Genetic admixture between Central European and Alpine wolf populations
Data files
Feb 08, 2024 version files 96.50 KB
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Microsatellite_genotypes.xlsx
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README.md
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Table_S1.xlsx
Abstract
The recovery and expansion of formerly isolated wolf populations in Europe raise questions about the nature of their interactions and future consequences for population viability and conservation. Will fragmented populations fuse or maintain a certain level of isolation with migration? Central Europe is suitable for obtaining empirical data in this field as it represents a “crossroad” with the potential for contact among several phylogeographic lineages. In this study, non-invasive genetic samples obtained during population monitoring in the Bohemian and Bavarian Forest (BBF) mountain ranges in the Czech Republic and Germany (Bohemian Massif) were analysed at different neutral markers including mitochondrial sequence, nuclear autosomal microsatellites and gonosomal sex markers. Resultant genetic profiles were compared with reference data to study population ancestry. Both cluster analyses of microsatellite genotypes and syntopic occurrence of haplotypes HW01 and HW22 showed genetic admixture between Central European and Alpine populations. This represents secondary contact and interbreeding of formerly allopatric populations with different phylogeographic histories and distant expansion centres in different biomes in the Baltic region versus the Apennine peninsula and Alps. Moreover, the study describes the founding event and genealogy of this admixed deme, inhabiting intermediate environmental conditions compared to parental forms, and emphasises the role of protected areas as stepping stones in the range recolonization process in endangered large mammals.
README: Genetic admixture between Central European and Alpine wolf populations
https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.zgmsbccdt
We present data on admixture between Central European and Alpine grey wolf populations.
Description of the data and file structure
This folder contains two files:
1) Table S1 contains sample information: ID, species determination, population assignment, country of origin, locality (area) of origin, GPS coordinates, date of collection, sample /observation type (camt = camera trap), sex determination (amelogenin), mitochondrial control region haplotype code (classification according to Pilot et al., 2010), identity (ID of samples from the same individual). The symbol "-" denotes empty values.
2) MS Excel sheet "Microsatellite genotypes" contains allele scores of all studied individuals. Empty values are marked as "NA".
Methods
The studied deme was characterised using genetic markers. Through comparison with neighbouring populations, its origins and status of population admixture were assessed.
Usage notes
QGIS, Microsoft Excell, Rstudio, GeneAlEx