GENETIC DIVERSITY AND STRUCTURE OF THE WHITE-FRONTED PARROT (AMAZONA ALBIFRONS) IN MEXICO

Abstract

In this study we assessed the genetic diversity and differentiation, and genealogical relationships in a group of individuals of A. albifrons distributed on the Pacific slope and in the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico using mitochondrial DNA markers.Both range regions the species showed a high genetic diversity, suggesting population expansion from a small effective population size. Genealogical relationships revealed the presence of two genetic groups that have gone through different demographic events, one in the Yucatan Peninsula and the other in the Pacific slope. Considering that the individuals of the Yucatan Peninsula formed a genetic group exclusive to the region due to isolation events and a unique evolutionary history, we suggest its recognition as an evolutionarily significant unit (ESU). In addition, considering the presence of unique haplotypes in the localities of Sinaloa and Michoacan, we recommended that conservation plans focus on these regions.