Journal article

Publication year: 2011

Pages: 99-105

Journal: Säugetierkundliche Informationen

Volume number: 8

Issue number: 42

URL: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/234056858

Publisher: Görner

Abstract: 

The conservation of the Common hamster Cricetus cricetus L., 1758 in Western Europe is a major challenge as the abundances decrease partly close to extinction. Only by extensive monitoring and result-oriented conservation it will be possible to stop the current decline. Landscape fragmentation. loss of habitat and genetic diversity are considered as major threats. In this study the genetic status of four Common hamster populations (97 individuals) in central Germany on smaller and larger regional scales was investigated. Genetic diversity and genetic distances have been analyzed using 10 microsatellite loci. The results of the genetic study coincided with the landscape structure. The population located in the smallest unfragmented area showed lowest genetic diversity and indicated inbreeding independently from high population numbers. Additionally populations in a distance of only 4 km were highly isolated. Overall genetic distance showed strong isolation of populations. Therefore, monitoring of current populationgenetic condition and isolation is of major importance especially since negative genetic effects will accumulate and increasingly endanger Common hamsters in the future.

Harvard Citation style: Reiners, T., Bornmann, N., Wolters, V. and Encarnação, J. (2011) Genetic diversity of Common hamster populations (Cricetus cricetus) revealed by non-invasive genetics, Säugetierkundliche Informationen, 8(42), pp. 99-105. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/234056858

APA Citation style: Reiners, T., Bornmann, N., Wolters, V., & Encarnação, J. (2011). Genetic diversity of Common hamster populations (Cricetus cricetus) revealed by non-invasive genetics. Säugetierkundliche Informationen. 8(42), 99-105. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/234056858