Genetic Structure of Wolf Populations in North Eurasia: The Effect of Exclusion of Closely Related Individuals from Analysis.

Based on 20 autosomal microsatellite markers, the results of analysis of the genetic structure and spatial autocorrelation in the populations of grey wolf (Canis lupus Linnaeus, 1758) on the territory of the Russian Federation and the Republic of Kazakhstan are described. Using molecular markers, hidden genealogical patterns are revealed, which have the most pronounced effect on distances up to 150 km but may be traced over much wider spaces, up to 700–1600 km. Our research has shown that identification and exclusion of closely related genotypes has limited effect on the results of the analysis of intrapopulation genetic diversity. Meanwhile, this procedure is recommended for a more adequate assessment of the population structure since it allows for streamlining some statistical approaches. Thus, the obtained data demonstrate the integrating effect of natal migration, which works against the differential effect of philopatry. Finally, it is also shown that the exclusion of closely related individuals can lead to lower values of genetic distances between populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]