Genetic variability of American mink Neovison vison in Lithuania

Abstract

The genetic diversity of American mink Neovison vison (Schreber, 1777) was studied in order to understand the processes of invasion and the possible influence of multiple introductions on American mink populations in Lithuania. The diversity of 6 microsatellite loci, according to several authors [1, 2, 3, 4], was examined to estimate the genetic variability of American mink in Lithuania. Twenty American mink individuals, collected between 2012–2014, sampled from 5 localities in 3 populations (Alytus and Varena, Silute, Anyksciai and Zarasai). At each examined American mink population the expected heterozygosity (HE) was lower than the observed heterozygosity (HO). Alytus and Varena population showed the lowest genetic diversity and Silute population showed the greatest genetic diversity of analysed populations. The Principal Coordinates Analysis (PCA) approach revealed distinct genetic diversity among populations. Individuals from Anyksciai - Zarasai demonstrated the greatest genetic distances among analysed populations, especially Alytus - Varena population. Results showed that some genotypes of Silute population have some degree of affinity to those genotypes of both Alytus-Varena and Anyksciai-Zarasai populations, even when considering those which are farther apart and separated by different river basins (respectively Nemunas River and Dauguva River Basins).