Unmasking the invader: Genetic identity of invasive wild boar from three minor islands off Sardinia (Italy)

The genetic make-up of the three populations was found to diverge from that of Sardinia to such an extent that they could not be classified as Sardinian wild boar. In fact, their genome bore traces of multiple introductions from different source populations, as well as introgression from the domestic pig, followed by the effects of relative isolation and genetic drift. Thus, besides impacting on island biodiversity and human activities, these admixed populations can represent a threat to the endemic subspecies (S. s. meridionalis) inhabiting the major island on account of their proximity to the Sardinian coasts. We thereby argue for a strict control of these populations or, whereby feasible, their eradication.