Conservation genetics of reintroduced Eurasian black vultures in France

This study/thesis fits within a larger project in which we envisage to get more in-depth insights in the genetic constitution and viability of a recently established Eurasian Black vulture (Aegypius monachus) population in France.
 
Until now, surprisingly little is known about the genetic constitution of this population. However, from the start of this project onwards huge efforts have been made in collecting genetic material from both released birds and all known wild born hatchlings to eventually evaluate the genetics behind this program. Within this project we plan to use these and other samples to:
 

Evaluate the overall genetic diversity within this population, which is generally accepted to play a critical role in long-term viability

reconstruct the genetic relationships between all sampled birds (wild born hatchlings and introduced birds), which is an interesting strategy to indirectly determine the fitness of individual (released) birds.

Assess functional diversity (e.g. MHC and migratory genes) and its potential links with observations of individuals birds.

Evaluate the presence of natural gene flow from the Iberian (or other) relict populations.

Determine the sex-ratio within this population.