Features of the Genetic Structure of the Steppe Marmot (Marmota bobak Müll.) (Sciuridae, Mammalia) Population Restored in the State Nature Reserve “Privolzhskaya Lesostep”

The results of our analysis of the genetic structure of the steppe marmot population restored on the territory of the State Nature Reserve “Privolzhskaya Lesostep” are presented in comparison with its maternal populations for 4 microsatellite DNA loci (Xmoh C10, Xmoh D116, IGS-bp, Ssu17). Some features have been identified that indicate both the quality of the emerging composition of its population and the degree of its stability. According to the allelic spectrum of microsatellite DNA, the introduced population in the reserve is characterized by a high proportion of unique alleles, with a high level of polymorphism of its genetic structure (Hobs—0.775, AGD—0.739), indicating its stable state and no nature selection. The detection of microsatellite DNA alleles not identified in the maternal populations is probably associated with the first (2014) wave of introduced animals, who successfully entrenched in their new habitat and formed the core of the future population. This conclusion is supported by data on genetic distances (Δμ2) and fixation indices (FST) of the five analyzed steppe marmot populations. The highest values of FST were obtained for the population in the reserve in comparison with other populations (0.336–0.301). Similar results were obtained for genetic distances (Δμ2). The highest distance was obtained for two geographically close populations (3.135, 1.564). Thus, the introduced population in the reserve is characterized by a specific genetic structure, which was formed as a result of multi-stage (2014, 2020, and 2021) introduction and stable isolation. The unique features of the genetic structure of the population restored in the reserve are a consequence of the artificial method of its formation. These features stand out clearly against the backdrop of poorly differentiated maternal populations of steppe marmots, which were formed through natural, dynamic population processes.