The red deer (Cervus elaphus L.) is one of the most widespread and perhaps the most important game species in Europe with most populations under strong impact of human influence. In this study we investigated the population-genetic structure of 3 geographically discontinuous red deer (Cervus elaphus L.) populations in Croatia and the patterns of gene flow between them, with focus on the evaluation of the impact of transport infrastructure (highways). A total of 193 individual red deer samples were genotyped for 12 microsatellite loci. Genetic diversity parameters (mean number of alleles, HO, HE, FIS) were estimated for each of the sampling populations and Geneland was used to infer the spatial clustering of individuals and test for possible migrants between inferred spatial clusters. Estimated values of Genetic diversity estimates for all sampled populations were close to the values previously reported for stable populations. STRUCTURE detected two genetically distinct clusters of red deer, one in the western highland region Gorski kotar, and one in the eastern lowland Panonian region. Highways that intersect sampling populations did not have any detectable influence on their genetic structure. Both of these populations are presently viable and in good condition and future strategies should aim to maintain this condition.

Agriculture,Biology