MtDNA D-loop genetic diversity of common quail (Coturnix coturnix) migrating through Ukraine and Spain

Authors: DALIUS BUTKAUSKAS, ANTONIO BEA, VADYM YANENKO, PETRAS PRAKAS, SAULIUS SVAZAS, DAIVA VAITKUVIENE

Abstract: Populations of common quail (Coturnix coturnix) have recently been declining in Europe. This is the first study of common quail in eastern Europe using molecular markers. The mtDNA D-loop genetic diversity of common quails migrating through Ukraine was analyzed and compared with that of birds migrating via northern Spain in 2017-2018. In samples from 77 birds, 32 polymorphic sites and 30 haplotypes (H1-H30) were identified, only 4 of which were common for birds sampled in both Ukraine and Spain. Phylogenetic analysis indicated 2 well-supported clades. Found were 3 haplotypes clustered in 1 phylogenetic clade only in common quails sampled in Ukraine. The results can be used for the identification of different flyways, particularly for common quails of eastern European origin.

Keywords: Coturnix coturnix, D-loop haplotypes, phylogeny, flyways

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