Population size and genetic diversity of Cebu black shama (Copsychus cebuensis Steere) based on CytB and COI genes in fragmented forests of Cebu Island, Philippines with implications on their protection and conservation
2015
Parilla, R.B.
This study determined the relative population size and genetic diversity of Cebu black shama (Copsychus cebuensis Steere) in Cebu Island, Philippines. Its endangered status and the absence of genetic data made the black shama selected for this study. As they were territorial forest species, they were also the appropriate organism for studying the effect of forest fragmentation on their demographic patterns and genetic diversity. Mist nets were used to capture the black shama populations in four important bird areas (IBAs) in the island. Morphometric variables from the caught black shama were measured and they were marked before they were released. At most four contour feathers were plucked from the caught birds and stored in 70% ethanol before DNA extraction. A total of 59 individuals were recorded on sampled 4.5-ha black shama territory, with an estimate of 13 black shama individuals inhabiting a hectare of forest habitat. It was observed that the more constricted its habitat, the smaller the number of black shama individuals present. Phylogenetic tree revealed that C. cebuensis is monophyletic. High levels of genetic diversity based on CytB and COI genes and shared haplotypes, also supported by pairwise mismatch distribution and Fu's Fs, suggested a recent demographic expansion from an initially large population with a long evolutionary history that went through a recent isolating or bottleneck event. It is hypothesized that this bottleneck event is the fragmentation of the bird's habitat. It is recommended that further genetic analyses using microsatellites be conducted. Likewise strict implementation of laws to protect the black shama habitat must be done.
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