An allelic discrimination SNP assay for distinguishing the mitochondrial lineages of European wildcats and domestic cats

Here we present an allelic discrimination assay designed to distinguish European wildcat mtDNA lineages from those of the domestic cat. Introgression between the native wildcat and introduced domestic cat has the potential to limit and reduce the recent recovery of remnant populations. Applied conservation genetic techniques can aid current conservation decisions on lethal control and neutering measures in hybrid zones. This real-time PCR technique offers a rapid, inexpensive and reliable assay to assess mtDNA introgression in the wild and has already identified hybrid individuals in the Scottish wildcat captive breeding programme.