Potential barriers to gene flow in the endangered European wildcat ( Felis silvestris )

摘要: The European wildcat (Felis silvestris silvestris) is a focal species for conservation in many countries. After severe population decline during the 19th century, populations became extinct or isolated. Within Germany, suitable habitat assumed to be highly fragmented. We thus investigated fine-scale genetic structure of Central Germany across two major potential barriers, Rhine River with its valley and highway. analyzed 260 hair tissue samples collected between 2006 2011 Taunus Hunsruck mountain ranges (3,500 km2 study area). identified 188 individuals by genotyping 14 microsatellite loci, found significant substructure area. Both highway were as barrier gene flow. While long-term effect river has led stronger differentiation compared highway, estimates current flow relatedness barriers indicated similar even ongoing dispersal Despite these effects, we evidence presence recent migration both Our suggests that although wildcats have capability anthropogenic natural landscape structures still lead an effective isolation reflected analysis. results strengthen need currently national strategies aiming large scale connectivity.