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Genome-wide profiles indicate wolf population connectivity within the eastern Carpathian Mountains
H S Ericson1, A Fedorca2,3, I Toderas4
1Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark.
Genetica
|December 25, 2019
Summary
Carpathian wolf populations show weak genetic differentiation across Romania, Moldova, and western Ukraine. Genetic profiles suggest limited connectivity, with potential influences from environmental factors.
Area of Science:
- Conservation genetics
- Wildlife population dynamics
- European megafauna research
Background:
- The Carpathian Mountains are a vital habitat for European wolves (Canis lupus).
- Previous studies identified western Carpathian wolves as a distinct population.
- Eastern Carpathian wolves in Romania may experience more continuous habitat connectivity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate gene flow and population connectivity among wolves in Romania, western Ukraine, and Moldova.
- To determine if genetic profiles exhibit a north-south gradient or distinct population structures.
- To assess the genetic distinctiveness of Romanian wolves in relation to neighboring populations.
Main Methods:
- Genotyping of 48 wolf individuals using 170,000 single nucleotide polymorphism markers.
- Analysis of genetic data from Romania, Moldova, and existing western Ukraine datasets.
- Application of population structure analyses (maximum likelihood) and principal component analysis (PCA).
Main Results:
- Population structure analyses suggested K=1 (one population) or K=2 (Romania separate from Ukraine/Moldova).
- Principal component analysis broadly supported the K=2 model.
- Weak population differentiation was observed, with a pairwise FST of 0.042 between western Ukraine and Romania.
Conclusions:
- Wolf populations in the studied Carpathian region exhibit weak genetic differentiation.
- Limited genetic connectivity was detected, warranting further investigation.
- Future research should explore the role of environmental factors (terrain, prey distribution) in shaping genetic diversity patterns.
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