SummaryThe preservation of genetic diversity is an important aspect of conservation biology. Low genetic diversity within a population can lead to inbreeding depression and a reduction in adaptive potential, which may increase extinction risk. Here we report changes in genetic diversity over 12 years in a declining population of the Corncrake Crex crex, a grassland bird species of high conservation concern throughout Europe. Despite a twofold demographic decline during the same period, we found no evidence for a reduction of genetic diversity. The gradual genetic differentiation observed among populations of Corncrake across Europe suggests that genetic diversity is maintained in western populations by constant gene flow from the larger and more productive populations in eastern Europe and Asia. The maintenance of genetic diversity in this species is an opportunity that may help the implementation of effective conservation actions across the Corncrake’s European range.

中文翻译：

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尽管欧洲Corncrake Crex crex种群的规模大幅下降，但没有证据表明遗传多样性丧失

摘要遗传多样性的保存是保护生物学的一个重要方面。种群内的低遗传多样性会导致近交衰退和适应潜力的降低，这可能会增加灭绝的风险。在这里，我们报告了 12 年来 Cornclake 种群数量下降的遗传多样性变化克雷克斯，一种在整个欧洲受到高度关注的草原鸟类。尽管在同一时期人口减少了两倍，但我们没有发现遗传多样性减少的证据。在整个欧洲的玉米克雷克种群中观察到的逐渐遗传分化表明，西方种群的遗传多样性是通过来自东欧和亚洲更大、生产力更高的种群的恒定基因流来维持的。维持该物种的遗传多样性是一个机会，可能有助于在玉米克拉克的欧洲范围内实施有效的保护行动。