Genetic Differentiation of Scandinavian Moose Alces alces Populations over Short Geographical Distances

Abstract

Muscle samples from 1169 moose A. alces specimens from 4 locations in central Sweden were scored electrophoretically for genetic variability at a diallelic locus coding for phosphomannose isomerase (PMI). Highly significant allele frequency differences were observed for moose from the major sampling areas as well as within one of them. Genetic heterogeneity on a much finer geographic scale than previously recognized for most species of large and highly mobile mammals is indicated. The implications of these findings in regard to the understanding of moose biology in general and to the design of management programs are discussed.