Spatial genetic analysis of roe deer from the northern Serbian Province of Vojvodina

Abstract

Ecological and evolutionary processes responsible for genetic variation are affected by geographical distribution of samples, therefore combined analysis of genetic and spatial information can help to a better understanding of these processes. Mitochondrial DNA control region was sequenced in 103 individuals from 11 different localities crossing Northern Serbian Province of Vojvodina. Sixteen haplotypes were detected, with high haplotype diversity values (0.898 ± 0.012), that were clustered in two spatially and genetically differentiated groups named: East and West. The haplotype diversity was higher in East group, while nucleotide diversity and average number of nucleotide differences were higher in West group. Conservation plans and management strategies should always take into consideration genetic data that helps to understand spatial genetic patterns and/or effect of landscape features in dispersal between animal populations.