Microsatellite variation in autochthonous and introduced populations of the Alpine marmot (Marmota marmota) along a European west-east transect [Variation de microsatellite dans les populations indigènes et introduites de marmotte alpine le long d’un transect européen est-ouest].

Résumé

Microsatellite variation was studied in 11 populations of the Alpine marmot along a west-east transect through the present distribution range. The samples represent five autochthonous and six introduced populations. Eleven loci were analysed in nine populations and six loci in the two populations from France. In the populations from the Western Alps, there is no indication for reduced variability as has been assumed in previous studies. However, a decrease of variation in the autochthonous populations was observed from the west to the east. The introduced populations showed a heterogeneous pattern reflecting the geographic origin of the released individuals. The population from the Spanish Pyrenees harbours a high level of variation and is genetically closest to the French populations. In Austria, three of the introduced populations have low variation and are closely related to the autochthonous populations from the western part of Austria. In contrast, two introduced populations from the central part of Austria are highly variable and resemble the populations from France. At least for one of these populations an early introduction of founder individuals from the Western Alps has been documented.