Genetic aspects of interspecies hybridization between sable and pine marten based on microsatellite loci data

Individuals with intermediate phenotype of the sable (Martes zibellina) and pine marten (Martes martes) are regularly observed in the sympatry zone of these species’ ranges. Presumably, these offspring are hybrids of sable and pine marten. We studied 246 animals, identified by morphological characters as 20 of pine martens and 226 of sables. We surveyed within areas focused on sympatry and identified neighboring territories based on genetic markers. In 6 out of 11 geographical localities of sable, we found individuals (N=10) with a significant portion of pine marten’s genotype. Among 20 samples of pine martens, we found one individual with a significant proportion of the sable’s genotype. Thus, accurate identification of sable and pine marten hybrids by morphological characters was practically impossible: in sympatric populations, some animals morphologically defined as sable or pine marten may be hybrids of these species.