GENETIC DIVERSITY OF RABBIT POPULATIONS IN TUNISIA USING MICROSATELLITES MARKERS

This study attempts to provide a comprehensive insight into the prevailing genetic status of Indigenous Tunisian rabbit population using microsatellite markers. Fifteen rabbit populations from villages of Tozeur and Gafsa area were analysed using a panel of 36 microsatellite markers. 294 individuals from these populations were genotyped. In general, high genetic diversity (observed heterozygosity ranging from 0.3 to 0.53) and large population differentiation (FST = 0.11) were observed. The current study is the first detailed analysis of the genetic diversity of the Tunisian indigenous rabbit populations. The data generated here provides valuable information about the genetic structure of the 15 rabbit populations and this can be used for designating priorities for their conservation.