Characterizing the genetic background and evaluating the relatedness between livestock breeds is an important step in designing the breeding programs that are essential for conservation and breeding of populations. This process must be carried out thoughtfully for endangered local breeds. In this study, we examined for the first time the parameters of genetic diversity, population structure and possible admixture with foreign breeds in the Slovenian autochthonous breed Drežnica goat. Several parameters, like large number of population-specific alleles, proved a unique genetic signature of the Drežnica goat, which was additionally confirmed by an independent branch on different phylogenetic trees. The phylogenetic analysis brought the Drežnica goat closer to the Austrian and Italian goat breeds, which is consistent with the geographical proximity of these breeds and the historical connections in this area. On the mountain pastures, the Drežnica goat, domestic goat breed (Capra aegagrus hircus), shares its habitat with the Alpine ibex (C. ibex), which can lead to interbreeding between the species. We did not find evidence of recent introgressive hybridization between Drežnica goats and Alpine ibex in either direction, but it probably took place at the time of the ancestors of both species. We have confirmed the identity of an interspecific hybrid, which is a first generation offspring between a female Drežnica goat and a male Alpine ibex. The hybrid is fertile, as we have also discovered its offspring in the flock of Drežnica goats. Introgressive hybridization could present a potential threat for a loss of unique genetic characteristics that define each endangered populations, which is a good reason for further efforts to control both species. With proper genetic monitoring, we could enable the coexistence of domestic goats and Alpine ibex on high mountain pastures. Our research assessed the genetic status of the populations and provides the basis for the development of genomic tools to monitor and manage both populations in Slovenia.
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