Towards more comprehensive population genetics of European Turtle Doves: microsatellite markers and cytochrome b from across the distribution range

The European Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtur has experienced a significant decline in population size since the 1980’s, leading to its vulnerable status according to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. This species is an intercontinental migrant using different flyways from its breeding grounds towards its wintering grounds in sub-Saharan Africa. While habitat loss and hunting are known to pose significant threats, understanding the genetic structure of Turtle Dove populations is crucial to