Polymorphisms at MHC class II DRB1 exon 2 locus in Pyrenean chamois (Rupicapra pyrenaica pyrenaica)

► Chamois are mountain ungulates living in semi-isolated and fragmented habitats. ► Pestivirus-related outbreaks in Pyrenean chamois leaded to population decrease. ► MHC is a sensitive marker of genetic variation in populations. ► Pyrenean chamois show high genetic variability in the MHC DRB exon2. ► Balancing selection and demographic decrease events are described by DRB polymorphisms.