Molecular detection of hybridization between sympatric kangaroo species in south-eastern Australia.

摘要: Introgressive hybridization has traditionally been regarded as rare in many vertebrate groups, including mammals. Despite a propensity to hybridize captivity, introgression rarely reported between wild sympatric macropodid marsupials. Here we investigate populations of western (Macropus fuliginosus) and eastern giganteus) grey kangaroos through 12 autosomal microsatellite loci 626 bp the hypervariable mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region. M. fuliginosus giganteus within region sympatry corresponded, both genetically morphologically, their respective species elsewhere distributions. Of 223 examined, 7.6% displayed evidence introgression, although no F1 hybrids were detected. In contrast captive studies, there was for unidirectional kangaroos. However, higher portion backcrosses existed sample compared with fuliginosus. Hybridization is reflective occasional breakdowns boundaries, occurring throughout potentially associated variable conditions dramatic reductions densities. Such events allow incorporate novel diversity while still retaining integrity.