Monitoring the Genetic Structure of Domesticated Reindeer ( L.): Mainland and Island Populations of the North-East of Russia

A comparative analysis of the genetic structure of domesticated reindeer populations of the Chukotka and Koryak Highlands (northeastern edge of the species range) was performed using a panel of 16 microsatellite loci. The statistical analysis data show a high level of consolidation of the studied Chukotka reindeer breed and a high degree of differentiation with the breeds of the western and central parts of the range. One of the important objectives of the study was to monitor the genetic structure of the populations of the Chukotka and Evenki reindeer breeds, based on a comparative analysis of samples from populations of the mid-20th century and modern populations. The obtained research results indicate a high level of stability of the main indicators of the genetic structure of the species.