Biochemical variation in roe deer (Capreolus capreolus L.): are r-strategists among deer genetically less variable than K-strategists?

Tissue samples from 161 roe deer (Capreolus capreolus L.) from 5 populations in Austria were screened for allelic variation at 41 presumptive genetic loci by means of horizontal starch gel electrophoresis. The proportion of polymorphic loci ranged from 14.6 per cent to 19.5 per cent, the values for expected average heterozygosity from 3.5 per cent to 7.9 per cent. These values are among the highest ones yet found among deer species. The relationship between biochemical genetic variation, body size and ecological strategy of adaptation is discussed.