Differentiation under isolation and genetic structure of Sardinian hares as revealed by craniometric analysis, mitochondrial DNA and microsatellites

摘要: Hares (Lepus capensis Linnaeus 1758) were probably introduced into Sardinia in historical times. Previous studies indicated North Africa as the most likely source area but did not exclude occurrence of hybridization events with continental brown hares (L. europaeus Pallas 1778) perhaps for hunting purposes. We implemented both morphometric and genetic approaches to verify isolation Sardinian population. Specifically, we conducted a multivariate analysis craniometric data analysed 461 bp mitochondrial control region 12 autosomal microsatellites hares, using African cape European reference populations. displayed peculiar skull shape. In agreement, nuclear markers remarked distinctiveness this Observed expected heterozygosity 0.52 0.61, while haplotype nucleotide diversity 0.822 0.0129. Selfassignment based on Bayesian cluster was high (average membership 0.98), no evident signs introgression from found. Our results support hypothesis that have been Africa, remained genetically isolated since founding event evolved independently This long-lasting consequent drift resulted differentiation, accompanied by an adaptation local environmental conditions.