History, demography and genetic status of Balkan and Caucasian Lynx lynx (Linnaeus, 1758) populations revealed by genome‐wide variation

• DOI: 10.1111/ddi.13439
• Publication Date: 2021-11-24T08:58:15Z
• Authors: Enrico Bazzicalupo; Maria Lucena‐Perez; Daniel Kleinman‐Ruiz; Aleksandar Pavlov; Aleksandër Trajçe; Bledi Hoxha; Bardh Sanaja; Zurab Gurielidze; Niko Kerdikoshvili; Jimsher Mamuchadze; Yuriy A. Yarovenko; Muzigit I. Akkiev; Mirosław Ratkiewicz; Alexander P. Save...; Dime Melovski; Alexander Gavashe...; Krzysztof Schmidt; José A. Godoy
• Keywords: Demographic history; Refugium (fishkeeping)

Abstract Aim Genome‐wide genetic data can provide key input for both taxonomy and conservation, but its use in this context remains limited. In study, we performed the first genome‐wide assessment of variation two populations Eurasian lynx, Balkan population, most threatened, Caucasian a possible glacial refugium, with aim to place them species, investigate their demographic history evaluate status. Location The Balkans Caucasus. Methods We obtained whole genome resequencing from seven 12 analysed along novel existing other populations. Based on total 105 114 mitogenome sequences, reconstructed phylogenetic historical relationships, ancient recent demography, patterns diversity inbreeding. Results Both lynx appear as distinct mitochondrial lineages that diverged rest ca. 92.6 kya, each 46.4 kya. Autosomal suggest, however, is closely related Carpathian revealing alarmingly low high contrast, shows longer relative isolation diversity, consistent large long‐term effective population size. Main conclusions taxonomic status unresolved due evidence mitogenome, contrasting extensive autosomal admixture intense drift nuclear genome. Our results alert risks call consideration rescue lynxes. substantial mitogenomic divergence no signs supports identification separate subspecies good health.