Mitochondrial D-loop sequencing reveals lower genetic variability in Feral Pigeons (Columba livia f. urbana) than in Woodpigeons (Columba palumbus) and European Turtle Doves (Streptopelia turtur)

Abstract

Feral Pigeons (Columba livia f. urbana), descendants of domesticated pigeons, are highly adapted to urban environments. However, comprehensive genetic studies using the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) of them have been scarce. This study evaluated the genetic variability and structure of Feral Pigeons from six urban locations in Spain and Lithuania, comparing them to a population of Feral Pigeons from Taiwan. Additionally, comparisons were made with domestic pigeon breeds and two Columbidae species associated with forest habitats: the Woodpigeon (Columba palumbus) and the European Turtle Dove (Streptopelia turtur). Genetic diversity was assessed using mtDNA D-loop sequences. Among the Feral Pigeons, a low level of genetic diversity was observed (Hd = 0.732; π = 0.00330), with 12 haplotypes forming a star-like network. A single haplotype was shared by nearly half of the individuals, and all haplotypes identified in Taiwan were also present in European populations. No genetic differentiation was found among pigeons within the same country, but significant divergence was observed between the European and Taiwanese populations. Compared to domestic pigeon breeds, Feral Pigeons exhibited higher variability, although both groups were considerably less diverse than the Woodpigeon and European Turtle Dove. The Turtle Dove showed the highest genetic variability, likely due to its complex phylogeography and migratory patterns. Neutrality tests indicated a recent population expansion in the Woodpigeon, following a bottleneck event. Overall, the results revealed limited genetic variability in Feral Pigeons, contrasting with the greater diversity and broader genetic structure observed in wild Columbidae species analysed.

Keywords: Feral Pigeon; Woodpigeon; European Turtle Dove; mtDNA; D-loop; genetic variability; population structure