Biological and genetic aspects of wild x domestic hybridization in wild boar and wolf populations

摘要: Nowadays, hybridization is recognized as a powerful evolutionary force promoting speciation and shaping adaptation, but also serious threat to the conservation of biodiversity. This thesis focused on two cases between wild domestic conspecifics, whose effects are mostly unexplored. In Sus scrofa , I sought expand knowledge about boar pig. investigated main sources genes introgression, assessed at neutral markers functional both local European scale. developed set new uniparental for studying male-specific gene flow, studied reproductive phenology populations. Canis lupus patterns wolf dog in an Italian mountain area, focusing assessment introgression food habits hybrids. As regards boar, detected all over Europe, highlighting role breeding stations spreading across With respect wolf, approach was used provide complementary (genetic phenotypic) data specific individuals support hybrid identification. A trophic niche overlap wolves hybrids proved. These studies can have relevant management implications, offering elements different aspects worrisome species fauna.