Genetic variability and differentiation in roe deer (Capreolus capreolus L) of Central Europe

Abstract

Roe deer from 13 provenances in Hungary, Austria and Switzerland were examined for genetic variability and differentiation at 40 presumptive isoenzyme loci by means of horizontal starch gel electrophoresis. Published data from roe deer from seven provenances in Austria were also included in the analysis. With a total P̄ (proportion of polymorphic loci) of 30%, a mean P̄ of 15.8% (SD 2%) and a mean H̄ (expected average heterozygosity of 4.9% (SD 1.2%) Capreolus capreolus is one of the genetically most variable deer species yet studied. About 10% of the total genetic diversity is due to genetic diversity between demes. Absolute genetic distances are typical for local populations throughout the area except in Hungary, where the D-values with all other provenances suggest an emerging subspecies. -from Authors