Population genetic structure of European wildcats (Felis silvestris) populations in the area between the Dinaric Alps and the Scardo-Pindic mountains

Abstract

The wildcat Felis silvestris, is widely distributed from Western Europe to Western China and throughout the African continent. Hundreds of years of synergy of negative factors including habitat loss have led to the extinction of the European wildcat from most of its historical range. In addition, transport networks, urban areas as well as agricultural landscapes divide natural habitats into small isolated patches and create barriers that restrict gene flow and ultimately leads to a hidden genetic structure within the European wildcat populations. We studied the genetic makeup of the wildcats in a topographically diverse landscape between Dinaric Mts., Scardo-Pindic Mts. and Pannonian basin. Using microsatellite variations, we determined the genetic variability and population structure of the wildcat in the area of SE Europe, where data on the genetic prospects of this endangered felid are completely lacking. A total of 113 tissue samples of free-living putative European wildcats were taken from dead (natural, vehicle collisionsm, etc.) or from live-trapping individuals in telemetry studies. We investigated whether geographical isolation is reflected in the genetic architecture of the wildcat populations and how recent human management has influenced the population structure. Finally, we investigated introgressive hybridization between populations of wildcats and domestic cats (Felis catus). The genetic structure of wildcat populations based on Bayesian Information Criterion divides populations into two genetic clusters, that distinguish individuals according to their geographical origin (north to south gradient). The apparent loss of the genetic integrity due to hybridization with domestic cats has been observed throughout the region, but it is of especial concern in Serbia. Wildcat populations in the studied area are geographically structured, and management and conservation strategies should vary depending on the current status of the population, genetic diversity and the potential for long-term survival.