Influence of anthropogenous factors on the genetic variety of the sable (Martes zibellina L.)

Sable populations across its range from the Urals to the Far East maintain distinct genetic traits despite human impacts such as overhunting and introduction. A study using eight nuclear microsatellite markers revealed significant genetic similarity among Central Siberian populations, attributed to natural migrations reducing differentiation, while maximum divergence (0.361) was observed between peripheral populations. The Kamchatka Peninsula population stands out as an isolated phylogenetic group, closely related to the ancestral form alongside Sikhote-Alin populations. Despite interspecific hybridization with martens, genetic differentiation remains high.

Kashtanov, S. N., Svishcheva, G. R., Lazebny, O. E., Kolobkov, D. S., Pishchulina, S. L., Meshchersky, I. G., & Rozhnov, V. V. (2015). Influence of anthropogenous factors on the genetic variety of the sable (Martes zibellina L.). Molecular Biology, 49(3), 397–402. https://doi.org/10.1134/s0026893315030097