Mountain Hare DNA Found in Danish Brown Hares
Author Information
Author(s): Fredsted Tina, Wincentz Trine, Villesen Palle
Primary Institution: University of Aarhus
Hypothesis
Are Danish brown hare populations introgressed with mountain hare mitochondrial DNA?
Conclusion
Danish hare populations are not pure brown hares but include introgressed individuals with mountain hare DNA.
Supporting Evidence
- Phylogenetic analysis shows the Danish haplotype is closely related to Swedish mountain hare.
- The frequency of mountain hare mtDNA in Danish populations is estimated at 6%.
- The study suggests that introgression likely occurred through migration or translocation from Sweden.
Takeaway
Some brown hares in Denmark have DNA from mountain hares, which means they are not completely pure. This could affect how we protect and manage these animals.
Methodology
Tissue samples were collected from wild hares in Denmark, and mitochondrial DNA was analyzed using PCR and sequencing.
Limitations
The study only analyzed mitochondrial DNA, which does not confirm whether the individuals are true mountain hares or introgressed brown hares.
Participant Demographics
The sample included 6 male and 10 female hares from five populations in eastern Denmark.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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