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Population Genetics of American Kestrels Across their Range
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The American kestrel is the smallest and the most widespread North American falcon. It inhabits open areas covered by short ground vegetation and utilizes natural cavities for nesting. Four North American subspecies have been identified, based largely on a gradual change in bird size across the kestrel’s range. The southeastern kestrel, which has declined in abundance and experienced extensive habitat loss, is designated as threatened by the State of Florida and under consideration for listing under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. Using genetic analysis, USGS scientists are describing the distribution of the four subspecies of American kestrel. They also are characterizing genetic diversity in a number of subspecies populations to determine if any have less genetic diversity than others and to understand evolutionary relationships. Verification of these subspecies and their geographic limits, coupled with information about diversity and relationships could be used in future considerations of classification and for conservation decisions.
Haig, Susan M. - Supervisory Research Wildlife Biologist
Phone: 541-750-7482
Email: susan_haig@usgs.gov
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