|
|
| Identifier |
000449525 |
| Title |
Study of the genetic variation and population structure of the balkan Chamois in Greece |
| Alternative Title |
Μελέτη της γενετικής ποικιλότητας και της πληθυσμιακής δομής του βαλκανικού Αγριόγιδου στην Ελλάδα |
|
Author
|
Χέλμης, Νικόλαος Π.
|
|
Thesis advisor
|
Τσιγγενόπουλος, Κωνσταντίνος
Τσαπάρης, Δημήτρης
|
|
Reviewer
|
Κωτούλας, Γεώργιος
Κατή, Βασιλική
|
| Abstract |
Balkan chamois is an ungulate mammal of Rupicapra rupicapra species and in particular of
the subspecies R. r. balcanica. The overall chamois’ population in Greece is estimated between
1330 and 1765 individuals with four populations numbering more than 150 individuals.
Chamois has an island-like distribution and in Greece occurs in Pindos Mountain range,
Central Greece, Olympus, Rhodopes Mts. and the mountains bordering with North Macedonia.
Balkan chamois is considered as near threatened (NT) in Greece and is under protection by
European and national law. Therefore, a non-invasive genetic sampling was implemented,
using DNA extracts mainly from feces and hair samples. The present study investigates the
genetic diversity and population structure of the balkan chamois in Greece. For this purpose,
five microsatellite markers were amplified and successfully genotyped in 110 individuals from
populations across the subspecies distribution.
Non-invasive genetic sampling proved to be a difficult task, especially from material of fecal
origin. High levels of amplification and genotyping failure were observed, possibly due to low
DNA yield and quality. Samples’ time of collection and their subsequent storage duration
might be crucial for the observed failure rates.
The results revealed overall low genetic diversity of the subspecies in Greece when
compared with other studies concerning the subspecies in Greece, which could be attributed
to the smaller number of used microsatellites or the differences in sample size. Also, the genetic
diversity is lower in relation to that of other balkan countries’ natural populations. Among the
main sampling sites (Timfi Mt., Smolikas Mt., Olympos Mt., Frakto) the lowest genetic
diversity was found in the population from Smolikas while the highest in Frakto region.
Indications of genetic differentiation all studied populations apart from Smolikas and Timfi.
Based on the data of this study, at least three diverse gene pools could be located in Greece,
which correspond to the three different mountainous population blocks.
|
| Language |
English |
| Subject |
Conservation genetics |
|
Genetic diversity |
|
Microsatellites |
|
Non-invasive genetic sampling |
|
R. r. balcanica |
|
Γενετική διατήρησης |
|
Γενετική ποικιλότητα |
|
Μη-παρεμβατική δειγματοληψία |
|
Μικροδορυφορικό DNA |
| Issue date |
2022-07-29 |
| Collection
|
School/Department--School of Sciences and Engineering--Department of Biology--Post-graduate theses
|
|
|
Type of Work--Post-graduate theses
|
| Views |
415 |
Study of the genetic variation and population structure of the balkan Chamois in Greece
