Data from: Demographic history, current expansion and future management challenges of wild boar populations in the Balkans and Europe

Wild boar (Sus scrofa), one of the most widespread wildlife species, has
entered a stage of continuous growth in Europe, and could even be
considered a pest species. We analysed microsatellite variability in 723
wild boars from across Europe, including the northern Dinaric Balkans. Our
aims were: (1) to define the population structure of wild boars in the
Balkans and its relation with other European populations; (2) to estimate
effective populations sizes, levels of intra- and inter-population
diversity, inbreeding migration and gene flow patterns; (3) to test
subpopulations for bottlenecks; (4) to interpret these results in light of
current knowledge about the demographic history of wild boars in Europe;
and (5) to discuss the relevance of these findings for management and
conservation. Strong population structuring was observed and 14
subpopulations were revealed. High genetic diversity was found, and
besides the well-known identity of the Italian populations of Sardinia and
Castelporziano, we bring new insights to other potential relevant,
refugial populations such as Littoral Slovenia, South Portugal,
North-western Iberia, and a whole entire cluster in the Balkans. There was
evidence of gene flow going from these refugial subpopulations towards
less peripheral and more admixed subpopulations. Recent population
bottlenecks and expansions were detected, mostly in the peninsular refuge
subpopulations. The results are consistent with the fluctuations of wild
boar numbers in Europe since the beginning of the twentieth century. These
results should be taken into account in future conservation and management
plans for wild boar populations in Europe.