Allozyme and mitochondrial DNA analysis of French red deer (Cervus elaphus) populations: genetic structure and its implications for management and conservation

A total of 472 red deer, Cervus elaphus, from 16 free-ranging populations in France were examined for genetic variability and differentiation at 7 enzyme loci known to be polymorphic in this species. In addiditon, 73 specimens from 14 populations were examined for mtDNA differentiation using 16 six-base cutting restriction enzymes which, on the basis of 69 restriction sites, yielded altogether 5 haplotypes showing a quite variable distribution. Genetic variability within populations was quite similar, especially as far as allozymes are concerned. However, both marker systems revealed considerable genetic differentiation even at a small geographic scale, possibly suggesting that habitat fragmentation has already caused genetic isolation of local populations.