Spatial structure in European moose (Alces alces ): genetic data reveal a complex population history

摘要: Aim Moose, Alces alces (Linnaeus, 1758), survived the European Pleistocene glaciations in multiple southern refugia, a northern refugium near Carpathians and possibly other locations. During second millennium ad, moose were nearly extirpated Europe only recolonized their current range after World War II. The number location of refugia during recent population lows may have affected genetic diversity. We sought to characterize diversity order determine its structure hotspots as way inferring history Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) refugia. Location Europe. Methods We sequenced 538 nucleotides from mitochondrial control region 657 throughout species' range. estimated within among 16 sampling localities, used samova cluster locations into subpopulations. constructed phylogenetic trees median-joining networks examine systematic relationships, conducted Bayesian analysis coalescent mismatch distributions approximate computation infer demographic history. Results Estonia had highest nucleotide diversity, western Belarus haplotype observed four regional populations analysis. found three haplogroups moose, probably representing lineages conserved different Pleistocene. underwent spatial expansion LGM, but did not undergo expansion. effective size has declined markedly last 2000 years. Main conclusions The levels distribution indicate effects both bottleneck, associated with anthropogenic influences such pastoralization hunting, very re-expansion. show that historical events can influence large mammal on scale.