Using genetics for creating proper conservation strategies for protected species – the case of Griffon Vulture (Gyps fulvus)

Abstract

Genetic diversity is highlighted by IUCN as one of the three pillars of biodiversity that need to be protected together with species and ecosystem diversity. Thus, before any conservation measures of reintroduction/restocking are undertaken, especially in the regions where autochthonous populations exist, it is necessary to evaluate the genetic diversity of both the autochthonous and introducing populations. If there are no autochthonous populations, the nearest neighbouring populations are used as donors and only if neighbouring populations are non-existent distant populations could be used. In this way, the local adaptations and genetic variation specific to the region will be preserved. In the Balkan Peninsula, the stable and autochthonous population of Griffon vulture persists and it should be protected as such. The genetic data based on microsatellites demonstrated the existence of two genetic clusters one of which is specific for the Balkan and Iberian Peninsula. The study of mitochondrial DNA diversity demonstrated the existence of private haplotypes unique for both peninsulas. Long-time monitoring of named populations demonstrated different migration patterns. Birds from the Balkans migrate almost exclusively to the Middle East while the Iberian birds migrate to northwest Africa, which is the reason why they rarely come into contact. Natal philopatric behaviour specific to the species dictates that the unique genetic fingerprint will remain fixed in the region of their origin. Thus, in nature, gene flow between named populations is low, or insignificant. In addition, somewhat different climate conditions between Iberian and Balkan peninsula could also drive genetic differentiation due to the local adaptations. The detected level of genetic differentiation between these regions suggests that different conservation approaches are needed to preserve specific and unique genetic diversity and that the current program of restocking the vulture population of the Balkan Peninsula with the birds from the Iberian Peninsula needs to be re-evaluated.