Genetic diversity and bottleneck analysis of Indian bellary sheep by microsatellite markers

Bellary sheep population variability and structure was investigated genetically utilizing FAO recommended microsatellite markers. Genetic variation at 20 microsatellite loci, population structure, and genetic bottleneck hypothesis were examined. Estimates of genetic variability such as effective number of alleles and gene diversities revealed substantial genetic variation frequently displayed by microsatellite markers. A total of 133 alleles were detected. Average polymorphism across the studied loci and expected gene diversity in the population were 1.419 +/- 0.405 and 0.684 +/- 0.140, respectively. No significant genotypic linkage disequilibrium was detected across population, suggesting no evidence of linkage between loci. The population was observed to be significantly differentiated into different groups, showed fairly high level of inbreeding (f = 0.253 +/- 0.050) and global heterozygote deficit. Population structure analysis indicated the intermixing/introduction of unique/rare alleles in these migrating flocks. A normal L-shaped distribution of mode-shift test, non-significant heterozygosity excess on the basis of different models, as revealed from Sign, Standardized differences and Wilcoxon sign rank tests suggested that there was no recent bottleneck. The study revealed that even breed with increasing population trend needs genetic management for the conservation and improvement.     

Genetics of the Shimokita macaque population suggest an ancient bottleneck

The macaque population of the Shimokita Peninsula represents the northernmost distribution of this species and is isolated from other populations in the Tohoku region of Japan. A previous protein-based study revealed a high level of genetic variability in this population and considerable differentiation from other populations. In order to reassess the genetic features of the Shimokita macaques, we examined 11 autosomal microsatellite loci and three Y chromosomal microsatellite loci. We observed considerable differentiation from other Japanese populations of macaques, but in contrast to the previous results, we observed significantly lower genetic variability in this population. There was a weak indication of a population bottleneck, suggesting a decay over time from an excess of heterozygotes that might be expected in the initial stages of a bottleneck. This may indicate that an ancient bottleneck occurred during the warm period after the last glacial period rather than a recent bottleneck due to hunting in modern times. The frequencies of private alleles were exceptionally high in the Shimokita population, suggesting that the difference in variability as determined in various studies was due to accidental sampling of marker loci with low power to resolve genetic variations in the protein-based studies. The assessments of interpopulation differentiation as determined using autosomal and Y chromosomal markers were highly correlated, and using both types of markers the Shimokita population was found to be the most differentiated of the study populations, probably due to infrequent gene flow with surrounding populations.     

Recent demographic bottlenecks are not accompanied by a genetic signature in banner-tailed kangaroo rats (Dipodomys spectabilis)

Single-sample methods of bottleneck detection are now routine analyses in studies of wild populations and conservation genetics. Three common approaches to bottleneck detection are the heterozygosity excess, mode-shift, and M-ratio tests. Empirical groundtruthing of these methods is difficult, but their performances are critical for the accurate reconstruction of population demography. We use two banner-tailed kangaroo rat (Dipodomys spectabilis) populations from southeastern Arizona (USA) that are known to have experienced recent demographic reductions to search for genetic bottleneck signals with eight microsatellite loci. Over eight total sample-years, neither population showed a genetic bottleneck signature. M-ratios in both populations were large, stable, and never fell below a critical significance value (Mc). The mode shift test did not detect any distortion of allele frequencies, and tests of heterozygosity excess were not significant in postbottleneck samples when we used standard microsatellite mutation models. The genetic effects of bottlenecks like those experienced by our study populations should be strongly influenced by rates of mutation and migration. We used genetic parentage data to estimate a relatively high mutation rate in D. spectabilis (0.0081 mutants/generation/locus), but mutation alone is unlikely to explain the temporal distribution of rare alleles that we observed. Migration (gene flow) is a more likely explanation, despite prior mark-recapture analysis that estimated very low rates of interpopulation dispersal. We interpret our kangaroo rat data in light of the broader literature and conclude that in natural populations connected by dispersal, demographic bottlenecks may prove difficult to detect using molecular genetic data.     

Genetic diversity and bottleneck analysis of Indian bellary sheep by microsatellite markers

Bellary sheep population variability and structure was investigated genetically utilizing FAO recommended microsatellite markers. Genetic variation at 20 microsatellite loci, population structure, and genetic bottleneck hypothesis were examined. Estimates of genetic variability such as effective number of alleles and gene diversities revealed substantial genetic variation frequently displayed by microsatellite markers. A total of 133 alleles were detected. Average polymorphism across the studied loci and expected gene diversity in the population were 1.419 ± 0.405 and 0.684 ± 0.140, respectively. No significant genotypic linkage disequilibrium was detected across population, suggesting no evidence of linkage between loci. The population was observed to be significantly differentiated into different groups, showed fairly high level of inbreeding (f = 0.253 ± 0.050) and global heterozygote deficit. Population structure analysis indicated the intermixing/introduction of unique/rare alleles in these migrating flocks. A normal L-shaped distribution of mode-shift test, non-significant heterozygosity excess on the basis of different models, as revealed from sign, standardized differences and Wilcoxon sign rank tests suggested that there was no recent bottleneck. The study revealed that even a breed with increasing population trend needs genetic management for the conservation and improvement. The text was submitted by the authors in English.     

Selection maintains MHC diversity through a natural population bottleneck

A perceived consequence of a population bottleneck is the erosion of genetic diversity and concomitant reduction in individual fitness and evolutionary potential. Although reduced genetic variation associated with demographic perturbation has been amply demonstrated for neutral molecular markers, the effective management of genetic resources in natural populations is hindered by a lack of understanding of how adaptive genetic variation will respond to population fluctuations, given these are affected by selection as well as drift. Here, we demonstrate that selection counters drift to maintain polymorphism at a major histocompatibility complex (MHC) locus through a population bottleneck in an inbred island population of water voles. Before and after the bottleneck, MHC allele frequencies were close to balancing selection equilibrium but became skewed by drift when the population size was critically low. MHC heterozygosity generally conformed to Hardy-Weinberg expectations except in one generation during the population recovery where there was a significant excess of heterozygous genotypes, which simulations ascribed to strong differential MHC-dependent survival. Low allelic diversity and highly skewed frequency distributions at microsatellite loci indicated potent genetic drift due to a strong founder affect and/or previous population bottlenecks. This study is a real-time examination of the predictions of fundamental evolutionary theory in low genetic diversity situations. The findings highlight that conservation efforts to maintain the genetic health and evolutionary potential of natural populations should consider the genetic basis for fitness-related traits, and how such adaptive genetic diversity will vary in response to both the demographic fluctuations and the effects of selection.     

Genetic signature of a severe forest fire on the endangered Gran Canaria blue chaffinch (Fringilla teydea polatzeki)

Habitat destruction has been identified as one of the main threats to biodiversity. Among all factors causing habitat disturbance, wildfire is recognized as one of the most important ecological forces that influences not only the physical environment, but also the structure and composition of floral and faunal communities. These processes are often translated in population bottlenecks, which occur frequently in threatened species and result in loss of genetic diversity and evolutionary potential. In this study, we analyzed the genetic consequences of a demographic bottleneck produced by a forest fire that reduced the population of the endangered blue chaffinch (Fringilla teydea polatzeki), which inhabits the island of Gran Canaria, to approximately 122 individuals. Analysis of nine microsatellite loci revealed that, while a decline in census was observed during the bottleneck, there was no observed excess of heterozygosity or evidence of a decline in allelic richness, two characteristic bottleneck signatures. On the contrary, we observed that the Gran Canaria blue chaffinch has retained significant levels of genetic diversity and shows no evidence of an increased level of inbreeding (F_IS) either before or after the bottleneck. The results from this study have important implications for the conservation of this endangered subspecies and provide insights concerning management strategies to prevent its extinction.     

Microsatellite analysis of a population crash and bottleneck in the Mauna Kea silversword, Argyroxiphium sandwicense ssp. sandwicense (Asteraceae), and its implications for reintroduction

The Mauna Kea silversword, Argyroxiphium sandwicense ssp. sandwicense, has experienced both a severe population crash associated with an increase in alien ungulate populations on Mauna Kea, and a population bottleneck associated with reintroduction. In this paper, we address the genetic consequences of both demographic events using eight microsatellite loci. The population crash was not accompanied by a significant reduction in number of alleles or heterozygosity. However, the population bottleneck was accompanied by significant reductions in observed number of alleles, effective number of alleles, and expected heterozygosity, though not in observed heterozygosity. The effective size of the population bottleneck was calculated using both observed heterozygosities and allele frequency variances. Both methods corroborated the historical census size of the population bottleneck of at most three individuals. The results suggest that: (i) small populations, even those that result from severe reductions in historical population size and extent, are not necessarily genetically depauperate; and (ii) species reintroduction plans need to be conceived and implemented carefully, with due consideration to the genetic impact of sampling for reintroduction.     

三峡库区5 个鲢群体遗传变异的微卫星分析

研究利用10 个高度多态的微卫星标记对三峡水库秭归、巫山、云阳、忠县、木洞等5 个库区鲢(Hypophthalmichthys molitrix)的野生群体进行了遗传多样性分析。检测到161 个等位基因, 群体共有等位基因84 个, 每个微卫星位点的等位基因数729 不等。平均观测杂合度Ho 为0.7840.846, 平均期望杂合度He 为0.8280.847, 平均多态信息含量PIC 为0.7970.817。Fst 值为-0.0010.009, 表明5 个鲢群体间没有遗传分化。Hardy-Weinberg 平衡检验表明巫山、云阳、木洞群体在一些位点上偏离遗传平衡。Bottleneck 分析显示长江三峡库区江段的鲢群体可能在历史上经历了遗传瓶颈。5 个群体间的遗传相似系数为0.8910.950, 遗传距离为 0.0500.115, 根据 Nei's 遗传距离所绘制的聚类图, 表明鲢群体间的遗传距离与其地理距离基本一致。贝叶斯分析结果也证实三峡库区5 个鲢群体可视为一个类群。尽管没有检测到遗传分化, 数据清晰地表明三峡库区的鲢群体仍有很高的遗传多样性, 研究结果为三峡地区和长江上游的鲢种质资源保护和种群评估提供了参考。       

Genetic variation in the kakerori (Pomarea dimidiata), an endangered endemic bird successfully recovering in the Cook Islands

The Cook Islands endemic kakerori (Pomarea dimidiata) underwent a severe population decline following the introduction of ship rats (Rattus rattus) in the late 1800s. By 1989, the sole population on Rarotonga consisted of 29 known birds. Subsequent intensive management efforts enabled this population to recover to around 250?C300 birds in recent years. This study, using microsatellite and mitochondrial DNA markers, assesses the level of genetic diversity and the genetic structure of the contemporary kakerori population on Rarotonga. No mitochondrial control region and cytochrome b haplotype diversity was found in the 11 samples examined at each locus. In 81 samples genotyped at 7 polymorphic microsatellite loci, an average of 4 alleles per locus were found, with an average observed heterozygosity of 0.65. No subpopulation division was found in this population. There was no evidence of inbreeding, but genetic bottleneck tests showed that the population had indeed experienced a significant genetic bottleneck. Recovery of the kakerori was successful in the past two decades despite low genetic diversity in terms of allelic diversity. Our data suggested that low allelic diversity did not hamper population expansion and the continued survival of this species, however, longer-term effects are still possible.     

Genetic variability in mitochondrial and nuclear genes of Larus dominicanus (Charadriiformes,Laridae) from the Brazilian coast

Several phylogeographic studies of seabirds have documented low genetic diversity that has been attributed to bottleneck events or individual capacity for dispersal. Few studies have been done in seabirds on the Brazilian coast and all have shown low genetic differentiation on a wide geographic scale. The Kelp Gull is a common species with a wide distribution in the Southern Hemisphere. In this study, we used mitochondrial and nuclear markers to examine the genetic variability of Kelp Gull populations on the Brazilian coast and compared this variability with that of sub-Antarctic island populations of this species. Kelp Gulls showed extremely low genetic variability for mitochondrial markers (cytb and ATPase) and high diversity for a nuclear locus (intron 7 of the β-fibrinogen). The intraspecific evolutionary history of Kelp Gulls showed that the variability found in intron 7 of the β-fibrinogen gene was compatible with the variability expected under neutral evolution but suggested an increase in population size during the last 10,000 years. However, none of the markers revealed evidence of a bottleneck population. These findings indicate that the recent origin of Kelp Gulls is the main explanation for their nuclear diversity, although selective pressure on the mtDNA of this species cannot be discarded.     

Signatures of demographic bottlenecks in European wolf populations

Monitoring the loss of genetic diversity in wild populations after a bottleneck event is a priority in conservation and management plans. Here, we used diverse molecular markers to search for signatures of demographic bottlenecks in two wolf populations; an isolated population from the Iberian Peninsula and a non-isolated population from European Russia. Autosomal, mtDNA and Y-chromosomal diversity and the effective population size (N_e) were significantly lower in the Iberian population. Neutrality tests using mtDNA sequences, such as R_2, Fu and Li’s F*, Tajima’s D and Fu’s F_s, were positively significant in the Iberian population, suggesting a population decline, but were not significant for the Russian population, likely due to its larger effective population size. However, three tests using autosomal data confirmed the occurrence of the genetic bottleneck in both populations. The M-ratio test was the only one providing significant results for both populations. Given the lack of consistency among the different tests, we recommend using multiple approaches to investigate possible past bottlenecks. The small effective population size (about 50) in the Iberian Peninsula compared to the presumed extant population size could indicate that the bottleneck was more powerful than initially suspected or an overestimation of the current population. The risks associated with small effective population sizes suggest that the genetic change in this population should be closely monitored in the future. On the other hand, the relatively small effective population size for Russian wolves (a few hundred individuals) could indicate some fragmentation, contrary to what is commonly assumed.     

A rangewide population genetic study of trumpeter swans

For management purposes, the range of naturally occurring trumpeter swans (Cygnus buccinator) has been divided into two populations, the Pacific Coast Population (PP) and the Rocky Mountain Population (RMP). Little is known about the distribution of genetic variation across the species’ range despite increasing pressure to make difficult management decisions regarding the two populations and flocks within them. To address this issue, we used rapidly evolving genetic markers (mitochondrial DNA sequence and 17 nuclear microsatellite loci) to elucidate the underlying genetic structure of the species. Data from both markers revealed a significant difference between the PP and RMP with the Yukon Territory as a likely area of overlap. Additionally, we found that the two populations have somewhat similar levels of genetic diversity (PP is slightly higher) suggesting that the PP underwent a population bottleneck similar to a well-documented one in the RMP. Both genetic structure and diversity results reveal that the Tri-State flock, a suspected unique, non-migratory flock, is not genetically different from the Canadian flock of the RMP and need not be treated as a unique population from a genetic standpoint. Finally, trumpeter swans appear to have much lower mitochondrial DNA variability than other waterfowl studied thus far which may suggest a previous, species-wide bottleneck.     

草鱼野生群体遗传变异的微卫星分析

利用12个微卫星标记, 对来自长江水系(邗江、吴江、九江、石首、木洞和万州)、珠江水系(肇庆)和黑龙江水系(嫩江)的8个草鱼野生地理群体进行了遗传多样性及遗传结构等分析。遗传多样性分析显示, 12个微卫星位点均为高度多态位点(PIC=0.755~0.930), 8个草鱼野生群体显示出较高的遗传多样性水平(Ho=0.839~0.893), 其中长江水系的6个群体和肇庆群体的多样性水平高于嫩江群体。瓶颈效应分析显示, 嫩江、肇庆群体及2个长江上游群体(木洞、万州)近期出现了瓶颈效应, 群体数量发生下降。群体间遗传分化指数F^ST及AMOVA分析显示, 群体间出现极显著遗传分化(P<0.01), 整体分化水平较低(F^ST<0.05)。遗传距离分析结果显示, 长江水系的6个群体与肇庆群体遗传距离较近, 与嫩江群体较远; 基于此的UPGMA聚类树显示, 长江水系下游、中游和上游的群体依次聚类, 然后与肇庆群体聚类, 最后与嫩江群体聚类, 遗传距离与地理距离呈现出较强的正相关性。遗传结构分析显示, 所有样本被划分为5个理论群, 肇庆和嫩江群体中个体的遗传结构相对独立, 而长江上游、中游和下游群体中个体的遗传结构则存在一定程度的混杂。综上所述, 中国草鱼野生资源具有较高的遗传多样性, 地理群体间存在遗传分化, 具有进一步遗传改良的潜力; 但部分群体出现的瓶颈效应也需要引起重视。     

Genetic Polymorphism and Bottleneck Analysis of Balkhi,Hashtnagri, and Michni Sheep Populations Using Microsatellite Markers

Pakistan is rich in sheep genetic resources. Balkhi, Hashtnagri, and Michni are neighboring sheep populations found in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan. In this study, we analyzed the genetic structures and bottleneck incidents within these sheep populations using 31 microsatellite DNA markers. Total numbers of 116, 100, and 95 alleles, with average numbers of 3.20, 3.26, and 3.74 alleles per locus were observed, respectively, in Balkhi, Hashtnagri, and Michni population. Mean observed heterozygosity was 0.402 in Balkhi, 0.416 in Hashtnagri, and 0.522 in Michni population. All the three sheep populations showed significantly high inbreeding. Michni population was found to be in mutation drift equilibrium, showing the absence of genetic bottleneck. The data of Balkhi and Hashtnagri indicated the presence of genetic bottleneck in these populations. These results suggest a moderate level of genetic diversity within Michni population that may be useful for breed improvement programs. Hashtnagri and Balkhi populations having low within breed genetic variability may contain some valuable characteristics that need to be conserved.     

High genetic diversity and significant population structure in Cedrus brevifolia Henry, a narrow endemic Mediterranean tree from Cyprus

Endemic island plant species with a narrow distribution are often, but not always, linked to low genetic variation within populations and a lack of differentiation among populations. Cedrus brevifolia is a narrow endemic island tree species of Cyprus. Its range is restricted to a single forest, divided into five neighbouring sites. This study, using biparentally inherited nuclear microsatellites and paternally inherited plastid (chloroplast) microsatellites, assessed the genetic variation of C. brevifolia within its sole population and the level of genetic differentiation among formed sites. The results from both markers showed high diversity (nuclear H _T?=?0.70; plastid H _T?=?0.93), strongly suggesting that the species did not experience severe bottleneck events or extensive genetic drift. Besides, the maintenance of a high genetic diversity in C. brevifolia may suggest that it originates from a widespread congener species. Significant genetic differentiation at nuclear (G _ST?=?0.052) and plastid (G _ST?=?0.119) markers was found among the formed sites. Remarkably, the relatively high genetic differentiation found at plastid markers was comparable to values observed in two widespread congener cedar species. The genetic differentiation probably occurred due to fragmentation of a previously uniform population. This would lead to the shaping of different genetic groups (Bayesian analysis) and to significant population substructure. Furthermore, significant values observed for both isolation by distance and large-scale spatial genetic structure could indicate ineffective gene flow among sites and the early geographical isolation of the more isolated sites from the core population.     

Considering the Influence of Nonadaptive Evolution on Primate Color Vision

Color vision in primates is variable across species, and it represents a rare trait in which the genetic mechanisms underlying phenotypic variation are fairly well-understood. Research on primate color vision has largely focused on adaptive explanations for observed variation, but it remains unclear why some species have trichromatic or polymorphic color vision while others are red-green color blind. Lemurs, in particular, are highly variable. While some species are polymorphic, many closely-related species are strictly dichromatic. We provide the first characterization of color vision in a wild population of red-bellied lemurs (Eulemur rubriventer, Ranomafana National Park, Madagascar) with a sample size (87 individuals; N_{X chromosomes} = 134) large enough to detect even rare variants (0.95 probability of detection at ≥ 3% frequency). By sequencing exon 5 of the X-linked opsin gene we identified opsin spectral sensitivity based on known diagnostic sites and found this population to be dichromatic and monomorphic for a long wavelength allele. Apparent fixation of this long allele is in contrast to previously published accounts of Eulemur species, which exhibit either polymorphic color vision or only the medium wavelength opsin. This unexpected result may represent loss of color vision variation, which could occur through selective processes and/or genetic drift (e.g., genetic bottleneck). To indirectly assess the latter scenario, we genotyped 55 adult red-bellied lemurs at seven variable microsatellite loci and used heterozygosity excess and M-ratio tests to assess if this population may have experienced a recent genetic bottleneck. Results of heterozygosity excess but not M-ratio tests suggest a bottleneck might have occurred in this red-bellied lemur population. Therefore, while selection may also play a role, the unique color vision observed in this population might have been influenced by a recent genetic bottleneck. These results emphasize the need to consider adaptive and nonadaptive mechanisms of color vision evolution in primates.     

华木莲居群遗传结构与保护单元

华木莲(Sinomanglietia glauca)仅分布于江西宜春和湖南永顺, 是我国一级重点保护植物。前人采用RAPD、ISSR以及叶绿体SSCP(single-stranded conformation polymorphism)标记对华木莲进行了居群遗传学研究, 但未包括后发现的湖南居群或未检出居群内遗传变异。为了全面检测华木莲遗传多样性及其空间分布格局, 并据此确定保护单元, 本研究采用细胞核微卫星标记对华木莲所有4个居群共77个个体进行了居群遗传学分析。结果表明, 华木莲具有较低的遗传多样性(平均等位基因数A = 2.604, 平均期望杂合度H_E = 0.423)和较高的遗传分化(F_ST = 0.425)。STRUCTURE和主成分分析(Principal Coordinated Analysis, PCA)将4个居群首先分为江西、湖南两组, 江西的2个居群实际上是同一个自然繁育居群, 而湖南的2个居群则为2个分化明显的自然繁育居群。研究还发现湖南居群存在明显的杂合子过剩现象, 可能是小居群内随机因素造成的。研究结果表明华木莲可能在近期历史上遭受过强烈的瓶颈效应, 导致种群缩小、遗传多样性丧失和居群分化加剧, 需要加强对其进化潜力的保护。在制定保护措施时, 需要考虑其较高的遗传分化水平, 根据遗传结构可以将其划分为3个保护单元, 即湖南居群和江西居群分别为2个进化显著单元, 湖南居群进一步划分为2个管理单元(分别为朗溪乡云盘村和小溪乡鲁家村居群)。     

The genetic diversity of wild Oreochromis mossambicus populations from the Mozambique southern watersheds as evaluated by microsatellites

Tilapia is native to Africa, and one of the most cultivated fish in the world. The goal of this research was to evaluate the genetic diversity of tilapia Oreochromis mossambicus from the Limpopo, Incomati, Umbeluzi and Sabié rivers in Mozambique. Microsatellite markers were used to assess the genetic structure and to compare the genetic variability of wild populations of O. mossambicus. DNA samples from 200 specimens were analyzed. All five loci (UNH104, UNH129, UNH142, UNH222 and UNH231) used in this study were polymorphic, with observed heterozygosity ranging from 0.940 to 1.000 and the allelic richness average (Ar) ranging from 8.937 to 15.751. All of the stocks exhibited a remarkably significant excess of heterozygosity relative to the Hardy‐Weinberg Equilibrium. Evidence of a genetic bottleneck was found in the four populations evaluated herein. The genetic structure of the population was investigated using the analogues F_ST and D_EST. The most genetic variability occurred within populations. Differentiation among populations ranged from low to moderate levels. No significant correlation was found between geographic and genetic distances. Implications of these findings for management and conservation of O. mossambicus stocks are discussed.     

Implications of social dominance and multiple paternity for the genetic diversity of a captive-bred reptile population (tuatara)

Captive breeding is an integral part of many species recovery plans. Knowledge of the genetic mating system is essential for effective management of captive stocks and release groups, and can help to predict patterns of genetic diversity in reintroduced populations. Here we investigate the poorly understood mating system of a threatened, ancient reptile (tuatara) on Little Barrier Island, New Zealand and discuss its impact on the genetic diversity. This biologically significant population was thought to be extinct, due to introduced predators, until 8 adults (4 males, 4 females) were rediscovered in 1991/92. We genotyped these adults and their 121 captively-bred offspring, hatched between 1994 to 2005, at five microsatellite loci. Multiple paternity was found in 18.8% of clutches. Male variance in reproductive success was high with one male dominating mating (77.5% of offspring sired) and one male completely restricted from mating. Little Barrier Island tuatara, although clearly having undergone a demographic bottleneck, are retaining relatively high levels of remnant genetic diversity which may be complemented by the presence of multiple paternity. High variance in reproductive success has decreased the effective size of this population to approximately 4 individuals. Manipulation to equalize founder representation was not successful, and the mating system has thus had a large impact on the genetic diversity of this recovering population. Although population growth has been successful, in the absence of migrants this population is likely at risk of future inbreeding and genetic bottleneck.     

Consequences of a demographic bottleneck on genetic structure and variation in the Scandinavian brown bear

The Scandinavian brown bear went through a major decline in population size approximately 100 years ago, due to intense hunting. After being protected, the population subsequently recovered and today numbers in the thousands. The genetic diversity in the contemporary population has been investigated in considerable detail, and it has been shown that the population consists of several subpopulations that display relatively high levels of genetic variation. However, previous studies have been unable to resolve the degree to which the demographic bottleneck impacted the contemporary genetic structure and diversity. In this study, we used mitochondrial and microsatellite DNA markers from pre‐ and postbottleneck Scandinavian brown bear samples to investigate the effect of the bottleneck. Simulation and multivariate analysis suggested the same genetic structure for the historical and modern samples, which are clustered into three subpopulations in southern, central and northern Scandinavia. However, the southern subpopulation appears to have gone through a marked change in allele frequencies. When comparing the mitochondrial DNA diversity in the whole population, we found a major decline in haplotype numbers across the bottleneck. However, the loss of autosomal genetic diversity was less pronounced, although a significant decline in allelic richness was observed in the southern subpopulation. Approximate Bayesian computations provided clear support for a decline in effective population size during the bottleneck, in both the southern and northern subpopulations. These results have implications for the future management of the Scandinavian brown bear because they indicate a recent loss in genetic diversity and also that the current genetic structure may have been caused by historical ecological processes rather than recent anthropogenic persecution.