Demographic history, current expansion and future management challenges of wild boar populations in the Balkans and Europe

摘要: Wild boar (Sus scrofa), one of the most widespread wildlife species, has entered a stage continuous growth in Europe, and could even be considered pest species. We analysed microsatellite variability 723 wild boars from across including northern Dinaric Balkans. Our aims were: (1) to define population structure Balkans its relation with other European populations; (2) estimate effective populations sizes, levels intra- inter-population diversity, inbreeding migration gene flow patterns; (3) test subpopulations for bottlenecks; (4) interpret these results light current knowledge about demographic history Europe; (5) discuss relevance findings management conservation. Strong structuring was observed 14 were revealed. High genetic diversity found, besides well-known identity Italian Sardinia Castelporziano, we bring new insights into potential relevant, refugial such as Littoral Slovenia, South Portugal, North-western Iberia an entire cluster There evidence going towards less peripheral more admixed subpopulations. Recent bottlenecks expansions detected, mostly peninsular refuge The are consistent fluctuations numbers Europe since beginning twentieth century. These should taken account future conservation plans Europe.