Genetic correlates of spatial population structure in central European capercaillie Tetrao urogallus and black grouse T-tetrix: a project in progress

Capercaillie Tetrao urogallus and black grouse T. tetrix are threatened spe cies in central Europe. Their habitats are fragmented both at a continental and a regional scale, and spatial connectivity may play an important role for their (meta-)population dynamics and persistence. In order to identify conservation priorities, it is important to know if and to what extent exch ange between local populations occurs. In this paper, we present the ration ale and techniques of an ongoing project into the spatial structure of cape rcaillie and black grouse populations in central Europe using non-invasive genetic methods. In this project, we assess the genetic differentiation of spatially distinct populations using microsatellite analysis based on DNA e xtracted from feathers. This approach will allow us to identify critical ge ographic distances beyond which demographic connectivity between population s is not assured. We expect to find a correlation between geographic and ge netic distance.