Genetic structure of the Bureinsky highlands sable (Martes zibellina) population on base of one hunting season collections

Based on microsatellite analysis of 3 loci, allelic diversity and the level of genetic differentiation were investigated for four geographic sable subpopulations of the Bureinsky highlands and one sable subpopulation of the Sikhote-Alin ridge. Totally, it was found 23 alleles. The researchers found the greatest allelic diversity in one subpopulation of the Sikhote-Alin ridge (22 alleles). Eighteen alleles of 23 detected ones were common to the Bureinsky highlands and Sikhote-Alin sable communities. Five of 23 detected alleles were specific ones. It was found four specific alleles in the Sikhote-Alin subpopulation, and only one specific allele - in the Bureinsky highlands. However, the occurrence of specific alleles in subpopulations is rather low. The pairwise F (ST) of geographical subpopulations reflected the minimum level of their intraspecific genetic differentiation according to the Wright scale (F(ST)