Assessing the genetic landscape of a contact zone: the case of European hare in northeastern Greece

摘要: The European hare populations of the Balkan Peninsula comprise two divergent phylogenetic lineages with discrete geographical distribution slightly overlapping in area northeastern Greece and Bulgaria. Here we elucidate their contact zone, by defining spatial distributional pattern highly groups, detecting individuals hybrid origin, identifying genetic barriers present co-existence. Specimens from were assayed for lineage assignment population inference based on a 511 bp fragment mitochondrial DNA control region allelic data 10 microsatellite loci. Bayesian analyses original simulated genotypes performed allowing zone delineation. Our results indicate high diversity both nuclear DNA, strong structure non random differentiated gene pools. information provided types molecular markers yielded consistent results. This study comprises fine scale analysis between evolutionary brown hares Greece. Specific questions patterns where addressed first time. Furthermore, hypotheses regarding presence hybrids also tested. As result, interpretive power to observed today Balkans was added previously overlooked aspects species biology highlighted.