Desarrollo de herramientas moleculares para la caracterizacion genetica de la pava caucana (penelope perspicax), un ave amenazada de extincion.

Genetic diversity in four remnant populations of the endangered Cauca Guan.- Small and isolated populations face a high risk of extinction owing to demographic, stochastic and genetic factors. In particular, genetic variability is proportional to population size, and low genetic variability increases the likelihood of deleterious alleles being expressed due to inbreeding depression. The Cauca Guan (Penelope perspicax; aves, Cracidae) is an endangered galliform bird endemic to the mid Cauca Valley in Colombia. The original 25,000 km2 distribution of the Cauca Guan is reduced to less than 1,000 km2 and is fragmented into six presently known isolated populations. Density estimates obtained at several sites suggest population sizes of less than 100 individuals, and effective population sizes are probably lower. The overall objective of this project is to evaluate genetic variability in four Cauca Guan populations. The first goal, on which this proposal focuses, is to develop a set of highly variable genetic markers (SSRs), and develop optimized laboratory protocols for DNa extraction using non-invasive methods, from molted feathers and feces. Results from this project will provide essential information for developing in situ and ex situ management options for Cauca Guan populations. In addition, the genetic markers developed will be applicable to studies on other endangered species of Penelopine guans in Colombia and elsewhere.