Molecular evidence for a recent demographic expansion in the puma (Puma concolor) (Mammalia, Felidae).

ABSTRACT: The puma is an iconic predator that ranges throughout the Americas, occupying diverse habitats. Previous phylogeographic analyses have revealed that it exhibits moderate levels of genetic structure across its range, with few of the classically recognized subspecies being supported as distinct demographic units. Moreover, most of the species' molecular diversity was found to be in South America. To further investigate the phylogeographic structure and demographic history of pumas we analyzed mtDNA sequences from 186 individuals sampled throughout their range, with emphasis on South America. Our objectives were to refine the phylogeographic assessment within South America and to investigate the demographic history of pumas using a coalescent approach. Our results extend previous phylogeograp

SUBMITTER: Matte EM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3873191 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature