Assignment of the origin of confiscated Yellow Cardinals (Gubernatrix cristata) through genetic analysis

The Yellow Cardinal (Gubernatrix cristata) is an endemic passeriform from South America, and is the only representative of the monotypic genus Gubernatrix, that is included within the Thraupidae family. It is currently in danger of extinction, in part due to the trapping of wild birds that are illegally sold in the black market. A previous study analyzed the genetic structure of the remaining wild populations, and found evidence of the existence of three management units for the species in Argentina. The objective of this study is to determine the origin of seized specimens with the use of two molecular markers, mtDNA and microsatellites, in order to guide the reintroduction of these animals to their respective management units. Most of the confiscated cardinals were assigned to one of the three management units. All except one of the seized specimens were found to be from the western side of the species’ distribution. This type of study serves as a tool to guide the release of confiscated animals, and also to delimit areas of the country where greater controls are required to prevent illegal wildlife trafficking.