Jacek Goszczyński

Phylogeographic history of grey wolves in Europe

BackgroundWhile it is generally accepted that patterns of intra-specific genetic differentiation are substantially affected by glacial history, population genetic processes occurring during Pleistocene glaciations are still poorly understood. In this study, we address the question of the genetic consequences of Pleistocene glaciations for European grey wolves. Combining our data with data from published studies, we analysed phylogenetic relationships and geographic distribution of mitochondrial DNA haplotypes for 947 contemporary European wolves. We also compared the contemporary wolf sequences with published sequences of 24 ancient European wolves.ResultsWe found that haplotypes representing two haplogroups, 1 and 2, overlap geographically, but substantially differ in frequency between populations from south-western and eastern Europe. A comparison between haplotypes from Europe and other continents showed that both haplogroups are spread throughout Eurasia, while only haplogroup 1 occurs in contemporary North American wolves. All ancient wolf samples from western Europe that dated from between 44,000 and 1,200 years B.P. belonged to haplogroup 2, suggesting the long-term predominance of this haplogroup in this region. Moreover, a comparison of current and past frequencies and distributions of the two haplogroups in Europe suggested that haplogroup 2 became outnumbered by haplogroup 1 during the last several thousand years.ConclusionsParallel haplogroup replacement, with haplogroup 2 being totally replaced by haplogroup 1, has been reported for North American grey wolves. Taking into account the similarity of diets reported for the late Pleistocene wolves from Europe and North America, the correspondence between these haplogroup frequency changes may suggest that they were associated with ecological changes occurring after the Last Glacial Maximum.

Changes in the density and spatial distribution of red fox dens and cub numbers in central Poland following rabies vaccination

Increases in red foxVulpes vulpes (Linnaeus, 1758) numbers and densities have been found in all European countries involved in the rabies vaccination program. In Poland, the number of foxes has increased steadily since the 1990s. Between 1999–2000, the average density of foxes reached 1.3–2 ind./km2 in some parts of the country. The aim of the study was to estimate the change in fox population densities in central Poland during 1980–2006, and to assess the effect these changes have had on the spatial distribution of natal dens, mean numbers of cubs observed at occupied dens and the sedentary/nomadic fox ratio. Estimations of fox population density and numbers were based on three methods: (1) counts of tracks in snow, (2) locations of natal dens and counts of cubs, and (3) the battue (driving) method. The three methods of assessment were used continuously in our study area over a period of 25 years. Average yearly results were analysed and comparisons made between the periods before and after implementation of the anti-rabies vaccination. The results obtained with all three methods show a significant increase in the fox population, when the two analysed periods are compared. Increases in fox population densities correlated with increased numbers of breeding sites being located outside forests, from only single ones in the 1980s to 24% of the total in 2005. The average number of cubs per occupied den decreased significantly (by 11%) in comparison with before the anti-rabies vaccination period. The great increase (more than 100%) in fox numbers observed using the battue (driving) method suggest, that nomadic animals can form an important part of winter population in our study area.

Annual dynamics of den use by red foxes Vulpes vulpes and badgers Meles meles in central Poland

This study on den use by red foxesVulpes vulpes (Linnaeus, 1758) and badgersMeles meles (Linnaeus, 1758) was conducted in central Poland (51°48’N, 19°53’E) over two years. We found a strong negative correlation between monthly den utilisation rate by foxes and air temperature (r=−0.83,p=0.0001). Correlation between temperature and den use by badgers was positive but less distinct (r=0.40,p=0.036). During the whole study period, a negative correlation between the monthly intensity of den use by badgers and by foxes was found (r=−0.51,p=0.008). The seasonal pattern of den utilisation differed between the species. Foxes used the dens mainly in winter and spring whereas in summer and autumn the intensity of den utilisation sharply decreased to a minimum in August-September. A peak in den use by foxes was observed in March and coincided with rut and selection of future breeding dens. In badgers, two peaks in den use were observed: the first in April and the second in August-September. An individual badger used more dens and used them more evenly throughout the year than an individual fox. The same dens were visited by foxes and badgers mostly from January to April, with a maximum in March.