Mountain regions are crucial for maintaining populations and genetic diversity of wild species, especially those that require large areas to maintain viable populations. Researchers examined wolves (Canis lupus) in the Caucasus, Carpathian and Dinaric Balkan regions to estimate whether these persistent populations exhibit high genetic diversity while reducing the sampling gaps identified in previous studies. They estimated genetic variability, population structure and phylogeographic relationships to assess the diversity and connectivity of populations in these regions.
The results demonstrated high genetic diversity in these regions, confirming their role in maintaining intraspecific variability in wolves and other species that require large territories to maintain viable populations. The unique diversity and north-south structure observed in the Caucasus underline the need for further research and conservation efforts in this region of rich biodiversity. The researchers conclude by highlighting the role of large-scale planning in the conservation of evolutionary processes in this and other cross-border regions.