Microsatellite analysis reveals that domestic cat (Felis catus) and southern African wild cat (F-lybica) are genetically distinct

The amount of genetic differentiation between the African wild cat (Felis l ybica) and the domestic cat (F. catus) in southern Africa is not known, but there is concern that interbreeding between the two may have been sufficie ntly extensive to threaten the status of the wild cat as a genetically dist inct population. Eight hypervariable microsatellite loci were therefore use d to determine the genetic relationships within and among wild and domestic cat populations. Measures of genetic differentiation, including F-ST and R -ST, confirmed significant differentiation between the wild and domestic ca t populations and no significant differentiation between two widely separat e domestic cat populations. Our data indicate that the level of genetic int rogression is lower than previously thought. This enhances the conservation status of the African wild cat and demonstrates the need for the implement ation of feral cat control in and around game reserves and rural areas.