Phylogeography and population genetic structure of the European roe deer in Switzerland following recent recolonization.

ABSTRACT: In the early 1800s, the European roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) was probably extirpated from Switzerland, due to overhunting and deforestation. After a federal law was enacted in 1875 to protect lactating females and young, and limiting the hunting season, the roe deer successfully recovered and recolonized Switzerland. In this study, we use mitochondrial DNA and nuclear DNA markers to investigate the recolonization and assess contemporary genetic structure in relation to broad topographic features, in order to understand underlying ecological processes, inform future roe deer management strategies, and explore the opportunity for development of forensic traceability tools. The results concerning the recolonization origin support natural, multidirectional immigration from neighborin

SUBMITTER: Vasiljevic N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8858214 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature