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Population genetic structure and distribution of introduced American mink (Mustela vison) in Spain, based on microsatellite variation

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Abstract

The population genetic structure of an invasive species in Spain, the American mink (Mustela vison), was investigated using microsatellite DNA markers. This semi-aquatic carnivore, originating from North America, was imported into Europe for fur farming since the beginning of the 20th century. Due to massive escapes, farm damages, deliberate releases and/or accidents, feral mink populations were established in the aquatic ecosystems of many European countries, including Spain. We genotyped 155 American mink originating from the Spanish regions Basque Country, Catalonia, Castilla-Leon, Aragon, Valencia and Galicia using 10 polymorphic microsatellite loci to highlight population genetic structure, distribution and dispersal. M. vison populations in Spain appear differentiated and not yet connected by gene flow. Bayesian clustering analyses and spatial analyses of molecular variance detected four inferred clusters, overall coinciding with the sampled geographical localities. Preliminary testing shows moderate to large estimated effective population sizes. Molecular analyses result useful to provide baseline data for further research on the evolution of invasive mink populations, as well as support local management strategies and indirectly benefit the conservation of threatened species in Spain, such as the endangered European mink (Mustela lutreola), and the polecat (Mustela putorius), which share the habitat with the American mink.

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Acknowledgements

This work is dedicated to Xavier Domingo-Roura, who passed away in November 2005; without his commitment and enthusiasm this study would have not been possible. We thank Ettore Randi for helpful suggestions on the molecular analyses. Most samples were obtained within European mink conservation projects LIFE 00NAT/E/7299; LIFE 00NAT/E/7331; LIFE 00NAT/E/7335 and LIFE 02/NAT/E/8604 developed by the Governments of LaRioja, Junta de Castilla-Leon, Diputación Foral de Álava, Generalitat de Catalunya and Ministerio de Medio Ambiente. R. Lecis was supported by Ministerio de Educación y Ciencia, Madrid.

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  1. Roberta Lecis

    Present address: , Via Cagna No. 66, 09100, Cagliari, Italy

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institut de Recerca i Tecnologia Agroalimentàries (IRTA), Genètica de la Conservació, Carretera de Cabrils km2, 08348, Cabrils, Barcelona, Spain

    Roberta Lecis, A. Ferrando & X. Domingo-Roura

  2. Direcció General del Medi natural, Generalitat de Catalunya, Dr. Roux 80, 08017, Barcelona, Spain

    J. Ruiz-Olmo & S. Mañas

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  1. Roberta Lecis
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  2. A. Ferrando
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Correspondence to Roberta Lecis.

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This paper is dedicated to the memory of Xavier Domingo-Roura.

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Lecis, R., Ferrando, A., Ruiz-Olmo, J. et al. Population genetic structure and distribution of introduced American mink (Mustela vison) in Spain, based on microsatellite variation. Conserv Genet 9, 1149–1161 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10592-007-9428-6

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