Genetic diversity and relatedness within packs in an intensely hunted population of wolves Canis lupus

摘要: A population of grey wolvesCanis lupus Linnaeus, 1758 inhabiting Bialowieza Primeval Forest (BPF) on the Polish-Belarussian border has recovered after near extermination in 1970s. Currently, it is intensively hunted Belarussian part BPF and protected Polish part. We used a combination molecular analysis, radiotracking, field observation to study genetic diversity natural recolonisation consequences heavy hunting for composition social structure wolf packs. Both microsatellite mtDNA analyses revealed high diversity. For 29 individuals 20 loci, mean expected heterozygosity was 0.733. Four haplotypes were found. Three them had earlier been described from Europe. Their geographic distribution suggests that wolves recolonising immigrated mainly north-east, less effectively east south-east. traced 6 packs total 26 pack-years. Packs family units (a breeding pair with offspring) occasional adoption unrelated adult males, which occurred more frequently living BPF, due poaching. Breeding pairs half-sibs or wolves. Pair-bonds lasted 1 4 years usually broke by death one both mates. Successors females their daughters, while successor male could be either his son an alien wolf. As evident Bialowieza’s wolves, may result immigration outside individuals, are easily recruited heavily exploited local population.