RFLP analysis of the mitochondrial DNA of otters (Lutra lutra) from Europe- implications for conservation of a flagship species

The distribution of otters (Lutra lutra) in Europe is largely fragmented, m ainly due to historic anthropogenic causes. Nevertheless, in eastern German y a large coherent area is inhabited by a viable otter population. In this paper, the mitochondrial genome of 81 otters is studied by RFLP analysis of PCR-amplified 1.5 and 2.5 kb long fragments, particularly to estimate the amount of genetic variability of European otters, and to identify possible geographical population subsets for conservation management. No restriction site polymorphism was detected within the control region (1.5 kb), but pol ymorphism of cleaving sites in the 2.5 kb fragment could be assigned to thr ee haplotypes. Two occurred exclusively in a comparatively small area north west and west of Berlin, which may be considered a region of increased gene tic variability in otters. The low level of mtDNA variability in European o tters might be due to genetic drift in postglacial founder populations with long-term low densities, and continuous historical overhunting. (C) 1999 E lsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.