The raccoon dog Nyctereutes procyonoides experienced an active introduction and acclimatization in the European part of Russia followed by its migration to and colonization in the neighboring countries. Eventually, it...The raccoon dog Nyctereutes procyonoides experienced an active introduction and acclimatization in the European part of Russia followed by its migration to and colonization in the neighboring countries. Eventually, it has spread rapidly into many European countries. N. procyonoides probably invaded Lithuania from the neighboring countries of Belarus and Latvia where the species was introduced. However, the data on genetic diversity and population structure of the raccoon dogs in the recently invaded territories are still scarce. The objectives of this study were to investigate genetic diversity of N. procyonoides in Lithuania after acclimatization, and to assess the impact of anthropogenic pressure on the formation of population structure. A total of 147 N. procyonoides individuals collected from different regions of Lithuania were genotyped using 17 microsatellite markers. The microsatellite analysis of raccoon dogs indicated high levels of genetic diversity within the population. The Bayesian clustering analysis in STRUCTURE identified 4 genetic clusters among sampled raccoon dogs that could not reveal a clear separation between subpopulations. The widespread distribution of raccoon dogs in Lithuania, high level of genetic variation observed within subpopulations, and low level of variation portioned among subpopulations suggest migration and gene flow among locations. The significant correlation between genetic and geographic distances indicated isolation that reflected the distance between locations. The fencing of highways and very intensive traffic could be barriers to gene flow between the western and eastern sampling areas of raccoon dogs.展开更多
We aimed to review the history of the introduction and colonization of the raccoon dog Nyctereutes procyonoides in Europe, the features behind its successful expansion and its impact on native fauna. The raccoon dog q...We aimed to review the history of the introduction and colonization of the raccoon dog Nyctereutes procyonoides in Europe, the features behind its successful expansion and its impact on native fauna. The raccoon dog quickly colonized new areas after being introduced to the European part of the former Soviet Union. Today it is widespread in Northern and Eastern Europe and is still spreading in Central Europe. Features behind its success include its adaptability, high reproductive potential, omnivory, hibernation in northem areas, multiple introductions with 〉 9000 individuals from different localities, and tendency to wander enabling gene flow between populations. Firm evidence of the raccoon dog＇s negative impact on native fauna, such as a reduction in bird populations, is still scarce. Raccoon dogs may destroy waterfowl nests, although a nest predation study in Latvia did not confirm this. Predator removal studies in Finland suggested that the raccoon dog＇s impact on game birds is smaller than expected. However, raccoon dogs may have caused local extinction of frog populations, especially on islands. Raccoon dogs may compete with other carnivores for food, for example for carrion in winter, or for the best habitat patches. In northern Europe potential competitors include the red fox Vulpes vulpes and the badger Meles meles, but studies of their diets or habitat preferences do not indicate severe competition. The raccoon dog is an important vector of diseases and parasites, such as rabies, Echinococcus mul-tilocularis and Trichinella spp. and this is no doubt the most severe consequence arising from the spread of this alien species in Europe [Current Zoology 57 （5）： 584-598, 2011].展开更多
文摘The raccoon dog Nyctereutes procyonoides experienced an active introduction and acclimatization in the European part of Russia followed by its migration to and colonization in the neighboring countries. Eventually, it has spread rapidly into many European countries. N. procyonoides probably invaded Lithuania from the neighboring countries of Belarus and Latvia where the species was introduced. However, the data on genetic diversity and population structure of the raccoon dogs in the recently invaded territories are still scarce. The objectives of this study were to investigate genetic diversity of N. procyonoides in Lithuania after acclimatization, and to assess the impact of anthropogenic pressure on the formation of population structure. A total of 147 N. procyonoides individuals collected from different regions of Lithuania were genotyped using 17 microsatellite markers. The microsatellite analysis of raccoon dogs indicated high levels of genetic diversity within the population. The Bayesian clustering analysis in STRUCTURE identified 4 genetic clusters among sampled raccoon dogs that could not reveal a clear separation between subpopulations. The widespread distribution of raccoon dogs in Lithuania, high level of genetic variation observed within subpopulations, and low level of variation portioned among subpopulations suggest migration and gene flow among locations. The significant correlation between genetic and geographic distances indicated isolation that reflected the distance between locations. The fencing of highways and very intensive traffic could be barriers to gene flow between the western and eastern sampling areas of raccoon dogs.
文摘We aimed to review the history of the introduction and colonization of the raccoon dog Nyctereutes procyonoides in Europe, the features behind its successful expansion and its impact on native fauna. The raccoon dog quickly colonized new areas after being introduced to the European part of the former Soviet Union. Today it is widespread in Northern and Eastern Europe and is still spreading in Central Europe. Features behind its success include its adaptability, high reproductive potential, omnivory, hibernation in northem areas, multiple introductions with 〉 9000 individuals from different localities, and tendency to wander enabling gene flow between populations. Firm evidence of the raccoon dog＇s negative impact on native fauna, such as a reduction in bird populations, is still scarce. Raccoon dogs may destroy waterfowl nests, although a nest predation study in Latvia did not confirm this. Predator removal studies in Finland suggested that the raccoon dog＇s impact on game birds is smaller than expected. However, raccoon dogs may have caused local extinction of frog populations, especially on islands. Raccoon dogs may compete with other carnivores for food, for example for carrion in winter, or for the best habitat patches. In northern Europe potential competitors include the red fox Vulpes vulpes and the badger Meles meles, but studies of their diets or habitat preferences do not indicate severe competition. The raccoon dog is an important vector of diseases and parasites, such as rabies, Echinococcus mul-tilocularis and Trichinella spp. and this is no doubt the most severe consequence arising from the spread of this alien species in Europe [Current Zoology 57 （5）： 584-598, 2011].
