High levels of population differentiation in Eurasian lynx at the edge of the species' western range in Europe revealed by mitochondrial DNA analyses

摘要: Large terrestrial carnivores are particularly prone to factors constraining levels of population genetic diversity because their low densities and high spatial requirements. We studied the pattern Eurasian lynx Lynx variability in westernmost part its natural range from Scandinavia Carpathian Mountains (north-central Europe) based on 190 samples using 613 base pair-long sequences mitochondrial DNA control region (mtDNA-cr). examined whether history or contemporary habitat constraints this large mobile carnivore could have significantly affected structure. recorded nine mtDNA haplotypes, including five not previously reported. Latvia Estonia had highest with haplotype nucleotide diversities 0.81–0.88% 0.44–0.47%, respectively. In contrast, there was no polymorphism present peripheral populations Norway Mountains. were strongly differentiated [analysis molecular variance (AMOVA): Φ ST = 0.570, P < 0.001, F ST = 0.464, P < 0.001)]. Spatial Analysis Molecular Variance identified four separate groups populations: (1) Norway, Finland Estonia; (2) North Eastern Poland; (3) Bialowieza Primeval Forest; (4) Carpathians. The patterns differentiation suggested a number discrete that poorly connected by gene flow therefore be considered demographically independent. location these populations, fragmentation strict territorial structure likely contributing observed patterns. study provides suggestions for active conservation/management decisions translocations reintroductions lynx.