 62000 canarian pines (Pinus canariensis) and 3000 lucerne trees (Chamaecytisus proliferus). Furthermore, there has been monitoring of the wild population and released individuals of blue Chaffinch and a control of introduced predators, capturing 166 feral cats. Outreach actions have also taken place to let people know about the blue Chaffinch in Gran Canaria, and the LIFE+Pinzón project.Peer reviewe
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Marcada resiliencia de una especie de ave insular endémica después de una perturbación intensa: el caso del pinzón azul de Gran Canaria
'Japanese Society of Applied Entomology & Zoology', 2018Co-Authors: Moreno, Á. C., Delgado A., Carrascal, Luis M., Seoane J.Abstract:[ES] Striking resilience of an island–endemic bird to a severe perturbation: the case of the Gran Canaria blue Chaffinch. Evidence regarding population trends of endangered species in special protection areas and their recovery ability from catastrophic disturbances is scarce. We assessed the population trend of the Gran Canaria blue Chaffinch (Fringilla polatzeki), a habitat specialist endemic to the pine forest of Inagua in the Canary Islands, following a devastating wildfire in July 2007. Using a standardized census program that accounts for detectability, we have monitored the population trend of the species since Inagua was declared a Strict Nature Reserve in 1994. The breeding population density of the blue Chaffinch remained stable in Inagua from the beginning of the monitoring program in 1994 until the year before the wildfire. However, in spring 2008, the population density decreased by half with respect to density in the preceding years. Since 2008, the population has gradually increased, reaching its highest recorded density in 2016 (15.8 birds/km).This represents an average annual increase of 23.7%, indicating impressive resilience to catastrophic events. The creation of Inagua as a strict nature reserve did not therefore increase the global population or protect the blue Chaffinch against a demographic crisis but probably prevented a deepening of the demographic crisis or further declines. Except for the two years immediately after the severe wildfire of 2007, the population density of the blue Chaffinch in Inagua has remained relatively stable at around 9–16 birds/km, the lowest recorded abundance for a small woodland passerine in the Western Palearctic.[ES] Son pocos los datos disponibles sobre la tendencia demográfica de las especies en peligro de extinción en zonas de protección especial y su capacidad de recuperarse de perturbaciones catastróficas. Se estudia la tendencia demográfica del pinzón azul de Gran Canaria (Fringilla polatzeki), un especialista de hábitat endémico de las Islas Canarias, restringido al pinar de Inagua, que sufrió un devastador incendio forestal en julio de 2007. Mediante un programa de censo estandarizado que tiene en cuenta la variación en la capacidad de detección, se ha hecho un seguimiento de la tendencia demográfica de la especie desde la declaración de Inagua como reserva natural integral en 1994. La densidad reproductiva del pinzón azul se mantuvo estable en Inagua desde el inicio del programa de seguimiento en 1994 hasta un año antes del incendio. No obstante, en la primavera de 2008, la densidad de la población se redujo a la mitad en comparación con los años anteriores. A partir de 2008, la población del pinzón azul ha venido aumentando gradualmente hasta alcanzar la densidad más alta jamás registrada en 2016 (15,8 aves/km2), lo que equivale a un incremento anual medio del 23,7% y pone de manifiesto la resistencia impresionante de estas poblaciones ante catástrofes. Por lo tanto, la creación de la reserva integral de Inagua no promovió el aumento de población ni protegió al pinzón azul frente a una grave crisis demográfica, sino que probablemente evitó que la disminución de la población fuera más profunda o que se produjeran otras reducciones. Aparte de los dos años inmediatamente posteriores al incendio forestal de 2007, la densidad de población del pinzón azul en Inagua se mantuvo relativamente estable alrededor de 9–16 aves/km2, la menor abundancia jamás registrada para un paseriforme forestal de tamaño pequeño en todo el paleártico occidental.The study was supported by the Conservation Program for the blue Chaffinch implemented by the Gobierno de Canarias (1991–2004), Cabildo de Gran Canaria (2005–2015), and was partially funded by the European Union (1995–1996: LIFE94 NAT/E/ 001159; 1999–2002: LIFE98 NAT/E/005354; 2016: LIFE14 NAT/ES/000077) and a research contract between MNCN/CSIC and GESPLAN, S. A. U. (2008). JS currently works within the Madrid’s Government research group network REMEDINAL3–CM (S–2013/MAE–2719).Peer Reviewe
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Habitat suitability-density relationship in an endangered woodland species: The case of the Blue Chaffinch (Fringilla polatzeki)
'PeerJ', 2018Co-Authors: Carrascal, Luis M., Moreno, Ángel C., Delgado Alejandro, Suárez Víctor, Trujillo DomingoAbstract:Background. Understanding constraints to the distribution of threatened species may help to ascertain whether there are other suitable sectors for reducing the risks associated with species that are recorded in only one protected locality, and to inform about the suitability of other areas for reintroduction or translocation programs. Methods. We studied the Gran Canaria blue Chaffinch (Fringilla polatzeki), a habitat specialist endemic of the Canary Islands restricted to the pine forest of Inagua, the only area where the species has been naturally present as a regular breeder in the last 25 years. A suitability distribution model using occurrences with demographic relevance (i.e., nest locations of successful breeding attempts analysed using boosted classification trees) was built considering orographic, climatic and habitat structure predictors. By means of a standardized survey program we monitored the yearly abundance of the species in 100 sectors since the declaration of Inagua as a Strict Nature Reserve in 1994. Results. The variables with the highest relative importance in blue Chaffinch habitat preferences were pine height, tree cover, altitude, and rainfall during the driest trimester (July-September). The observed local abundance of the blue Chaffinch in Inagua (survey data) was significantly correlated with habitat suitability derived from modelling the location of successful nesting attempts (using linear and quantile regressions). The outcomes of the habitat suitability model were used to quantify the suitability of other natural, historic, pine forests of Gran Canaria. Tamadaba is the forest with most suitable woodland patches for the species. We estimated a population size of 195-430 blue Chaffinches in Inagua since 2011 (95% CI), the smallest population size of a woodland passerine in the Western Palearctic. Discussion. Habitat suitability obtained from modelling the location of successful breeding attempts is a good surrogate of the observed local abundance during the reproductive season. The outcomes of these models can be used for the identification of potential areas for the reintroduction of the species in other suitable pine forests and to inform forest management practices.Peer Reviewe
Moreno, Á. C. - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Striking resilience of an island endemic bird to a severe perturbation: the case of the Gran Canaria blue Chaffinch
Museu de Ciències Naturals de Barcelona, 2018Co-Authors: Moreno, Á. C., Carrascal L. M., Delgado A., Seoane J.Abstract:Evidence regarding population trends of endangered species in special protection areas and their recovery ability from catastrophic disturbances is scarce. We assessed the population trend of the Gran Canaria blue Chaffinch (Fringilla polatzeki), a habitat specialist endemic to the pine forest of Inagua in the Canary Islands, following a devastating wildfire in July 2007. Using a standardized census program that accounts for detectability, we have monitored the population trend of the species since Inagua was declared a Strict Nature Reserve in 1994. The breeding population density of the blue Chaffinch remained stable in Inagua from the beginning of the monitoring program in 1994 until the year before the wildfire. However, in spring 2008, the population density decreased by half with respect to density in the preceding years. Since 2008, the population has gradually increased, reaching its highest recorded density in 2016 (15.8 birds/km2).This represents an average annual increase of 23.7 %, indicating impressive resilience to catastrophic events. The creation of Inagua as a strict nature reserve did not therefore increase the global population or protect the blue Chaffinch against a demographic crisis but probably prevented a deepening of the demographic crisis or further declines. Except for the two years immediately after the severe wildfire of 2007, the population density of the blue Chaffinch in Inagua has remained relatively stable at around 9–16 birds/km2, the lowest recorded abundance for a small woodland passerine in the Western Palearctic
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Marcada resiliencia de una especie de ave insular endémica después de una perturbación intensa: el caso del pinzón azul de Gran Canaria
'Consorci del Museu de Ciencies Naturals de Barcelona', 2018Co-Authors: Moreno, Á. C., Carrascal L. M., Delgado A., Seoane JavierAbstract:Striking resilience of an island–endemic bird to a severe perturbation: the case of the Gran Canaria blue Chaffinch. Evidence regarding population trends of endangered species in special protection areas and their recovery ability from catastrophic disturbances is scarce. We assessed the population trend of the Gran Canaria blue Chaffinch (Fringilla polatzeki), a habitat specialist endemic to the pine forest of Inagua in the Canary Islands, following a devastating wildfire in July 2007. Using a standardized census program that accounts for detectability, we have monitored the population trend of the species since Inagua was declared a Strict Nature Reserve in 1994. The breeding population density of the blue Chaffinch remained stable in Inagua from the beginning of the monitoring program in 1994 until the year before the wildfire. However, in spring 2008, the population density decreased by half with respect to density in the preceding years. Since 2008, the population has gradually increased, reaching its highest recorded density in 2016 (15.8 birds/km2).This represents an average annual increase of 23.7 %, indicating impressive resilience to catastrophic events. The creation of Inagua as a strict nature reserve did not therefore increase the global population or protect the blue Chaffinch against a demographic crisis but probably prevented a deepening of the demographic crisis or further declines. Except for the two years immediately after the severe wildfire of 2007, the population density of the blue Chaffinch in Inagua has remained relatively stable at around 9–16 birds/km2, the lowest recorded abundance for a small woodland passerine in the Western PalearcticMarcada resiliencia de una especie de ave insular endémica después de una perturbación intensa: el caso del pinzón azul de Gran Canaria. Son pocos los datos disponibles sobre la tendencia demográfica de las especies en peligro de extinción en zonas de protección especial y su capacidad de recuperarse de perturbaciones catastróficas. Se estudia la tendencia demográfica del pinzón azul de Gran Canaria (Fringilla polatzeki), un especialista de hábitat endémico de las Islas Canarias, restringido al pinar de Inagua, que sufrió un devastador incendio forestal en julio de 2007. Mediante un programa de censo estandarizado que tiene en cuenta la variación en la capacidad de detección, se ha hecho un seguimiento de la tendencia demográfica de la especie desde la declaración de Inagua como reserva natural integral en 1994. La densidad reproductiva del pinzón azul se mantuvo estable en Inagua desde el inicio del programa de seguimiento en 1994 hasta un año antes del incendio. No obstante, en la primavera de 2008, la densidad de la población se redujo a la mitad en comparación con los años anteriores. A partir de 2008, la población del pinzón azul ha venido aumentando gradualmente hasta alcanzar la densidad más alta jamás registrada en 2016 (15,8 aves/km2), lo que equivale a un incremento anual medio del 23,7 % y pone de manifiesto la resistencia impresionante de estas poblaciones ante catástrofes. Por lo tanto, la creación de la reserva integral de Inagua no promovió el aumento de población ni protegió al pinzón azul frente a una grave crisis demográfica, sino que probablemente evitó que la disminución de la población fuera más profunda o que se produjeran otras reducciones. Aparte de los dos años inmediatamente posteriores al incendio forestal de 2007, la densidad de población del pinzón azul en Inagua se mantuvo relativamente estable alrededor de 9–16 aves/km2, la menor abundancia jamás registrada para un paseriforme forestal de tamaño pequeño en todo el paleártico occidentalThe study was supported by the Conservation Program for the blue Chaffinch implemented by the Gobierno de Canarias (1991–2004), Cabildo de Gran Canaria (2005–2015), and was partially funded by the European Union (1995–1996: LIFE94 NAT/E/ 001159; 1999–2002: LIFE98 NAT/E/005354; 2016: LIFE14 NAT/ES/000077) and a research contract between MNCN/CSIC and GESPLAN, S. A. U. (2008). JS currently works within the Madrid’s Government research group network REMEDINAL3–CM (S–2013/ MAE–271
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Marcada resiliencia de una especie de ave insular endémica después de una perturbación intensa: el caso del pinzón azul de Gran Canaria
'Japanese Society of Applied Entomology & Zoology', 2018Co-Authors: Moreno, Á. C., Delgado A., Carrascal, Luis M., Seoane J.Abstract:[ES] Striking resilience of an island–endemic bird to a severe perturbation: the case of the Gran Canaria blue Chaffinch. Evidence regarding population trends of endangered species in special protection areas and their recovery ability from catastrophic disturbances is scarce. We assessed the population trend of the Gran Canaria blue Chaffinch (Fringilla polatzeki), a habitat specialist endemic to the pine forest of Inagua in the Canary Islands, following a devastating wildfire in July 2007. Using a standardized census program that accounts for detectability, we have monitored the population trend of the species since Inagua was declared a Strict Nature Reserve in 1994. The breeding population density of the blue Chaffinch remained stable in Inagua from the beginning of the monitoring program in 1994 until the year before the wildfire. However, in spring 2008, the population density decreased by half with respect to density in the preceding years. Since 2008, the population has gradually increased, reaching its highest recorded density in 2016 (15.8 birds/km).This represents an average annual increase of 23.7%, indicating impressive resilience to catastrophic events. The creation of Inagua as a strict nature reserve did not therefore increase the global population or protect the blue Chaffinch against a demographic crisis but probably prevented a deepening of the demographic crisis or further declines. Except for the two years immediately after the severe wildfire of 2007, the population density of the blue Chaffinch in Inagua has remained relatively stable at around 9–16 birds/km, the lowest recorded abundance for a small woodland passerine in the Western Palearctic.[ES] Son pocos los datos disponibles sobre la tendencia demográfica de las especies en peligro de extinción en zonas de protección especial y su capacidad de recuperarse de perturbaciones catastróficas. Se estudia la tendencia demográfica del pinzón azul de Gran Canaria (Fringilla polatzeki), un especialista de hábitat endémico de las Islas Canarias, restringido al pinar de Inagua, que sufrió un devastador incendio forestal en julio de 2007. Mediante un programa de censo estandarizado que tiene en cuenta la variación en la capacidad de detección, se ha hecho un seguimiento de la tendencia demográfica de la especie desde la declaración de Inagua como reserva natural integral en 1994. La densidad reproductiva del pinzón azul se mantuvo estable en Inagua desde el inicio del programa de seguimiento en 1994 hasta un año antes del incendio. No obstante, en la primavera de 2008, la densidad de la población se redujo a la mitad en comparación con los años anteriores. A partir de 2008, la población del pinzón azul ha venido aumentando gradualmente hasta alcanzar la densidad más alta jamás registrada en 2016 (15,8 aves/km2), lo que equivale a un incremento anual medio del 23,7% y pone de manifiesto la resistencia impresionante de estas poblaciones ante catástrofes. Por lo tanto, la creación de la reserva integral de Inagua no promovió el aumento de población ni protegió al pinzón azul frente a una grave crisis demográfica, sino que probablemente evitó que la disminución de la población fuera más profunda o que se produjeran otras reducciones. Aparte de los dos años inmediatamente posteriores al incendio forestal de 2007, la densidad de población del pinzón azul en Inagua se mantuvo relativamente estable alrededor de 9–16 aves/km2, la menor abundancia jamás registrada para un paseriforme forestal de tamaño pequeño en todo el paleártico occidental.The study was supported by the Conservation Program for the blue Chaffinch implemented by the Gobierno de Canarias (1991–2004), Cabildo de Gran Canaria (2005–2015), and was partially funded by the European Union (1995–1996: LIFE94 NAT/E/ 001159; 1999–2002: LIFE98 NAT/E/005354; 2016: LIFE14 NAT/ES/000077) and a research contract between MNCN/CSIC and GESPLAN, S. A. U. (2008). JS currently works within the Madrid’s Government research group network REMEDINAL3–CM (S–2013/MAE–2719).Peer Reviewe
Nicolas M Suarez - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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genetic signature of a severe forest fire on the endangered gran canaria blue Chaffinch fringilla teydea polatzeki
Conservation Genetics, 2012Co-Authors: Nicolas M Suarez, E Betancor, Felipe Rodriguez, Rosa Fregel, Jose PestanoAbstract:Habitat destruction has been identified as one of the main threats to biodiversity. Among all factors causing habitat disturbance, wildfire is recognized as one of the most important ecological forces that influences not only the physical environment, but also the structure and composition of floral and faunal communities. These processes are often translated in population bottlenecks, which occur frequently in threatened species and result in loss of genetic diversity and evolutionary potential. In this study, we analyzed the genetic consequences of a demographic bottleneck produced by a forest fire that reduced the population of the endangered blue Chaffinch (Fringilla teydea polatzeki), which inhabits the island of Gran Canaria, to approximately 122 individuals. Analysis of nine microsatellite loci revealed that, while a decline in census was observed during the bottleneck, there was no observed excess of heterozygosity or evidence of a decline in allelic richness, two characteristic bottleneck signatures. On the contrary, we observed that the Gran Canaria blue Chaffinch has retained significant levels of genetic diversity and shows no evidence of an increased level of inbreeding (FIS) either before or after the bottleneck. The results from this study have important implications for the conservation of this endangered subspecies and provide insights concerning management strategies to prevent its extinction.
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microsatellite loci isolation in the endangered gran canarian blue Chaffinch fringilla teydea polatzeki and their utility in closely related taxa
Conservation Genetics, 2009Co-Authors: Nicolas M Suarez, Ana M Gonzalez, E Betancor, Jose PestanoAbstract:The blue Chaffinch, Fringilla teydea, is an endemic species of the Canary Islands. This species is formed by two subspecies: The Teneriffean blue Chaffinch (F. t. teydea), and the endangered Gran Canarian blue Chaffinch, (F. t. polatzeki). Here we report the isolation and characterization of nine tetranucleotide microsatellites (AAAG and AAAT) from the Gran Canarian subspecies, using an enrichment protocol. An average of 7.8 alleles per locus and an average observed heterozygosity of 0.773 were found (n = 28). The loci were tested for their ability to cross amplify in the Teneriffean subspecies and in the common Chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs). These microsatellites will be used to manage a captive breeding programme for the endangered Gran Canarian subspecies.
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microsatellite loci isolation in the canarian common Chaffinch fringilla coelebs and their utility in other canarian finches
Molecular Ecology Resources, 2009Co-Authors: Nicolas M Suarez, E Betancor, Jose PestanoAbstract:The taxonomic classification of the common Chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs) that inhabits the Canary Islands has been under debate for decades, mainly due to the absence of nuclear DNA analyses. In this study we describe the isolation and characterization of ten microsatellite loci (AAAG, AAAT and GT) from a La Palma specimen using an enrichment protocol. Two loci were monomorphic in the populations analysed (La Gomera and La Palma), but the remaining ones presented 2 or more alleles, with an average of 11.63 alleles per locus and an average observed heterozygosity of 0.735 (n = 44). All loci were tested for their utility in other Canarian populations and other finch species.
Arne Moksnes - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Outcomes of Brood Parasite–Host Interactions Mediated by Egg Matching: Common Cuckoos Cuculus canorus
2013Co-Authors: Versus Fringilla Finches, Arne Moksnes, Esa Huhta, Johan Reine Vika, Frode Fossøy, Eivi Røskaf, A˚rd Gunna StokkeAbstract:Background: Antagonistic species often interact via matching of phenotypes, and interactions between brood parasitic common cuckoos (Cuculus canorus) and their hosts constitute classic examples. The outcome of a parasitic event is often determined by the match between host and cuckoo eggs, giving rise to potentially strong associations between fitness and egg phenotype. Yet, empirical efforts aiming to document and understand the resulting evolutionary outcomes are in short supply. Methods/Principal Findings: We used avian color space models to analyze patterns of egg color variation within and between the cuckoo and two closely related hosts, the nomadic brambling (Fringilla montifringilla) and the site fidelic Chaffinch (F. coelebs). We found that there is pronounced opportunity for disruptive selection on brambling egg coloration. The corresponding cuckoo host race has evolved egg colors that maximize fitness in both sympatric and allopatric brambling populations. By contrast, the Chaffinch has a more bimodal egg color distribution consistent with the evolutionary direction predicted for the brambling. Whereas the brambling and its cuckoo host race show little geographical variation in their egg color distributions, the Chaffinch’s distribution becomes increasingly dissimilar to the brambling’s distribution towards the core area of the brambling cuckoo host race. Conclusion: High rates of brambling gene flow is likely to cool down coevolutionary hot spots by cancelling out th
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Outcomes of brood parasite-host interactions mediated by egg matching: common cuckoos Cuculus canorus versus Fringilla finches.
Public Library of Science (PLoS), 2011Co-Authors: Johan Reine Vika, Arne Moksnes, Esa Huhta, Frode Fossøy, Eivi Røskaf, A˚rd Gunna StokkeAbstract:Antagonistic species often interact via matching of phenotypes, and interactions between brood parasitic common cuckoos (Cuculus canorus) and their hosts constitute classic examples. The outcome of a parasitic event is often determined by the match between host and cuckoo eggs, giving rise to potentially strong associations between fitness and egg phenotype. Yet, empirical efforts aiming to document and understand the resulting evolutionary outcomes are in short supply.We used avian color space models to analyze patterns of egg color variation within and between the cuckoo and two closely related hosts, the nomadic brambling (Fringilla montifringilla) and the site fidelic Chaffinch (F. coelebs). We found that there is pronounced opportunity for disruptive selection on brambling egg coloration. The corresponding cuckoo host race has evolved egg colors that maximize fitness in both sympatric and allopatric brambling populations. By contrast, the Chaffinch has a more bimodal egg color distribution consistent with the evolutionary direction predicted for the brambling. Whereas the brambling and its cuckoo host race show little geographical variation in their egg color distributions, the Chaffinch's distribution becomes increasingly dissimilar to the brambling's distribution towards the core area of the brambling cuckoo host race.High rates of brambling gene flow is likely to cool down coevolutionary hot spots by cancelling out the selection imposed by a patchily distributed cuckoo host race, thereby promoting a matching equilibrium. By contrast, the site fidelic Chaffinch is more likely to respond to selection from adapting cuckoos, resulting in a markedly more bimodal egg color distribution. The geographic variation in the Chaffinch's egg color distribution could reflect a historical gradient in parasitism pressure. Finally, marked cuckoo egg polymorphisms are unlikely to evolve in these systems unless the hosts evolve even more exquisite egg recognition capabilities than currently possessed
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avian colour perception predicts behavioural responses to experimental brood parasitism in Chaffinches
Journal of Evolutionary Biology, 2010Co-Authors: Arne Moksnes, Frode Fossøy, Jesus M Aviles, Johan Reinert Vikan, Anton Antonov, Eivin Roskaft, Bard G StokkeAbstract:Hosts of cuckoos have evolved defences allowing them to discriminate and reject parasite eggs. Mechanisms of discrimination are mostly visually mediated, and have been studied using approaches that do not account for what the receiver (i.e. host) actually can discriminate. Here, for the first time we apply a perceptual model of colour discrimination to study behavioural responses to natural variation in parasite egg appearance in Chaffinches Fringilla coelebs. Discrimination of parasite eggs gradually increased with increasing differences in chromatic contrasts as perceived by birds between parasite and host eggs. These results confirm that colour differences of the eggs as perceived by birds are important integral parts of a matching signal used by Chaffinch hosts.