Genetic differentiation of fragmented populations of capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus) and black grouse (Tetrao tetrix) in western Carpathians

Capercaillie and black grouse belong to endangered species whose population size within the Central European range has been rapidly decreasing in the last decades. The main reason is a decreasing number of suitable habitats (old forests close to upper tree limit) their fragmentation as well as consequences resulting from the limited gene flow and inbreeding in populations with a small population size. The aim of this project is quantification of the genetic diversity and differentiation of fragmented population of both species within Western Carpathians and their comparison with a genetic structure of numerous populations in the Eastern Carpathians as well as the phylogeography within the Central European and Balkan range of capercaillie. Methods of landscape genetics will serve for modelling of spatial distribution of genetic variants and gene flow among fragmented populations. Obtained results will contribute to management measures resulting in improvement of the viability of populations of both species.