Genetic variability, body characteristics and reproductive parameters of neighbouring rural and urban common kestrel (Falco tinnuculus) populations

Abstract

The mean expected allelic polymorphism did not differ among the studied populations, which were not genetically separated (F (ST) = 0.0003, P = 0.781). Also, an individual assignment test did not show a separation of these populations.

Urban kestrels that bred in the city centre were indicatively more related than others, and no relationship was found in the rural kestrel population. Kestrel females were heavier towards the city centre, but males did not show this relationship.

Keywords

• Assignment test
• Genetic variability
• Microsatellite
• Population ecology
• Raptor
• Site fidelity