In this study, the genetic structure of the pampas cat (Leopardus colocolo), …

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Biology Articles » Geobiology » Influence of ancient glacial periods on the Andean fauna: the case of the pampas cat (Leopardus colocolo) » Conclusion

Conclusion

- Influence of ancient glacial periods on the Andean fauna: the case of the pampas cat (Leopardus colocolo)

Through the analyses of both mitochondrial and nuclear DNA, we inferred the population structure of the pampas cat in a broad portion of the Andean region, showing the existence of at least four groups of populations that must be considered different management units, and three other localities proposed here as provisional management units. The results revealed the influence of ancient climate fluctuations on the evolutionary history of this species, suggesting the split of four mtDNA clades during the Pre-Pastonian glacial period, long term isolation and further population expansions during the Aftonian interglacial. The pampas cat is a species with a relatively high mobility. It is expected that the other species of land vertebrates with a smaller or similar mobility have been affected in the same manner by the glacial and interglacial periods in the central Andes and, hence, they show similar population structures at present, that should be considered for the future study and conservation of the Andean fauna.