Genetic variation across the current range of the Asian houbara bustard (Chlamydotis undulata macqueenii)

The houbara bustard (Chlamydotis undulata), the main quarry for Arab falconry, is currently threatened by excessive hunting and poaching as well as by habitat loss and fragmentation. We have investigated the genetic diversity, population structure and demographic history of houbara bustards across their geographical range by analyzing mitochondrial (mt)DNA sequences (a 370 bp fragment of control region I and a 264 bp fragment of the cytochrome b gene) and 4 microsatellite loci in 74 individuals sampled from the Canary Islands to China. Both markers revealed low to moderate diversity that could be partitioned into two monophyletic groups or evolutionary significant units belonging to the North African (C. u. undulata) and Asian (C. u. macqueenii) subspecies. A history of relatively recent population growth (similar to35,000 years ago) accompanied by range expansion is the most likely demographic scenario for the Asian subspecies. In addition, Macqueen's bustards are able to disperse efficiently over broad areas, which is consistent with our inference of weak phylogeographic structure (global F(ST) = 0.20 and 0.04 for mtDNA and microsatellites, respectively) and high levels of homogenizing gene flow on wide geographical scales. We therefore suggest that management actions should focus on maintaining migratory connectivity between breeding and non-breeding areas.