Expansion of the Sable (Martes zibellina L.) from the North of the Central Siberian Plateau into Tundra Ecosystems

Using 16 STR markers, the genetic structure of sable populations in the north of the Central Siberian Plateau and the right bank of the Lena River was studied. They were from typical taiga habitats and atypical tundra habitats directly adjacent to the coast of the Arctic Ocean. At present, the species is in the stage of settlement; in recent years, the sable has penetrated deeply into the tundra zone. Since 2000, an increase in the number of sable and an increase in migratory activity have been recorded in this region; in connection with this, the level of differentiation between the “historical” sable populations has been studied. Data on the geographical distribution of sable genotypes show that groups related to the Olenek sable population inhabit the tundra zone. Evidence of the formation of a sable subpopulation structure in a new habitat has been revealed. Another conclusion: the “historical” populations of the Central Siberian Plateau did not undergo a restructuring of the genetic structure under the influence of migration flows and are significantly genetically differentiated. The appearance of sables in the tundra indicates the active development of new territories that were not previously typical of the species.