Genetic diversity for the edible dormouse, Glis glis (Rodentia: Gliridae) in Romania, based on mitochondrial DNA

This study explores the genetic diversity of the edible dormouse ( Glis glis ), a rodent species closely associated with deciduous and mixed woodlands rich in oak and beech trees. The research investigates the phylogeographic patterns and genetic structure of G. glis, particularly focusing on the genetic diversity within Romanian populations and their relationship to other European lineages. The study utilises mitochondrial cytochrome b gene sequences to analyze genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationships. We collected 117 samples from various Romanian forest populations and combined them with the existing GenBank data to provide a broader geographical context. The study confirms the existence of distinct phylogenetic lineages within Glis glis , highlighting a pattern of low to moderate genetic diversity within the Romanian populations. Five haplotypes were identified across the analysed Romanian populations. Two of these were shared with other European populations, one of them being the most common haplotype in the European lineage. The remaining three haplotypes were unique to Romania, one being found in Gorj County (South Romania), and the other two in forests from Dobrogea (South-Eastern Romania). The widespread Hap_2 was shared between three populations, but no haplotype was found to be present in all four Romanian populations. The findings contribute to the understanding of the genetic structure of this species and have implications for future conservation planning.