Wolf genetic diversity compared across Europe using the yardstick method

• Published in: Scientific Reports
• Main Authors: Maja Jan, Astrid Vik Stronen, Barbara Boljte, Rok Černe, Đuro Huber, Ruben Iosif, Franc Kljun, Marjeta Konec, Ivan Kos, Miha Krofel, Josip Kusak, Roman Luštrik, Aleksandra Majić Skrbinšek, Barbara Promberger–Füerpass, Hubert Potočnik, Robin Rigg, Peter Trontelj, Tomaž Skrbinšek
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Nature Portfolio 2023
• Subjects: Medicine; R; Science; Q; Canis lupus
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-40834-x; https://doaj.org/article/570708cd4d8f4808b96682fc66c79099

Abstract Integrating data across studies with traditional microsatellite genetic markers requires careful calibration and represents an obstacle for investigation of wide-ranging species where populations require transboundary management. We used the “yardstick” method to compare results published across Europe since 2002 and new wolf (Canis lupus) genetic profiles from the Carpathian Mountains in Central Europe and the Dinaric Mountains in Southeastern Europe, with the latter as our reference population. We compared each population with Dinaric wolves, considering only shared markers (range 4–17). For each population, we calculated standard genetic diversity indices plus calibrated heterozygosity (Hec) and allelic richness (Ac). Hec and Ac in Dinaric (0.704 and 9.394) and Carpathian wolves (0.695 and 7.023) were comparable to those observed in other large and mid-sized European populations, but smaller than those of northeastern Europe. Major discrepancies in marker choices among some studies made comparisons more difficult. However, the yardstick method, including the new measures of Hec and Ac, provided a direct comparison of genetic diversity values among wolf populations and an intuitive interpretation of the results. The yardstick method thus permitted the integration of diverse sources of publicly available microsatellite data for spatiotemporal genetic monitoring of evolutionary potential.