Preliminary study of genetic diversity and population structure of the Relict Gull Larus relictus (Charadriiformes Laridae) using mitochondrial and nuclear genes

Abstract

The genetic diversity and the population history of the Relict Gull (Larus relictus) were studied based on the sequences of two mitochondrial genes (Cyt b and ND2) and one nuclear gene (the third intron of the Z-linked muscle-specific kinase gene [MUSK]) from 47 individuals. The results showed that the population expresses very low genetic diversity while lacking large geographical population. Demographic history analysis suggested that population expansion might have been recent and that the average estimated expansion time of L. relictus is from 0.09 to 0.23 Ma BP. Whether the other three breeding subpopulations are involved in the Ordos breeding subpopulation, require further study with more effective molecular markers. The species is threatened by habitat loss and fragmentation, and actions to protect it are suggested to improve the population fragmentation of breeding.

Keywords:

• Demographic history
• genetic diversity
• Larus relictus
• mitochondrial and nuclear gene
• population structure

Declaration of interest

The study was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant no. 31272292), and the Youth Science Fund of Shaanxi Academy of Science (Grant no. 2012-K26). The authors report that they have no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.