In order to investigate genetic variability and differentiation of roe deer Capreolus capreolus (Linnaeus, 1758) in Italy, four populations were examined for polymorphism at thirty-two gene loci by means of vertical Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Mean values of polymorphism (mean P = 15.6%, SD 4.4%) and expected average heterozygosity (mean He = 4.7%, SD 1.9%) were comparable to those reported previously for roe deer populations of Central Europe. Moreover, the results confirmed that roe deer is one of the genetically most variable deer species yet studied. Nei's standard genetic distances (mean D = 0.008, SD 0.004) were consistent with the values generally obtained at the level of local populations in deer species. Estimates of relative genetic differentiation showed that 11.5% of the total diversity can be assigned to genetic divergence among populations. Differences in levels of genetic variation among the Italian populations studied are discussed with respect to their respective demographic origin and historical background. The implications of our data for the management of roe deer in Italy are outlined.
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