Breeding strategies and genetic variation in European roe deer Capreolus capreolus populations

Based on previously published electrophoretic data on genetic variability in 31 roe deer Capreolus capreolus Linnaeus, 1758 populations, the proportion of loci polymorphic (P), average heterozygosity (H), and the inbreeding coefficient (FIS) were examined for relationships with the social structure displayed in the various populations. Our hypothesis was that genetic variability is lower and FIS-values are more positive in populations where males maintain a stable pattern of territories during the rutting season (forest dwelling roe deer) than in those characterized by pronounced fluctuations in population structure, both within and among seasons (field or mountain dwelling roe deer). P and H did not show differences among those two groups. FIS was significantly more positive in the 'forest' roe deer than in the more migratory 'type', but only when populations subjected to high culling rates were excluded from the analysis. Highly negative FIS-values in forest populations with high culling rates suggested that considerable perturbations of population structure may be caused by hunting. In conclusion, the 'forest' roe deer and the 'field' roe deer do not represent two distinct ecotypes with a particular genetic integrity, but rather reflect the considerable behavioural plasticity of the species.