IUCN / SSC Cat Specialist Group - Digital Cat Library |
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| Oliveira, R.; Godinho, R.; Randi, E.; Alves, P.C. | |
| The Promise of SNPs (Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms) for Wildcat Conservation: Detecting Hybridisation with Domestic Cats | |
| 2007 Conference Proceeding | |
Crossbreeding with widespread domestic cats is one of the main threats for wildcat (_Felis silvestris_) survival. Former genetic studies using microsatellites have described different scenarios across Europe, such as extensive hybridisation in Hungary and Scotland, and rare introgression of domestic alleles in Italy, Germany or Portugal. However, the use of microsatellites fails to detect early events of hybridisation and hybrids beyond first generation might remain unidentified. To improve the power of differentiation between wild and domestic cat, we are searching new potential markers for the unequivocal distinction between them. In this work, we present data on single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at candidate genes controlling phenotypic traits which underwent selective pressures during domestication, such as those related to coat colour, reproduction or behaviour. First results revealed the existence of very informative SNPs in exonic portions of the genome, with high genetic differentiation between European wild and domestic cats. In addition, SNPs are extremely important for non-invasive genetic studies, providing a useful tool for the conservation of this threatened feline. |
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