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Past Colony Connectivity of a Declining Seabird Derived From Host-Parasite Genetic Data
C P Cargill1,2, K D McCoy3, B E Scott1
1University of Aberdeen, (School of Biological Sciences) Aberdeen UK.
Ecology and Evolution
|March 12, 2026
Summary
Black-legged kittiwake populations exhibit complex connectivity patterns. Dispersal shows an east-west trend, while summer movements are more localized, challenging the assumption of isolated colonies.
Area of Science:
- Avian Ecology
- Population Genetics
- Conservation Biology
Background:
- The black-legged kittiwake (Rissa tridactyla) is a Vulnerable, long-lived seabird with a wide distribution.
- Understanding colony connectivity is crucial for effective management, yet current models often treat colonies as isolated units.
- The species' life history and broad breeding range present challenges in assessing movements between colonies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate dispersal and seasonal breeding movements (connectivity) in North Atlantic kittiwake populations.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of Bayesian analysis of microsatellite genotypes for inferring population structure and movement.
- To test the hypothesis that geographic distance is a primary constraint on kittiwake colony connectivity.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Bayesian analysis (BayesAss v3) of multilocus microsatellite genotypes from kittiwakes and seabird ticks (Ixodes uriae).
- Employed the concept of inheritance by descent (IBD) and Markov-chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) resampling to quantify movement patterns.
- Analyzed genetic data from samples spanning the High Arctic to the southern boundary of the species (1992-2001).
Main Results:
- Kittiwake dispersal and summer breeding movements were heterogeneous across sampled colonies.
- A distinct east-to-west longitudinal trend was observed in kittiwake dispersal patterns.
- Summer breeding movements were more localized than dispersal, and connectivity across the Atlantic Ocean was limited.
- Geographic distance showed a weak correlation with connectivity, suggesting other factors are influential.
Conclusions:
- Geographic distance is not the primary factor limiting connectivity among kittiwake colonies.
- Colony status and conspecific associations appear to play a more significant role in shaping movement patterns.
- Findings challenge the assumption of isolated colonies and highlight the need for dynamic management approaches.
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