Low genetic variability of the edible dormouse (Glis glis) in Stolowe Mountains National Park (Poland)—preliminary results

Abstract

The edible dormouse (Glis glis) from Stolowe Mountains National Park (south-western Poland) was studied to reveal the genetic diversity of dormice living in the Polish Sudetes. Material (hair with roots) collected from 39 individuals (adults and juveniles) was used for genetic testing to perform population analyses. Molecular study involved two types of markers: nuclear DNA (11 microsatellite sequences) and mitochondrial DNA (fragment of cytochrome b of approximately 700 bp in length). Low genetic variability of the studied population was found. Two of the microsatellite loci proved to be completely monomorphic, whereas the degree of polymorphism of other microsatellites was also unexpectedly low. Only two haplotypes were found among all 39 individuals. Low genetic diversity of dormice from the Polish Sudetes, determined by genotyping of nuclear molecular markers, may be the consequence of fragmentation of this species' population. Dormouse sites in Poland have been declining for decades due to deforestation and fragmentation of old forests. Therefore, dormice live in small populations in isolated habitats with increasing levels of homozygosity. Other possible causes of low genetic variability of G. glis are discussed as well.

Genetic differentiation of the edible dormouse (Glis glis) in the Polish Sudetens: the current status of an endangered species

“…Both haplotypes found in Poland represent the European group, together with other haplotypes from France, northern Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Latvia, Great Britain and Slovenia. Based on the results reported by H€ urner et al (2010) and Castiglia et al (2012), the remaining European haplotypes were assigned to two other haplogroups, that is, the Italian group and the Sicilian group (the phylogenetic tree was presented in the preliminary part of this study, Moska et al, 2016). Additional separate haplotypes from Macedonia and Alonissos Island have also been described, but their phylogenetic position is still being investigated and discussed (Castiglia et al, 2012;Moska et al, 2016).…”

“…Both haplotypes were found in the Stołowe Mountains (I), but only one haplotype (KM061382) in the other three study sites (II, III and IV). Both haplotypes revealed in this study corresponded to the European haplogroup (EUH) identified in previous studies (Hürner et al ., ; Herdegen et al ., ; Moska et al ., ).…”

“…Previous studies of dormice inhabiting Poland, based on analysis of the cytochrome b fragment, yielded two haplotypes (Herdegen et al ., ; Moska et al ., ). In our study, both haplotypes were found in edible dormice from the Stołowe Mountains (I), whereas one common haplotype was present in the other individuals examined (from localities II, III and IV).…”

“…() and Castiglia et al . (), the remaining European haplotypes were assigned to two other haplogroups, that is, the Italian group and the Sicilian group (the phylogenetic tree was presented in the preliminary part of this study, Moska et al ., ). Additional separate haplotypes from Macedonia and Alonissos Island have also been described, but their phylogenetic position is still being investigated and discussed (Castiglia et al ., ; Moska et al ., ).…”

Edible dormouse (Glis glis) population study in south‐western Poland provides evidence of multiple paternity and communal nesting

“…Habitat fragmentation due to deforestation results in the formation of small, isolated populations between which gene flow is reduced or even blocked. Genetic diversity, and hence individual adaptability, which is very important in times of dramatic changes affecting nature, accordingly decreases in these populations (Fietz et al ., 2014; Herdegen et al ., 2016; Moska et al ., 2016; Moska, Mucha & Wierzbicki, 2018).…”