University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU) - Research portal
Gewählte Master / Diploma Thesis:
Laura-Marie Ketzmerick
(2023):
Genetische Diversität und Populationsstruktur der Auerhuhn-Vorkommen (Tetrao urogallus) in Vorarlberg.
Master / Diploma Thesis - Institut für Forstentomologie, Forstpathologie und Forstschutz (IFFF),
BOKU-Universität für Bodenkultur,
pp 34.
UB BOKU
obvsg
FullText
- Abstract:
- The Austrian Western Capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus) populations are among the largest in Central Europe. Due to its endangerment, the species is a target species of the EU Birds Directive and plays an important role in nature conservation planning due to its characteristics as an indicator and umbrella species. The aim of this study is to assess the genetic diversity and population structure of Western Capercaillie populations in Vorarlberg. This Master's thesis addresses the following questions: (1) How is the genetic diversity of the Capercaillie population in Vorarlberg? (2) Do the different areas show differences in their genetic diversity and is it possible to delimit the areas on this basis? (3) Can the individual geographically definable areas be assigned into genetic clusters? (4) Can hybrid zones be identified which represent important migration corridors? (5) Do individual subpopulations show higher inbreeding values compared to the others? The genetic analysis was carried out on non-invasive samples by amplifying twelve microsatellites, using four multiplex PCRs. Sex differentiation is done by a separate PCR. The analysis of genetic diversity is carried out using multivariate analyses, and the population structure is examined using the STRUCTURE software package. Overall, the results showed a high genetic diversity of Western Capercaillie occurrences in Vorarlberg, with barely any differences found between subpopulations. In addition, the data indicate a population structure, whereby a significant differentiation of the subpopulations could be observed. No evidence of inbreeding was found in any of the subpopulations. With the help of these results, an important basis for future Capercaillie management in Vorarlberg is created.
- Beurteilende*r: Stauffer Christian
- 1.Mitwirkender: Nopp-Mayr Ursula
- 2.Mitwirkender: Kunz Florian