BREEDING STRATEGIES AND GENETIC-VARIATION IN EUROPEAN ROE DEER CAPREOLUS-CAPREOLUS POPULATIONS

Based on previously published electrophoretic data on genetic variabil ity in 31 roe deer Capreolus capreolus Linnaeus, 1758 populations, the proportion of loci polymorphic (P), average heterozygosity (H), and t he inbreeding coefficient (F-IS) were examined for relationships with the social structure displayed in the various populations. Our hypothe sis was that genetic variability is lower and F-IS-values are more pos itive in populations where males maintain a stable pattern of territor ies during the rutting season (forest dwelling roe deer) than in those characterized by pronounced fluctuations in population structure, bot h within and among seasons (field or mountain dwelling roe deer). P an d H did not show differences among those two groups. F-IS was signific antly more positive in the 'forest' roe deer than in the more migrator y 'type', but only when populations subjected to high culling rates we re excluded from the analysis. Highly negative F-IS-values in forest p opulations with high culling rates suggested that considerable perturb ations of population structure may be caused by hunting. In conclusion , the 'forest' roe deer and the 'field' roe deer do not represent two distinct ecotypes with a particular genetic integrity, but rather refl ect the considerable behavioural plasticity of the species.