Martinez-Cruz, B, Zalewska, H and Zalewski, A (2022) The genetic diversity and structure in the European polecat were not affected by the introduction of the American mink in Poland. PLoS ONE, 17 (9). ISSN 1932-6203

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Abstract

The introduction and expansion of an invasive non-native species could have important consequences for the genetic patterns and processes of native species, moreover if the new arrival competes strongly for resources and space. This may result in the demographic decline of the native species. Knowing the effects on the levels of genetic diversity and structure in native species is key in terms of their conservation. We analysed temporal (over 50 years) genetic variation of the population of the European polecat (Mustela putorius), a species under threat in several European countries, in the Białowieża Primeval Forest (BPF), Poland, before and after the invasion of the American mink (Neovison vison). Using 11 microsatellite loci and a fragment of the mitochondrial control region we show that levels of diversity changed in the polecat population over 53 generations (over the period 1959–2012) and after the invasion of mink. When compared with other threatened European polecat populations, high levels of diversity are observed in the population in BPF in both periods, as well as in other areas in Poland. Our data shows that genetic structure was not present either before or after the mink invasion in BPF. This would suggest that the polecat population in Poland was not affected by invasive species and other negative factors and would be a potential good source of individuals for captive breeding or genetic rescue conservation management actions in areas where such actions are needed, for example the UK.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Animals; Ferrets; Mink; Humans; Microsatellite Repeats; Genetic Variation; Introduced Species; Animals; Ferrets; Genetic Variation; Humans; Introduced Species; Microsatellite Repeats; Mink; General Science & Technology
Subjects:	Q Science > QH Natural history > QH426 Genetics Q Science > QL Zoology
Divisions:	Biological & Environmental Sciences (from Sep 19)
Publisher:	Public Library of Science (PLoS)
SWORD Depositor:	A Symplectic
Date Deposited:	09 Mar 2023 12:48
Last Modified:	09 Mar 2023 13:00
DOI or ID number:	10.1371/journal.pone.0266161
Editors:	Baca, Mateusz
URI:	https://researchonline.ljmu.ac.uk/id/eprint/19063

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