Is there genetic connectivity among the critically endangered White-winged Flufftail (Sarothrura ayresi) populations from South Africa and Ethiopia?

The White-winged Flufftail (Sarothrura ayresi) is known
to occur in the highland marshes of Ethiopia, as well as
almost 4000 km in South Africa. The White-winged
Flufftail is listed globally as Critically Endangered. In
South Africa the population is estimated to be <50 birds.
These birds are severely threatened by habitat destruction. Thus far, no genetic studies have been conducted
on S. ayresi to confirm genetic connectivity between the
South African and Ethiopian populations. In this study,
analysis of mitochondrial and nuclear markers was
conducted for White-winged Flufftail samples from South
African and Ethiopian birds, as well as Red-chested
Flufftail (Sarothrura rufa) for species comparison. Analyses of the DNA regions identified three variations
between the two populations, supporting the hypothesis
that these two populations are not different species or
subspecies but are rather one migrating population with
different seasonal occupied ranges. However, these
results do not exclude the possibility of additional
breeding and nonbreeding sites. Low genetic diversity
in the populations of White-winged Flufftails was
observed, which needs to be further elucidated with fast
evolving co-dominant markers such as microsatellites, as
this low diversity may ultimately contribute to the
extinction of the species.