Long-Range Gene Flow and the Effects of Climatic and Ecological Factors on Genetic Structuring in a Large, Solitary Carnivore: The Eurasian Lynx

摘要: Due to their high mobility, large terrestrial predators are potentially capable of maintaining connectivity, and therefore low genetic differentiation among populations. However, previous molecular studies have provided contradictory findings in relation this. To elucidate patterns structure carnivores, we studied the variability Eurasian lynx, Lynx lynx throughout north-eastern Europe using microsatellite, mitochondrial DNA control region Y chromosome-linked markers. Using SAMOVA found analogous based on both mtDNA microsatellites, which coincided with a relatively little evidence for male-biased dispersal. No polymorphism cytochrome b ATP6 genes markers were found. inhabiting area encompassing Finland, Baltic countries western Russia formed single unit, while some marginal populations clearly divergent from others. The existence migration corridor was suggested correspond distribution continuous forest cover. lowest (in markers) Norway Bialowieza Primeval Forest (BPF), recent demographic bottleneck (Norway) or habitat fragmentation (BPF). Carpathian population, being monomorphic region, showed microsatellite diversity, suggesting effect past (e.g. during Last Glacial Maximum) its present composition. Genetic structuring best explained by latitude snow cover depth. Microsatellite correlated lynx's main prey, especially proportion red deer (Cervus elaphus) diet. panmictic across eastern unless they severely limited continuity reduction numbers. Different correlations population divergence climatic ecological factors may suggest separate selective pressures acting males females this solitary carnivore.