Expanding from local to continental scale—A genetic assessment of the Eurasian wolverine

Aim

Our aim was to assess the population structure, genetic diversity and demographic history of the wolverine (Gulo gulo) throughout its entire Eurasian range. Additionally, we aimed to contextualize and put into perspective the state of the endangered Fennoscandian population by emphasizing its connectivity to other populations.

Location

The main study area covered most of the Eurasian wolverine range, with samples from Finland, Russia, Kazakhstan and Mongolia.

Methods

Using a 495 bp fragment of the mitochondrial DNA control region and a frequently used set of 14 microsatellite markers on an extensive dataset of samples, we assessed the population structure, genetic diversity, and demographic history of wolverines with a variety of population genetic analyses.

Results

According to both nuclear and mitochondrial genetic markers, Eurasian wolverines exhibit substructure, with the most distinct population located in Fennoscandia. The Fennoscandian population has undergone a genetic bottleneck, likely influencing its genetic diversity, which is notably the lowest in Eurasia. Genetic diversity in the rest of Eurasia gradually rises towards the central part of the range and decreases again in the east, although not as significantly as in the west.

Main Conclusions

This study reveals the population structure of wolverines across Eurasia and provides direction for allocating conservation efforts to sustain a diverse and connected wolverine population. While most of the Eurasian populations seem to be well-connected and genetically diverse, the Fennoscandian wolverines may need better connectivity to the other Eurasian populations to ensure gene flow and long-term persistence. Our study further highlights the importance of considering the population genetic structure and diversity of the entire species range when planning management strategies.