Human-driven genetic differentiation in a managed red deer population

Abstract Nineteen red deer areas in a densely populated region with huge network of fenced motorways and the division into administrative management units (AMUs) restricted ecological connectivity were investigated. In season 2018/2019, total 1291 samples (on average 68 per area) collected genotyped using 16 microsatellite markers. The results show clear genetic differentiation between most AMUs. Fourteen AMUs may be combined four regions considerable internal exchange. Five largely isolated or showed only limited gene flow neighbouring areas. Ten 19 had an effective population size below 100. Effective sizes greater than 500–1000, required to maintain evolutionary potential long-term adaptation potential, not achieved by any studied AMUs, even when appreciable exchange aggregated. Substantial can associated presence landscape barriers hindering flow, but also maintenance ‘red deer–free’ Efforts sustainably preserve diversity entire should therefore focus on measures ensuring connectivity. Opportunities for this goal arise from establishment game bridges over protection young male stags migrating through statutory