Wolves Recolonizing Islands: Genetic Consequences and Implications for Conservation and Management

摘要: After a long and deliberate persecution, the grey wolf (Canis lupus) is slowly recolonizing its former areas in Europe, genetic consequences of this process are particular interest. Wolves, though present mainland Estonia for time, have only recently started to recolonize country’s two largest islands, Saaremaa Hiiumaa. The main objective study was analyse population structure processes Estonia, with attention recolonization islands. Fifteen microsatellite loci were genotyped 185 individuals across Estonia. As methodological novelty, all putative wolf-dog hybrids identified removed (n = 17) from dataset beforehand avoid interference dog alleles analysis. preliminary filtering, our final comprised 168 “pure” wolves. We recommend using hybrid-removal step as standard precautionary procedure not studies, but also other taxa prone hybridization. STRUCTURE indicated four groups Spatially explicit DResD analysis areas, one them on island southwestern where neighbouring genetically more similar than expected an isolation-by-distance null model. Three blending contrasting transition zones central sampled exhibited strong local differentiation over relatively short distance. Wolves Estonian islands part human-wildlife conflict due livestock depredation. Negative public attitude, especially sheep herding widespread, poses significant threat To maintain long-term viability hunting quota should be targeted extreme care, effective measures applied inbreeding minimize conflicts communities stakeholders.