Spatial genetic structure of black francolin (Francolinus francolinus asiae) in the North-Western Himalayan region based on mitochondrial control region

Abstract

Due to specific habitat preferences and behavioural limitations, black francolin is not uniformly distributed across the northwestern Himalayan landscape, rather is confined to certain land mosaic. The habitable zones are further reduced due to several manmade threats as logging and forest fire leading to sparse distribution. Overall 54 samples were used for partial sequence analysis of mitochondrial control region. A well evident divergence pattern was observed as individuals collected from low altitude, terrai region significantly distanced from high altitude sampled individuals. Also, the individuals at lower elevation sites exhibited higher genetic diversity in comparison to the samples collected at higher elevations. This indicates that patchy distribution and low dispersal rate have resulted in fine-scale patterns of genetic diversity among the black francolin population. Further, habitat loss and forest fragmentation could lead to more small and isolated populations that could suffer from reduced genetic diversity and may be higher extinction rates.

Keywords:

• Galliformes
• genetic diversity
• D-loop
• elevational gradient
• habitat loss
• Uttarakhand

Acknowledgements

The authors extend sincere gratitude to Prof. J.P. Bhatt, Former Head, Department of Zoology, Chauras Campus, HNB Garhwal University for allowing and providing the necessary research facilities for this study.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

We acknowledge financial support under UGC, Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship to AK and DST INSPIRE Fellowship to SD.