The coat pattern in the Carpathian population of Eurasian lynx has changed: a sign of demographic bottleneck and limited connectivity

摘要: Highly heritable phenotypic traits become prevalent in small populations. We estimated the heritability of coat pattern Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) captive individuals, and we explored changes proportions three phenotypes (spotted, rosetted uniform) wild-ranging native population Slovak Carpathians over last six decades. Coat was highly each geographically defined subspecies, as offspring greatly resembled their parents. In decades, have recorded a significantly lowered proportion spotted individuals Carpathian population, which represented phenotype characteristic for this lineage (subspecies) were predominant past. The spots rosettes equalised during most recent period, while smallest, depleted sub-range even dominated by phenotype. rapid change frequency dominant may be attributed to size with limited gene flow marginal sub-ranges. High intensity traffic development anthropogenic-induced mortality are suggested primary factors that fragment local reduce number reproducing region. is main source reintroduction projects Central Europe, so profile used an effective indicator potential genetic-based conservation problems autochthonous population.