Analysis of genetic diversity of roe deer (Capreolus capreolus L.) in Lithuania using RAPD and allozyme systems

Abstract

In recent decades, ungulate biology, morphology and ecology as well as the significance of roe deer in the cultural landscape have been studied but data on the genetic diversity of roe deer in Lithuania is still sparse. To determine the genetic diversity of roe deer in Lithuania RAPD (random amplified polymorphic DNA) and enzyme studies were performed. DNA from the total of 39 roe deer individuals were extracted. Five ROTH-180 primers were used and fifty-seven RAPD polymorphic loci ranging from 150 to 3  000 base pair were found. The evaluation of different locations roe deer genetic variability was different: the genetic distances according to Nei ranged from 0.04 to 0.76. Using four isoenzyme systems (NSP, EST, MDH and ME) between roe deer of three districts were analysed. Observed average heterozygosity was 0.468 and 9 polymorphic loci: Est-2, Est-3, MDH-1, MDH-2, Me-1, Me-2, NSP -1, NSP-2, NSP-3 were detected.