Genetic variability, body characteristics and reproductive parameters of neighbouring rural and urban common kestrel (<i>Falco tinnuculus</i>) populations

Abstract

Abstract We tested the genetic and ecological differences between neighbouring urban and rural populations of common kestrels ( Falco tinnuculus ) in southern Bohemia. The aims were to (1) assess the genetic variability of the studied kestrel populations using microsatellite markers, (2) check the genetic relatedness of individuals within the urbanization gradient, and (3) compare possible gradients of body characteristics and reproductive parameters on the urbanization gradient. The mean expected allelic polymorphism did not differ among the studied populations, which were not genetically separated ( F ST = 0.0003, P = 0.781). Also, an individual assignment test did not show a separation of these populations. Urban kestrels that bred in the city centre were indicatively more related than others, and no relationship was found in the rural kestrel population. Kestrel females were heavier towards the city centre, but males did not show this relationship. Nest distance from the city centre had no significant effect on any of the tested reproductive parameters. Our results do not support the notion of genetic differentiation between rural and urban kestrels, but revealed trends in body characteristics and genetic relatedness along the urbanization gradient.