Rare migrants suffice to maintain high genetic diversity in an introduced island population of roe deer (Capreolus capreolus): Evidence from molecular data and simulations

摘要: Abstract As a popular game species, roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) have been subjected to strong anthropogenic influence for centuries. While there attempts introduce some German islands, most of these initiatives were based on small number individuals and did not result in viable populations. The island population Fehmarn became established, however, despite being founded by eight with (supposedly) no subsequent restocking. Despite this founder effect, previous work has shown the contemporary be genetically impoverished. reasons entirely clear. Here, we use 13 microsatellite loci genetic techniques test whether high diversity resulted from continuous exchange mainland, immigrants maintained heterozygosity at level or was completely isolated clandestine restocking hunters another explanation observed diversity. We confirmed that high, but also show differentiated adjoining mainland. Results different assignment methods identified mainland immigrants. Simulations provided support feasibility scenario founders limited natural immigration maintaining differentiation. Our simulation results suggested will only relatively slight decrease expected (He) over next seventy generations need future.