Analysis of genetic diversity and structure in neighboring populations of the European brown hare (Lepus europaeus, Pallas 1778)

Citation
J. Fickel et al., Analysis of genetic diversity and structure in neighboring populations of the European brown hare (Lepus europaeus, Pallas 1778), Z JAGDWISS, 45(4), 1999, pp. 230-237
Citations number
21
Categorie Soggetti
Animal Sciences
Journal title
ZEITSCHRIFT FUR JAGDWISSENSCHAFT
ISSN journal
00442887 → ACNP
Volume
45
Issue
4
Year of publication
1999
Pages
230 - 237
Database
ISI
SICI code
0044-2887(199912)45:4<230:AOGDAS>2.0.ZU;2-3
Abstract
A population of 48 European brown hares, caught south of the township of He imerzheim (North Rhine-West phalia), was investigated regarding its generic diversity and structure. Analyses were performed on 4 microsatellite DNA l oci as well as on the mitochondrial control region. The sampling area is di vided into two regions (region A and B) by a motorway (Autobahn 61). In reg ion A 22 hares were caught, whereas 26 hares came from region B. Regarding the distribution of haplotypes both groups are genetically structured and d iffer significantly from each other (Phi(ST) = 0,428, p less than or equal to 0.0001). There is only a very low maternal gene flow (N-m = 0,7). In ter ms of the microsatellite allele distribution, no differences were detectabl e between the two groups (G(ST) = 0,004). While mitochondrial DNA is inheri ted maternally only, microsatellite DNA is inherited maternally and paterna lly in equal parts. Since female hares can be excluded from the gene flow d ue to the distribution of haplotypes, only males are responsible for the mi crosatellite allele exchange between the two subpopulations. The reason for these findings may on the one hand be a highly philopatric behaviour of fe males. On the other hand, a higher degree of dispersal or a larger home ran ge size of males could also explain our results.