Detection of an East European wolf haplotype puzzles mitochondrial DNA monomorphism of the Italian wolf population

摘要: a b s t r c Southern European wolves suffered from reiterated population declines during glacial periods and historically due to human persecution. Differently other wolf populations, single mito- chondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region haplotype (W14) has been so far described in the Italian wolves, although no intensive genetic sampling ever conducted historical source populations central southern Italy. Using non-invasive techniques, we report occurrence of an unex- pected mtDNA (W16) Abruzzo, Lazio Molise National Park (PNALM), This haplotype, detected three out 90 faecal samples PNALM, was previously reported North Carpathians, Slovakia Balkans only. Microsatellite analysis molecular sex determination confirmed that W16 belonged distinct wolves. Although alternative explanations can be formulated for origin this otherwise monomorphic population, assignment procedures indicated likely admixed ancestry one sample with East Anthropogenic introgression dogs using nuclear microsatellites, but population-wide survey had variant Our findings strongly suggest that, addition × dog hybridization, captive-released or hybrids may successfully interbreed wild, human-mediated occur even well established protected areas.