Genetic Diversity of the Chukotka–Kamchatka Gyrfalcon (Falco rusticolus, Falconiformes, Falconidae) Population, Based on an Analysis of Nuclear Microsatellite Loci

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Abstract—We identified the main genetic characteristics of the Kamchatka–Chukotka gyrfalcon (Falco rusticolus) population using nine nuclear microsatellite loci. Eight loci are polymorphic, with two to 15 alleles per locus. The average number of alleles per locus is 4.44. The values of expected and observed heterozygosity lie within 0.081–0.888 and 0.085–0.781, respectively. These levels of heterozygosity are comparable. The fixation index value (0.018 ± 0.037) indicates a genotypic equilibrium and makes it possible to suggest that the study population at its current size is genetically sufficient and that there is no inbreeding. Our data have been compared with world populations. As a result, we can state that the studied population, along with the Alaskan population, comprises most of the genetic diversity of the species. The selected and tested nuclear microsatellite loci (NVH fr34, NVH fp13, NVH fp46-1, NVH fp54, NVH fp79-4, NVH fp82-2, NVH fp89, and NVH fp92-1) have been determined as suitable for both individual identification and certification of birds in captivity, as well as for programs of genetic monitoring of wild populations.