Molecular analysis of Sciurus vulgaris hoffmanni Valverde, 1967 (Rodentia: Sciuridae) and implications for its conservation

Authors

  • José Manuel Lucas
  • José Galián
Keywords: management unit, subspecies, conservation, population structure, mitochondrial DNA, <em>Sciurus vulgaris</em>, Spain

Abstract

The population of red squirrel from Sierra Espuña (Murcia) has been considered as the subspecies Sciurus vulgaris hoffmanni based on their morphology, biology and distribution. In this study a fragment of the control region of the mitocondrial DNA has been analyzed for this population together with other Iberian populations. These data have been analyzed with the objective of determining the genetic peculiarities of S. v. hoffmanni and their correspondence with the morphological and ecological peculiarities already described, as well as to evaluate its taxonomic status for conservation. The data indicate the existence of a single mitochondrial hap- lotype in the population of Sierra Espuña, which has not been ob- served in any other Iberian population. Significant genetic differentiation (FST=0.710) and reciprocal monophyly with respect to the peninsular populations allow to consider the population of Sierra Espuña as a Management Unit.

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Author Biographies

José Manuel Lucas

Departamento de Zoología y Antropología FísicaFacultad de VeterinariaUniversidad de MurciaMurciaEspaña

José Galián

Departamento de Zoología y Antropología FísicaFacultad de VeterinariaUniversidad de MurciaMurciaEspaña
How to Cite
Lucas, J. M., & Galián, J. (2009). Molecular analysis of Sciurus vulgaris hoffmanni Valverde, 1967 (Rodentia: Sciuridae) and implications for its conservation. Anales de Biología, (31), 81–91. Retrieved from https://revistas.um.es/analesbio/article/view/110631
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