[en] This study describes the phylogeographic history of the common dormouse, Muscardinus
avellanarius, a rodent strictly protected in Europe (Habitat Directive, annex IV ; Bern Convention,
annex III ). We analyzed the genetics of 120 common dormice across the species’ range, using sequence
data from the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene (704 pb). The dataset obtained was analyzed using
different phylogenetic reconstructions as well as other methods adapted to phylogeography. A complex
phylogeographic pattern has been retrieved from the mitochondrial DN A gene, with the presence of two
highly divergent lineages. These two lineages are themselves subdivided into five sublineages, which
should be regarded as independent conservation units. Low genetic diversity was observed within each
of the lineages, in contrast to an important level of genetic differentiation between them. These results
have important implications for the conservation of this dormouse and will help to propose the best
management measures for this species.
Disciplines :
Zoology
Author, co-author :
Mouton, Alice ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Département des sciences de la vie > Génétique
Grill, Andrea; Universität Wien > Institut Biodiversität der Tiere,
Sara, Maurizio; Palerme Université > Dipartimento Biologia Animale
Krystufek, Boris; University Primorska > Science and Research Centre
Randi, Ettore; Ispra, ex INFS, Bologna
Amori, Giovanni; CNR, Institute of Ecosystem Studies, Roma
Juskaitis, Rymvidas; Institute of Ecology of Nature Research Centre, Lithuania
Aloise, Gaetano; Museo di Storia Naturale della Calabria e Orto Botanico
Mortelliti, Alessio; Dipartimento di Biologia Animale e dell’Uomo, Università “La Sapienza
Verbeylen, Goedele; Natuurpunt Studie / Mammal Working Group, Belgium
Panchetti, Fabiana; Dipartimento di Biologia, Università "Roma Tre".
Poitevin, Francoise; Centre d’écologie Fonctionnelle et évolutive > CNRS Montpellier
Michaux, Johan ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Département des sciences de la vie > Génétique