Data from: Genetic structure and expansion of golden jackals (Canis aureus) in the north-western distribution range (Croatia and eastern Italian Alps)

The golden jackal, widely distributed in Europe, Asia and Africa, is one
of the less studied carnivores in the world and the genetic structure of
the European populations is unknown. In the last century jackals strongly
declined mainly due to human persecution, but recently they expanded again
in eastern Europe. With the aim to determine the genetic structure and the
origin of expanding jackals, we analyzed population samples obtained from
Bulgaria, Serbia, Croatia (Dalmatia and Slavonia) and individuals sampled
in north-eastern Italy. Samples were typed at the hypervariable part of
the mitochondrial DNA control-region (mtDNA CR1) and at 15 canine
autosomal microsatellite loci (STR), and analyzed using multivariate,
Bayesian and landscape genetic methods. The mtDNA CR1 was monomorphic,
showing a single haplotype shared among all the populations. The STR loci
were variable, with 2–14 alleles and intermediate values of heterozygosity
(Ho = 0.47; He = 0.51). Genetic diversity was significantly partitioned
(θST = 0.07; P < 0.001) and the populations were partially
distinct, perhaps in consequence of recent fragmentations. Jackals from
Dalmatia were the most genetically differentiated. Assignment testing and
gene flow analyses suggested that jackals colonizing Italy have admixed
origins from Dalmatian and Slavonian populations. They are not first
generation migrants, suggesting that dispersal towards north-eastern Italy
is a stepping-stone process. Golden jackal and wolf colonization patterns
might be different, with prevalent short-distance dispersal in jackals
versus prevalent long distance dispersal in wolves. The admixed origin of
jackals in the Alps ensures abundant genetic variability, which may
enhance adaptive fitness and expectancy of population growth. The
intersections between Dinaric–Balkan and Eastern Alps are areas of
population expansion and admixture, highlighting their conservation,
ecological and evolutionary values.