Supplementary.zip

This zipped file contains 5 parts after extraction:
1- supplementary_1.txt (AFLP codes)
2- supplementary_2.xlsx (biometric dataset)
3- supplementary_3.docx (delta K graph)
4- supplementary_4.txt (web address for "adegenet" R package code and script for AFLP data set)
5- supplementary_4.zip (3 files for "adegenet" R package code and script for AFLP data set)
6- supplementary_5.docx (AFLP capillary peak samples)
Hybridization with non-native related taxa, especially with
introgression, could be a major conservation problem, as it might disturb local
adaptations, resulting in population reduction and biodiversity loss. It is
important to identify hybrid individuals, which can be difficult to break up
morphologically. Using morphometric and genetic approach (multivariate
analysis, microsatellite and AFLP) , this research attempts to classify
interaction and the prevalence of introgressive hybridization in four native
pheasant subspecies of Phasianus colchicus with non-native P. c. torquatus.
According to PCA and CDF results, hybrid individuals are placed between these
two major groups of native and exotic birds. Also, we assessed the population
structure, genetic variation, and gene flow between native subspecies and
exotic pheasant using 16 microsatellite loci in 129 samples. Our findings
revealed that hybridization occurred between two native subspecies, P. c. talischensis
and P. c. persicus, and exotic subspecies (P. c. torquatus). The persicus
hybrid observation was almost 3 times higher than talischensis. The
levels of the genetic variation within and among the natural populations were
investigated using the amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers
method to identify hybrids. A total of 202 distinct bands were amplified using
four primer combinations, with 179 of them being polymorphic. AMOVA analysis
revealed a low degree of genetic differentiation among the populations. The
hybrid samples were closely related to the P. c. talischensis and P.
c. persicus populations, according to the UPGMA cluster and discriminant analysis
of principal componenets (DAPC). It appears that disruption of gene flow
between pheasant populations in the Hyrcanian zone is a serious issue. The data
from molecular markers prompted us to raise a concern about the genetic
integrity in some native subspecies in the Iranian plateau. As a result, a
clear cut-level can now be used to differentiate the hybrids, which is also
supported by morphological evidence. A direct relationship was found between
farmed pheasant and hybrid growth. Farmed individuals should be closely monitored, and
non-native taxa should not be released into the wild.