The use of microsatellites in the study of social structure in large mammals : Italian wolf and fallow deer as case studies

摘要: The content of the present PhD thesis deals with application microsatellite analysis to study two species large mammals, referring some aspects their social and mating systems. Italian wolf (Canis lupus) fallow deer (Dama dama) were chosen as case studies, since genetic investigations on populations result, for different reasons, problematic. The in Italy is a particularly protected species, recovering throughout peninsula from effects recent bottleneck. Sampling wolves may not rely capturing or killing them, therefore an alternative, non-invasive, approach was adopted my study. Scats, shed hairs blood drops collected snow represented main source DNA analysis. Methodological cares necessary obtain reliable genotypes. A set ten canine microsatellites employed achieve unique multilocus genotypes population. Fifty-two individuals typed period 1998 - 2003. In cases, pack composition determined, confirming that familiar bonds are at basis units. An unpredictable high local differentiation found among geographic areas. Early dispersal seem be common population, but its gene flow detectable, least scale. I proposed most this unsuccessful over long distances. indeed, have reached level saturation, clumped territories reproductive rates, thus possibly represents source, which disperse toward sink areas. The second involves enclosed population deer. Lekking seldom observed it more ungulate species. Fallow one studied lekking particular object long-term researches male strategies. Mature bucks join into leks during breeding season: costly strategy, apparently does guarantee direct benefits (fitness). study, first time, used molecular verify existence lek formation. recourse enabled overcome strong limitation due extremely monomorphism documented several studies. Though low variability even loci, hypotheses kin selection (territorial relatives) heterozygosity advantage overall heterozygosity) tested resulted supported by data. Hence, future studies should addressed towards phenotypic variation consider detail physiological ecological factors, order clarify reasons why takes place