Reduction of Genetic Diversity of the Harpy Eagle in Brazilian Tropical Forests

PLoS One. 2016 Feb 12;11(2):e0148902. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0148902. eCollection 2016.

Abstract

Habitat loss and fragmentation intensify the effects of genetic drift and endogamy, reducing genetic variability of populations with serious consequences for wildlife conservation. The Harpy Eagle (Harpia harpyja) is a forest dwelling species that is considered near threatened and suffers from habitat loss in the forests of the Neotropical region. In this study, 72 historical and current samples were assessed using eight autosomal microsatellite markers to investigate the distribution of genetic diversity of the Harpy Eagle of the Amazonian and Atlantic forests in Brazil. The results showed that the genetic diversity of Harpy Eagle decreased in the regions where deforestation is intense in the southern Amazon and Atlantic Forest.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Brazil
  • Eagles / genetics*
  • Endangered Species
  • Genetic Drift
  • Genetic Variation
  • Microsatellite Repeats
  • Rainforest*

Grants and funding

This work was supported by the National Counsel of Technological and Scientific Development (CNPq) - http://www.cnpq.br/; Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) - http://www.capes.gov.br/; Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Amazonas (FAPEAM) - http://www.fapeam.am.gov.br/; Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Espírito Santo (FAPES) - http://www.fapes.es.gov.br/; Fundação Grupo Boticário de Proteção à Natureza (FBPN) - http://www.fundacaogrupoboticario.org.br/; and the Scott Neotropical Fund - http://www.clevelandmetroparks.com/Zoo/Grants/Scott-Neotropical-Fund-1.aspx.