Genetic Differentiation of Dabbling Ducks (Anseriformes: Anas) Populations From Palaearctic in Time and Space

The genetic variation among populations of dabbling ducks (563 samples of A. acuta, A. clypeata, A. crecca, A. querquedula, A. falcata, A. penelope, A. platyrhynchos) in the Palaearctic region (Lithuania, Chukotka, Kamchatka, Lena, Ob and Kara rivers) was investigated between 1980 and 1998. Fifteen loci of blood serum proteins were surveyed for genetic variation using polyacrylamid gel electrophoresis, and eight polymorphic loci were found. The analysis of genetic variation at population and species levels shows that allele frequencies are temporarily variable. The general genetic diversity of dabbling ducks differed among geographically different populations: for Northern Pintail between H_o = 0.264 from Ob river and H_o = 0.331 from Kamchatka; for Eurasian Wigeon between H_o=0.185 from Ob and H_o = 0.263 from Lena river. In Mallard populations mean heterozygosity ranged from H_o = 0.242 (Vente 1998, Lithuania) to H_o = 0.366 (Antanavas 1987, Lithuania). The data obtained from genetic distances revealed that Mallards of Lithuania form no discrete populations and vary temporarily and spatially.