Population genetic structure of European wildcats inhabiting the area between the Dinaric Alps and the Scardo-Pindic mountains

Abstract

Habitat fragmentation and loss have contributed significantly to the demographic decline of European wildcat populations and hybridization with domestic cats poses a threat to the loss of genetic purity of the species. In this study we used microsatellite markers to analyse genetic variation and structure of the wildcat populations from the area between the Dinaric Alps and the Scardo-Pindic mountains in Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia and North Macedonia. We also investigated hybridisation between populations of wildcats and domestic cats in the area. One hundred and thirteen samples from free-leaving European wildcats and thirty-two samples from domestic cats were analysed. Allelic richness across populations ranged from 3.61 to 3.98. The observed Ho values ranged between 0.57 and 0.71. The global FST value for the four populations was 0.080 (95% CI 0.056–0.109) and differed significantly from zero (P < 0.001). The highest FST value was observed between the populations North Macedonia and Slovenia and the lowest between Slovenia and Croatia. We also found a signal for the existence of isolation by distance between populations. Our results showed that wildcats are divided in two genetic clusters largely consistent with a geographic division into a genetically diverse northern group (Slovenia, Croatia) and genetically eroded south-eastern group (Serbia, N. Macedonia). Hybridisation rate between wildcats and domestic cats varied between 13% and 52% across the regions.

Genetic integrity of European wildcats: Variation across biomes mandates geographically tailored conservation strategies

“…The highest expected wildcat GI was estimated for this biome (90%), although with high variability in our estimates. These results are consistent with previously reported admixture levels, namely 15% in Slovenia and Croatia (Urzi et al, 2021) and 6% in the eastern Italian Alps (Mattucci et al, 2013). The low number of analysed samples from this biome prevented a detailed analysis of all landscape features related to GI.…”

A common statement on anthropogenic hybridization of the European wildcat (Felis silvestris)

“…The admixture rate between wildcats and domestic cats varies substantially across the species range, from almost 100% in Scotland to less than 2% of individuals of recent admixed ancestry in Central Germany. In several Central European countries, the hybridization rate is about 5%, whereas in southern Europe it can reach over 20% (Tiesmeyer et al, 2020;Urzi et al, 2021). While partly reflecting an artefact due to variation in methods to quantify introgression, this regional variation of admixture rate may be explained by local population dynamics.…”

“…For example, in some countries wildcats are considered as endangered, especially due to high hybridization risk (e.g., Portugal). In other European countries wildcats are game species without a management plan or systematic monitoring, despite high levels of hybridization have been recorded (e.g., Serbia; Urzi et al, 2021).…”