Genetic diversity and population structure of the grey wolf ( Canis lupus Linnaeus, 1758) and evidence of wolf × dog hybridisation in the centre of European Russia

摘要: Throughout history the human–wolf interaction has not evolved in favour of wolf, however, wolves have never been endangered Russia. The wolf (Canis lupus L., 1758) population central part European Russia is relatively high, where environmental conditions, such as undisturbed habitats, wide forested areas and abundance natural prey, always contributed to long-term survival species. human persecution resulted almost total extinction species many countries. In Russia, extermination campaigns led severe fluctuations number during second half twentieth century, since early 1990s there a tendency towards constant growth numbers. Previous studies provided preliminary data on genetics generally shown homogeneity structure well detecting genetic bottleneck. However, comprehensive study diversity period following last decline great interest. Another important aspect in the populations is the assessment magnitude wolf × dog hybridisation, which phenomenon conservation social significance. We used 101 samples from 32 dogs examine structure, events interspecific hybridisation centre based analysis 11 autosomal microsatellites. studied region, exhibit high level (HE = 0.79 ± 0.03, HO = 0.74 ± 0.01, NA = 10.00 ± 5.02) superior that most populations. Analysis temporal suggests slight increase heterozygosity over time, although first decline, depleted. found lack spatial weak pattern isolation by distance (b =  − 0.007, P < 0.001), are clear cases intense gene flow organisation Our results suggest low rate region (around 3%), additional needed provide more reliable conclusions this topic. This paper attempt at both detailed spatio-temporal Central