Genetic and demographic vulnerability of adder populations: Results of a genetic study in mainland Britain.

ABSTRACT: Genetic factors are often overlooked in conservation planning, despite their importance in small isolated populations. We used mitochondrial and microsatellite markers to investigate population genetics of the adder (Vipera berus) in southern Britain, where numbers are declining. We found no evidence for loss of heterozygosity in any of the populations studied. Genetic diversity was comparable across sites, in line with published levels for mainland Europe. However, further analysis revealed a striking level of relatedness. Genetic networks constructed from inferred first degree relationships suggested a high proportion of individuals to be related at a level equivalent to that of half-siblings, with rare inferred full-sib dyads. These patterns of relatedness can be attributed to the high

SUBMITTER: Ball S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7170227 | biostudies-literature | 2020

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature