Canada warbler (Cardellina canadensis): Novel molecular markers and a preliminary analysis of genetic diversity and structure

Abstract

The effects of predicted declines and potential loss of individual populations on species-level genetic diversity is unclear. A number of taxa, including the Canada Warbler (Cardellina canadensis), share wide-ranging geographic distributions in North American boreal forests with trailing-edge populations extending into the southern Appalachian Mountains. Trailing-edge populations in the southern portion of a species’ ranges often harbor high levels of genetic diversity and unique genetic variants, and may be at risk of extinction from climate change. Climate change and other anthropogenic factors are causing declines in the Canada Warbler’s southern trailing-edge populations, and with no genetic studies to date, the effect on species-level genetic diversity is uncertain. Species-specific microsatellite markers for the Canada Warbler were developed and validated using samples from three populations, including a southern trailing-edge population, to investigate their utility for intraspecific population studies. Eight of the microsatellite markers were informative for assessing genetic diversity and preliminary analysis suggests that they have potential for characterizing intraspecific neutral genetic diversity and structure among Canada Warbler populations.