Genetic diversity and no evidences of recent hybridization in the endemic Italian hare (Lepus corsicanus)

Fragmented populations of the endemic Italian hare (Lepus corsicanus) survive at low density in central and southern Italy, in Sicily and Corsica, where the species was introduced in the sixteenth century. Fragmentation and hybridization with widespread brown hares (L. europaeus), which were introduced outside their natural ranges, may threaten the survival and genetic integrity of the Italian hare. With the exception of a few cases of hybrids identified in Corsica, hybridization was not documented in the Italian hare. In this study, we aimed to assess the genetic diversity in the Italian hare populations and identify possible interspecific hybrids with the brown hare. We genotyped 458 samples belonging to the four species of Lepus distributed in Italy (the mountain hare, the brown hare, the Sardinian hare and the Italian hare) using maternal and biparental markers (mtDNA control-region, 13 autosomal microsatellites, 9 autosomal SNPs). Results confirmed sharp interspecific genetic distinctions among the four species. We did not find interspecific hybrids in Italian hares, with the exception of two cases of L. corsicanus mtDNA introgression in two L. europaeus individuals. The Italian hares in Sicily are genetically distinct, in consequence of long-lasting isolation. Peninsular populations show instances of recent genetic diversification in consequence of anthropogenic fragmentation. Our findings point to consider the conservation of the Sicilian population as a priority, discouraging introductions of exotic hares into the island. Habitat restoration and a net of ecological corridors could help the survival and expansion of threatened L. corsicanus populations in peninsular Italy. Massive releases of brown hares for hunting purposes should be avoided in areas of sympatry with the Italian hares.