RT info:eu-repo/semantics/article T1 Evolutionary divergences in Luscinia svecica subspecies complex – new evidence supporting the uniqueness of the Iberian bluethroat breeding populations A1 García, Javier A1 Johnsen, Arild A1 Fuertes Marcos, Benito A1 Suárez Seoane, Susana A2 Ecologia K1 Zoología K1 Pechiazul K1 Luscinia svecica K1 Conservación K1 Península Ibérica AB The assessment of evolutionary divergences within subspecies complexes provide an effectiveshort-cut for estimating intraspecific genetic diversity, which is relevant for conservationactions.We explore new evidence supplementing the existing knowledge aboutthe singularity of Iberian bluethroats within the Luscinia svecica subspecies mosaic.Wecompared biometric traits of Iberian males (L. s. azuricollis) to the closest subspecies (L.s. cyanecula, L. s. namnetum and L. s. magna) using general linear models and analysedthe correlations between biometric and genetic differentiation (based on nuclear microsatellites)among the target subspecieswith aMantel test. Biometric differenceswere calculatedusing 63 museum skins and 63 live specimens. Genetic distances were estimatedin a sample of 136 individuals. An additional characterisation of the plumage of Iberianmales was shaped from 22 live specimens. We highlight the distinctiveness of Iberianbirds within the subspecies mosaic since L. s. azuricollis had longer wings than L. s.cyanecula and L. s. namnetum, but shorterwings than L. s. magna. Indeed, L. s. azuricollishad longer tarsus and bill than L. s. namnetum, but shorter bill than L. s. magna. Biometricdivergence was not significantly associated with genetic distance. Iberian males showedan all-blue plastron in 77% of specimens, a mostly non-marked black band and no whiteband, which distinguished them from males of L. s. cyanecula and L. s. namnetum. Weconclude the importance of considering phenotypic and genotypic differences at subspecieslevel, which is essential for designing realistic conservation strategies addressed topreserve species genetic diversity patterns.1. IntroductionThe presence of endangered species is currentlyone of the main principles for establishing prioritiesof conservation PB Suomen lintutieteellinen yhdistys YR 2019 FD 2019-04-22 LK http://hdl.handle.net/10612/10550 UL http://hdl.handle.net/10612/10550 NO Ornis Fennica, 2017, vol. 94, n. 3 NO P. 141-149 DS BULERIA. Repositorio Institucional de la Universidad de León RD 28-mar-2024