Genetic analysis reveals Roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) population structure in North-Eastern Italian Alps

This preliminary study described the genetic variability and analysed the population structure of 119 roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) sampled over the provinces of Belluno and Trento, in the north-eastern Italian Alps, using 11 microsatellite markers. The panel of microsatellites was highly informative, and the whole population was subdivided into 2 distinct sub populations. The observed ecological population sub-units did not coincide with the administrative subdivision (the provinces borders) that are now in use for management. The results of this work confirm that molecular genetic approaches may provide useful indication for roe deer management in that area.