Patterns of genetic variation in the endangered European mink (Mustela lutreola L., 1761).

ABSTRACT:

Background

The European mink (Mustela lutreola, L. 1761) is a critically endangered mustelid, which inhabits several main river drainages in Europe. Here, we assess the genetic variation of existing populations of this species, including new sampling sites and additional molecular markers (newly developed microsatellite loci specific to European mink) as compared to previous studies. Probabilistic analyses were used to examine genetic structure within and between existing populations, and to infer phylogeographic processes and past demography.

Results

According to both mitochondrial and nuclear microsatellite markers, Northeastern (Russia, Estonia and Belarus) and Southeastern (Romania) European populations showed the highest intraspecific diversity. In contrast, Western Eur

SUBMITTER: Cabria MT 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4504092 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature