Towards more comprehensive population genetics of European Turtle Doves: microsatellite markers and cytochrome b from across the distribution range

The European Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtur has experienced a significant decline in population size since the 1980’s, leading to its vulnerable status according to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. This species is an intercontinental migrant using different flyways from its breeding grounds towards its wintering grounds in sub-Saharan Africa. While habitat loss and hunting are known to pose significant threats, understanding the genetic structure of Turtle Dove populations is crucial to recommend effective conservation measures. So far, only two studies investigated population genetics in Turtle Doves with partly contradictory conclusions. We aimed to gain deeper insights by using microsatellites as an additional genetic marker as well as extending the dataset of mitochondrial DNA (cytochrome b) sequences to breeding regions that have not or very little been examined yet. In line with previous studies, we found no link between migratory flyways and genetic population structure, indicating a weak migratory connectivity. However, we found evidence for some genetic variability among certain breeding regions which explained 3% of the overall variability. Remarkably, birds from Egypt from the subspecies S. t. rufescens showed no significant differentiation to European Turtle Doves belonging to the nominate subspecies S. t. turtur. In contrast, Turtle Doves from Morocco (S. t. arenicola) as well as individuals from the more eastern distributions (Ukraine and Azerbaijan) were genetically the most differentiated compared to central European individuals. Genetic divergence within S. t. turtur tends to increase in further eastern distribution areas. Simultaneous research regarding tracking and population genetic studies are necessary for breeding birds in eastern European and Asian regions to better understand genetic diversity and behaviour and improve conservation efforts across the entire species range.