DNA samples from genetic monitoring of the Common Hamster (Cricetus cricetus) in the Netherlands

Reintroductions have become more popular to prevent species from extinction in the wild. However, reintroductions inevitably result in small populations with poor genetic status. Systematic demographic and genetic monitoring is needed to optimize conservation actions like reintroductions. Here we show how genetic monitoring was useful and informative in a reintroduction project for the highly endangered Common hamster (Cricetus cricetus) in the Netherlands and Belgium. An initial loss of genetic diversity could be detected in some of the reintroduced populations, but it could be shown that due... Mehr ...