Phylogeography and population genetic structure of the European roe deer in Switzerland following recent recolonization

In the early 1800s, the European roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) was probably extirpated from Switzerland, due to overhunting and deforestation. After a federal law was enacted in 1875 to protect lactating females and young, and limiting the hunting season, the roe deer successfully recovered and recolonized Switzerland. In this study, we use mitochondrial DNA and nuclear DNA markers to investigate the recolonization and assess contemporary genetic structure in relation to broad topographic features, in order to understand underlying ecological processes, inform future roe deer management strategies, and explore the opportunity for development of forensic traceability tools. The results concerning the recolonization origin support natural, multidirectional immigration from neighboring countries. We further demonstrate that there is evidence of weak genetic differentiation within Switzerland among topographic regions. Finally, we conclude that the genetic data support the recognition of a single roe deer management unit within Switzerland, within which there is a potential for broad-scale geographic origin assignment using nuclear markers to support law enforcement.

Automated summary

This study investigates the recolonization of roe deer in Switzerland in the early 1800s and finds evidence of natural immigration from neighboring countries. The study also reveals weak genetic differentiation among different topographic regions in Switzerland. The genetic data support the recognition of a single roe deer management unit in Switzerland and the potential for geographic origin assignment using nuclear markers for law enforcement purposes.