Molecular analysis of hybridisation between wild and domestic cats (Felis silvestris) in Portugal: implications for conservation

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2008

Authors

Rita Oliveira (Author) Other; Raquel Godinho (Author) Other; Ettore Randi (Author) Other; Nuno Ferrand (Author) FCUP; Paulo Celio Alves (Author) FCUP

Journal

Title: Conservation Genetics

Vol. 9

Pages: 1-11

ISSN: 1566-0621

Publisher: Springer Nature

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 99 Citations

Scopus - 107 Citations

Scientific classification

FOS: Natural sciences > Biological sciences

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-004-1P2

DOI: 10.1007/s10592-007-9297-z

Abstract (EN): The endangered European wildcat (Felis silvestris silvestris) is represented, today, by fragmented and declining populations whose genetic integrity is considered to be seriously threatened by crossbreeding with widespread free-ranging domestic cats. Extensive and recent hybridisation has been described in Hungary and Scotland, in contrast with rare introgression of domestic alleles in Italy and Germany. In Portugal, the wildcat is now listed as VULNERABLE in the Red Book of Portuguese Vertebrates. Nevertheless, genetic diversity of populations and the eventual interbreeding with domestic cats remain poorly studied. We surveyed genetic variation at 12 autosomal microsatellites for 34 wild and 64 domestic cats collected across Portugal. Wild and domestic cats were significantly differentiated both at allele frequencies and sizes (F-ST=0.11, R-ST = 0.18, P < 0.001). Population structure and admixture analyses performed using Bayesian approaches also showed evidence of two discrete groups clustering wild and domestic populations. Results did not show significant genetic divergence among Northern, Central and Southern wildcats. Six morphologically identified wildcats were significantly assigned to the domestic cluster, revealing some discrepancy between phenotypic and genetic identifications. We detected four hybrids (approximately 14%) using a consensus analysis of different Bayesian model-based software. These hybrids were identified throughout all sampled areas, suggesting that hybridisation is of major concern for the appropriate implementation of wildcat conservation strategies in Portugal.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 11