Genetic Polymorphism and Population Structure of the Introduced American Mink (Neovison vison Schreber, 1777) in the Center of European Russia Based on Microsatellite Loci

Genetic polymorphism and the population genetic structure of ranch (maintained at the fur farms) and feral American minks inhabiting the geographical region of the Caspian-Baltic watershed of the European part of Russia were investigated using eight microsatellite loci. A relatively high level of genetic variability of these forms with a tendency of higher polymorphism in the feral population was revealed. Between ranch and feral minks, not considerable, but highly statistically significant genetic differences were established. The gene pool of free-ranging minks does not bear traces of recent hybridization with ranch forms. The feral population is characterized by a distinct genetic structure and a pronounced pattern of genetic isolation by distance. Statistically significant differences in the genetic structure of local groups of animals inhabiting different regions of the studied territory are determined by the recent history of naturalization of the invasive species, including deliberate introduction in the northeast of the studied region and colonization of other parts of the Caspian-Baltic watershed by the descendants of the fur farm escapees.