Genetic Variability within the Population of the Vulnerable Mindanao Endemic Blue-Capped Kingfisher (Actenoides hombroni) Using Polymorphic DNA Markers

The restricted range and small population size of Mindanao endemic blue-capped kingfisher (Actenoides hombroni) and the degradation of its habitat provide an ideal case to study the genetics of this species. DNA samples were taken from A. hombroni netted from Nursery and Gabunan, Rogongon, Iligan City and Kimangkil, Bukidnon. Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis and agarose gel electrophoresis was used to assess the genetic variability within its population. The random primer used had generated 25 reproducible RAPD markers showing three distinct banding patterns with low polymorphism. Shared or specific fragments were counted and genetic similarity within population was calculated. The similarity coefficient (F) estimation revealed that there were more pairs of individuals with F values equal to 1 (high genetic similarity) and having no F value equal to 0 (low genetic similarity). Results suggested that there is a considerable low genetic diversity that existed within the population of A. hombroni, which could be explained by their geographic proximity. Findings of this study are significant most specially in the formulation of conservation strategies for the Mindanao endemic and vulnerable A. hombroni.

Keywords - Actenoides hombroni, genetic variability, PCR, RAPD markers, similarity coefficient, Rogongon, Iligan City, Mt. Kimangkil, Bukidnon