engleski

The Balkan chamois, an archipelago or a peninsula

Balkan chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra balcanica) inhabits the south part of the genus distribution in Europe, it prefers rocky habitat with steep slopes, thus low valleys tend to constitute a barrier to gene-flow. The subspecies is currently protected in part of its range whereas in other countries it is considered a game species. Knowledge on the genetic composition of this subspecies is limited and confined to regional studies. We present the first investigation including samples from most of the subspecies range to evaluate the possible presence of metapopulations and barriers to gene flow. Additionally, we included chamois from neighbouring countries to assess the geographic boundaries to its distribution. By combining nuclear (20 microsatellites) and mitochondrial (Dloop and cytochrome b) data we will provide information on the connectivity levels of the different (meta)populations. Such knowledge will constitute the necessary starting point for a sustainable management of the Balkan chamois, being it the identification of potential source populations for re-introduction programmes or the evaluation of a viable harvest rate

Rupicapra rupicapra balcanica, microsatellites, Dloop, cytochrome b, metapopulation

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