| Abstract [eng] |
The overview of the status of several duck species breeding in Lithuania (Shelduck Tadorna tadorna, Mallard Anas platyrhynchos, Shoveler Anas clypeata, Teal Anas crecca, Garganey Anas querquedula, Wigeon Anas penelope, Pintail Anas acuta, Gadwall Anas strepera, Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula, Pochard Aythya ferina, Ferruginous Duck Aythya nyroca, Common Goldeneye Bucephala clangula, Common Merganser Mergus merganser and Red-breasted Merganser Mergus serrator) was provided, using analysis of available published data. The analysis of migratory routes of these species in the Western Palearctic based on literature analysis is presented. Ringing recoveries maps of duck species ringed in Lithuania and found in foreign countries, or ringed in foreign countries and recovered in Lithuania, were produced by means of analysis of all available long-term data collected in the Lithuanian Bird Ringing Centre. The direct ringing recoveries maps were produced for most common in Lithuania duck species. Particularly informative ringing recoveries maps, produced by means of analysis of large number of long-term recoveries, were provided for Mallard, Tufted Duck, Pochard and certain other species wintering mainly in Europe. For long-distance migrants (Shoveler, Pintail and Garganey) ringing recoveries available in Lithuania reflect only staging sites of these species, as there are almost no recoveries available from their key wintering sites located in Africa. The mitochondrial DNA (D-loop of mtDNA) sequencing method and ringing recovery data analysis was used for investigation of two different populations of Mallard in Europe – Northwest Europe (includes Lithuanian breeding ducks) and Central Europe/Black Sea (includes ducks collected in Ukraine). Reconstructed phylogenetic relationships based on comparision of D-loop sequences enabled to identify genetic similarity on the level of individual birds and to designate populations with different genetic structure. Identified haplotypic variability indicated the existence of two populations of Mallard with a different genetic structure in Europe. The genetic analysis clearly indicates the existence of a uniform genetic structure, characteristic of Mallards breeding in Lithuania, wich is different from populations in Ukraine. The results of genetic analysis coincided with the ringing recoveries data. The similar genetic population structure characteristic of Mallards wintering and breeding in Lithuania indicate that Lithuanian wintering population of this species is formed mostly by local birds. The genetic analysis combined with traditional ringing data can be used as an effective tool for identification of different bird populations and their flyways, particulary in conditions of the global climate change. |
