Abstract:
Understanding the degree of genetic population
differentiation is important in conservation genetics for
inferring gene flow between populations and for identifying
small and isolated threatened populations. We evaluated
the genetic variation within and between three populations
of the rock firefinch (Lagonosticta sanguinodorsalis), a
range restricted firefinch endemic to Nigeria and Cameroon.
The populations were closely located (c. 100 km
apart) within the species’ core distribution in Central
Nigeria. We found that the populations had similar levels
of gene diversities (HE) and low but significant inbreeding
coefficients (FIS). Despite the short distance between
populations there was a weak but significant population
structure, which indicates that the populations are somewhat
isolated and affected by drift within the species’ core
distribution in Nigeria. The knowledge of the genetic status
of the rock firefinch will serve as a foundation to future
studies to help understand population demography and for
managing and maintaining viable populations.
