Restoration of transborder connectivity for Fennoscandian brown bears (Ursus arctos)

摘要: Abstract Knowledge about the connectivity among natural populations is essential to identify management units for effective conservation actions. Conservation-minded has led recovery of large carnivore in northern Europe, possibly restoring between two separated, but expanding brown bear (Ursus arctos) on Scandinavian peninsula west and Karelia, a part Eurasian population, east. The degree these been poorly understood, therefore we investigated extent using autosomal microsatellites Y chromosome haplotypes 924 male bears (the dispersing sex), sampled during period 12 years (2005–2017) across transborder area where meet. Our results showed that are not genetically isolated as reported earlier studies. We detected recent asymmetrical gene flow at rate (individuals per generation) 4.6–5.5 (1%) from Karelia into Scandinavia, whereas was approximately 27.1–34.5 (8%) opposite direction. estimated historical number migrants be 1.7 2.5 populations. Analyses markers supported results. Successful expansion both restoration connectivity, however, it asymmetric, due different histories population densities. By aligning monitoring neighboring countries, were able better understand biological processes relevant spatial scale.