DNA sequence data generated using non-invasive feather and eggshell samples from the Grenada Dove for two gene regions: Cyt b and ND2

As an island endemic with a decreasing population, the Critically
Endangered Grenada Dove Leptotila wellsi is threatened by accelerated loss
of genetic diversity resulting from ongoing habitat fragmentation. Small,
threatened populations are difficult to sample directly but advances in
molecular methods mean that non-invasive samples can be used. We performed
the first assessment of genetic diversity of populations of Grenada Dove
by a) assessing mtDNA genetic diversity in the only two areas of occupancy
on Grenada, b) defining the number of haplotypes present at each site and
c) evaluating evidence of isolation between sites. We used non-invasively
collected samples from two locations: Mt Hartman (n=18) and Perseverance
(n=12). DNA extraction and PCR were used to amplify 1,751 bps of mtDNA
from two mitochondrial markers: NADH dehydrogenase 2 (ND2) and Cytochrome
b (Cyt b). Haplotype diversity (h) of 0.4, a nucleotide diversity (π) of
0.00023 and two unique haplotypes were identified within the ND2
sequences; a single haplotype was identified within the Cyt b
sequences. Of the two haplotypes identified; the most common haplotype
(haplotype A = 73.9%) was observed at both sites and the other (haplotype
B = 26.1%) was unique to Perseverance. Our results show low mitochondrial
genetic diversity and clear evidence for genetically isolated populations.
The Grenada Dove needs urgent conservation action, including habitat
protection and potential augmentation of gene flow by translocation in
order to increase genetic resilience and diversity with the ultimate aim
of securing the long-term survival of this Critically Endangered
species.