Large-scale genetic structuring of a widely distributed carnivore--the Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx).

ABSTRACT: Over the last decades the phylogeography and genetic structure of a multitude of species inhabiting Europe and North America have been described. The flora and fauna of the vast landmasses of north-eastern Eurasia are still largely unexplored in this respect. The Eurasian lynx is a large felid that is relatively abundant over much of the Russian sub-continent and the adjoining countries. Analyzing 148 museum specimens collected throughout its range over the last 150 years we have described the large-scale genetic structuring in this highly mobile species. We have investigated the spatial genetic patterns using mitochondrial DNA sequences (D-loop and cytochrome b) and 11 microsatellite loci, and describe three phylogenetic clades and a clear structuring along an east-west gradient. The most

SUBMITTER: Rueness EK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3973550 | biostudies-literature | 2014

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature