Non-invasive genetics is a powerful tool in wildlife research and monitoring, especially when dealing with elusive\ud and rare species such as the Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra). Nevertheless, otter DNA obtained from scats and anal secretions\ud appears to be exposed to very quick degradation processes, and the success rate in DNA amplification is lower\ud than in other carnivores.We collected 191 samples from April to September 2011 along the river Sangro basin (Italy) which was recently re-colonized by the Eurasian otter. Using two sets of microsatellite loci (six Lut and seven OT loci), we investigated the influence of sample type and age, collection time, storage time, temperature and humidity on genotyping success and amplification success. We also tested the efficacy of different DNA extraction kits and storage buffer mediums. Finally, we compared amplification success rate, allelic dropout and false allele rates for each locus. We obtained a mean amplification success rate of 79.0% and a genotyping success rate of 35.1 %. Fresh pure jellies yielded the highest amplification success and genotyping rate. Six microsatellite loci should be theoretically sufficient to istinguish the individual unrelated otters (PID=0.001), while 13 loci were needed to distinguish sibling otters (PIDsibs=0.002) in our population. We identified 11 otters, and molecular sexing ascertained the presence of five males, four females and two uncertain individuals. Generalized linear models highlighted a significant influence of sample type and age, temperature and humidity both on genotyping and amplification success

Genetic investigation of Italian domestic pigeons increases knowledge about the long-bred history of Columbalivia (Aves: Columbidae),

Columba livia is a wild bird whose domestication has led to a large number of pigeon breeds. The occasional loss or straying of domestic birds determined the origin of feral pigeons, which are now widespread all around the world. In this study, we assumed that the main contribution to feral populations is provided by domestic breeds reared in the same areas. We tested this hypothesis by analysing the variability of 12 microsatellite loci in nine Italian feral populations sampled in areas with different intensities of breeding and selecting domestic breeds. We included in the analysis samples belonging to domestic lineages commonly bred in Italy The pattern of geographic differentiation of feral populations turned out to be rather complex and only partially explained by the geographic distance between populations. This pattern can be understood only when the domestic breeds were included in the analysis. In particular, feral populations located in regions with a long-lasting tradition of pigeon breeding showed a high level of admixture with domestic breeds, in particular with Racing Homer and Piacentino. Ferals from Bolzano, Venice and Sassari were characterized by unique genetic components, almost all of which are not shared by other feral populations and by the considered domestic breeds. Our results further emphasize the complex origin of feral populations which can be properly investigated only by considering the pool of domestic pigeons bred in the considered area and their past and present distribution.

Fragmented populations of the endemic Italian hare (Lepus corsicanus) survive at low density in central and southern Italy, in Sicily and Corsica, where the species was introduced in the sixteenth century. Fragmentation and hybridization with widespread brown hares (L. europaeus), which were introduced outside their natural ranges, may threaten the survival and genetic integrity of the Italian hare. With the exception of a few cases of hybrids identified in Corsica, hybridization was not documented in the Italian hare. In this study, we aimed to assess the genetic diversity in the Italian hare populations and identify possible interspecific hybrids with the brown hare. We genotyped 458 samples belonging to the four species of Lepus distributed in Italy (the mountain hare, the brown hare, the Sardinian hare and the Italian hare) using maternal and biparental markers (mtDNA control-region, 13 autosomal microsatellites, 9 autosomal SNPs). Results confirmed sharp interspecific genetic distinctions among the four species. We did not find interspecific hybrids in Italian hares, with the exception of two cases of L. corsicanus mtDNA introgression in two L. europaeus individuals. The Italian hares in Sicily are genetically distinct, in consequence of long-lasting isolation. Peninsular populations show instances of recent genetic diversification in consequence of anthropogenic fragmentation. Our findings point to consider the conservation of the Sicilian population as a priority, discouraging introductions of exotic hares into the island. Habitat restoration and a net of ecological corridors could help the survival and expansion of threatened L. corsicanus populations in peninsular Italy. Massive releases of brown hares for hunting purposes should be avoided in areas of sympatry with the Italian hares.

We revise the taxonomy of the Sylvia cantillans complex, a group of phenotypically distinct warblers with mainly parapatric distributions around a large part of the Mediterranean basin. We redefine the species limits using a combination of mitochondrial and nuclear markers and we objectively link available names to the genetically defined lineages by genotyping the surviving type specimens. In addition, the study of archival documents clarifies the exact composition of type series and provides further evidence for the identification of lost types. These results support the recognition of three species-level taxa: Moltoni’s warbler, Sylvia subalpina (north-central Italy, Corsica, Sardinia and the Balearics); the western subalpine warbler, S. iberiae (North Africa, Iberia, southern France and extreme north-west Italy); and the eastern subalpine warbler, S. cantillans, with subspecies S. cantillans cantillans (southern Italy, Sicily) and S. cantillans albistriata (Balkans, Greece, western Turkey).