Using phylogeography to promote dormouse conservation: the case of Muscardinus avellanarius (Rodentia, Gliridae)

This study describes the phylogeographic history of the common dormouse, Muscardinus avellanarius, a rodent strictly protected in Europe (Habitat Directive, annex IV ; Bern Convention, annex III ). We analyzed the genetics of 120 common dormice across the species' range, using sequence data from the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene (704 pb). The dataset obtained was analyzed using different phylogenetic reconstructions as well as other methods adapted to phylogeography. A complex phylogeographic pattern has been retrieved from the mitochondrial DN A gene, with the presence of two highly divergent lineages. These two lineages are themselves subdivided into five sublineages, which should be regarded as independent conservation units. Low genetic diversity was observed within each of the lineages, in contrast to an important level of genetic differentiation between them. These results have important implications for the conservation of this dormouse and will help to propose the best management measures for this species.