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A genetic structure and hybridization risk assessment for the wildcat (Felis silvestris silvestris) population in Croatia

The european wildcat Felis silvestris silvestris inhabits wide areas in Europe and is considered a subspecies genetically close to the domestic cat Felis silvestris catus. The two subspecies have different habitat preference, but as human activity causes undisturbed areas to disappear the two subspecies come increasingly into contact, allowing for hybridization and the disappearence of the genetically pure wildcat populations. While hybridization has been confirmed throughout Europe, the genetic structure of wildcats in Croatia has not been previosly studied. With relatively conserved forest habitats, Croatia might contain a wildcat population largely unaffected by hybridization. If present, such population is important in maintaining of the wildcat genetic structure for both conservation of the existing wildcat populations and reintroduction of the genetically pure wildcats into areas from which they have disappeared. Muscle, blood and oral mucosa samples have been obtained from both wildcats and domestic cats. After DNA extraction, microsatellite markers have been amplified by high fidelity DNA polymerase using multiplex touchdown PCR and analysed by capilary electrophoresis. Bayesian clustering using Structure 2.3.4 clearly separated the wildcat, domestic and hybrid cat populations and the genetic variability of each population has been analyzed using Arlequin 3.5.2.2. and CLUMPAK software. The results show low incidence of hybrids, and the existance of subpopulations in both wildcats and domestic cats. These results indicate the need for further wildcat habitat preservation, and might be used as a basis in tracking, monitoring and conservation of the wildcat population in Croatia.

wildcat ; Felis silvestris silvestris L. ; hybridization ; microsatellite markers ; Croatia

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