GENETIC DIVERSITY AND STRUCTURE OF THE WHITE-FRONTED PARROT (AMAZONA ALBIFRONS) IN MEXICO

center dot We used mitochondrial DNA markers to assess the genetic diversity, genetic differentiation, and genealogical relationships among individuals of Amazona albifrons sampled across the Pacific Slope and the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. In both regions, the species showed high genetic diversity, suggesting population expansion from a small effective population size. However, genealogical relationships revealed the presence of two genetic groups that probably went through different demographic events, one on the Yucatan Peninsula and the other on the Pacific Slope. Considering that the individuals of the Yucatan Peninsula formed a genetic group exclusive to the region because of isolation events and unique evolutionary history, we suggest the recognition of this group as an evolutionarily significant unit (ESU). In addition, considering the presence of unique haplotypes in the localities of Sinaloa and Michoacan, we recommended that conservation plans for A. albifrons focus on these two regions.