Genetic diversity and structure in two spotted hyena populations reflects social organization and male dispersal

摘要: Populations of large carnivores are particularly vulnerable to demographic changes that can reduce genetic diversity and threaten the persistence these species. Although spotted hyena Crocuta crocuta is most abundant carnivore in Africa, it has been extirpated locally from many areas. In this study, we compare diversity, patterns relatedness structure hyenas, order investigate whether social male dispersal may serve buffer species potential losses diversity. Using 10 microsatellite markers, compared two Kenyan populations hyenas have experienced different recent population histories. The Masai Mara remained stable, whereas Amboseli recently recovered a bottleneck. Despite historical differences, found no difference between (HO, Mara: 0.598! 0.060; Amboseli: 0.577! 0.071; P=0.76). Patterns within clans were similar both populations, except immigrant males appeared be more closely related one another than Mara. This among appears reflect differences immigration. Hierarchical analysis revealed significant differentiation (FSC=0.055, FST=0.108) study (FCT=0.057). We suggest behavioral traits hyena, predominance dispersal, important maintenance variation population.