Genetic Variability of the Grey Wolf Canis lupus in the Caucasus in Comparison with Europe and the Middle East: Distinct or Intermediary Population?

摘要: Despite continuous historical distribution of the grey wolf (Canis lupus) throughout Eurasia, species displays considerable morphological differentiation that resulted in delimitation a number subspecies. However, these discontinuities are not always consistent with patterns genetic differentiation. Here we assess distinctiveness wolves from Caucasus (a region at border between Europe and West Asia) have been classified as distinct subspecies C. l. cubanensis. We analysed their variability based on mtDNA control region, microsatellite loci genome-wide SNP genotypes (obtained for subset samples), found similar or higher levels diversity all types compared other Eurasian populations. Although no evidence recent bottleneck, linkage disequilibrium suggest long-term demographic decline Caucasian population – trend share haplotypes both Eastern European Asian wolves, suggesting past ongoing gene flow. Microsatellite data also flow Europe. moderate admixture domestic dogs, level comparable Taken together, our results show genetically isolated populations, them same trends, affected by conservation problems.