Allozymic variation in the European polecat Mustela putorius from western France

Abstract

Allozymic variation was surveyed in 21 European polecats Mustela putorius Linnaeus, 1758 from western France, using starch gel electrophoresis. Fourteen loci were successfully examined and genetic variation was detected at 28.6% of the loci at the 0.05 level. Heterozygosity level averaged 0.082. European polecats from western France clearly showed significant levels of genetic variability. This result contrasts with previously reported analyses from Danish populations.