RABBIT AND MAN - GENETIC AND HISTORIC APPROACH

New data on mitochondrial DNA polymorphism in Oryctolagus cuniculus confirm the existence of 2 maternal lineages which are geographically well separated. They provide evidence in favour of northern Spain (and possibly southern France) as a refuge area for rabbit populations during the last major glaciation. Osteological analysis leads to the discrimination of populations and the recognition of discrete qualitative characters, which provide additional markers to describe population diversity. Characterization of different domains of mtDNA from ancient bones was used as a tool to resolve the general question of the origin of present populations. Results obtained from ancient and present rabbits living in Zembra (Tunisia) showed that the present-day population has descended from animals present on the island some 2 000 years ago. Archaeozoological data provide evidence for their introduction by Bronze Age, Punic or Roman people.