Molecular and ecological characterization of urban populations of the mallard (Anas plathyrhynchos L.) in Italy

Urban habitats are increasing worldwide and represent new potential environments for many species of animals, in particular birds. As a result of contact with humans, urban wildlife can experience ecological and ethological modifications, mainly regarding parental and feeding behaviour. One of the most common birds in urban landscapes is the mallard, Anas platyrhynchos L., which is widespread in temperate regions. This study aimed to characterize two Italian populations of mallards living in a metropolitan area, from both an ecological and a genetic point of view. Field surveys were carried out for 27 consecutive months along two rivers, focusing on the biological cycle and reproductive behaviour of the mallard. The ecological results were integrated with molecular data, obtained by the analysis of 10 microsatellites, genotyped in the two urban, in a wild and in a captive-bred population. No significant changes in eco-ethological features of the mallards living in the urban area were observed, whereas the urban populations were genetically differentiated from the wild and the bred ones.