Search

The Hyacinth Macaw (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus) is a threatened species of the family Psittacidae. Its classification as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature is especially a result of habitat loss and intense illegal trade of this species. The total estimated number of wild individuals in Brazil is around 6500 birds, distributed in three regions: Pantanal, Pará State, and Northeast Brazil. Data on the biology, ecology, and genetic variability of this species are fundamental to the development of conservation strategies for its natural populations. Therefore, the present study aimed to analyze the genetic structure of different populations of A. hyacinthinus and examine the population dynamics throughout its distribution in four areas of Brazil. We analyzed 100 individuals by amplifying and sequencing the mitochondrial DNA control region (D-loop) and identified 17 polymorphic sites and 16 distinct haplotypes. Total nucleotide diversity was 0.0034 and haplotype diversity was 0.7832. The fixation index indicated significant levels of genetic differentiation among all sampled populations. Our results indicate that different populations of A. hyacinthinus should be considered as evolutionarily significant units and must be independently protected and managed to preserve the adaptive diversity and evolutionary processes of this species throughout its distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]