A preliminary analysis of the population genetics of myotis punicus in the Maltese Islands

Abstract

By combining molecular genetic techniques with a non-lethal sampling technique, it was possible to undertake a preliminary study of the population structure of Myotis punicus Felten, 1977 in the Maltese Islands. Twelve sites spread around the Maltese Islands were investigated and a total of 36 individuals found in four of these sites were sampled over a period of 6 months. Tissues for analysis were obtained by 4 mm biopsy punches and morphometric data (forearm length, ear length, tragus length, wing-span and weight) were collected. The comparison of average values for these measurements showed sexual dimorphism, with females being the larger sex. A recapture rate of 19% was achieved, and population size was estimated by Lincoln-Petersen technique to be ca. 200 individuals. Nei’s Genetic Identity (I) showed values from 0.954 to 0.686, while Genetic Distance (D) values ranged from 0 to 0.047. The results obtained in this study suggest that the population on the Maltese Islands represents a single panmictic unit, even though the

overall value of the Fixation Index, 0.272, indicates that breeding groups are relatively isolated, probably as a consequence of high roost fidelity.