Mitochondrial DNA Variations in Local Populations of the Japanese Sika Deer, Cervus nippon

• DOI: 10.2307/1383030
• Publication Date: 2006-07-28T06:31:45Z
• Authors: H. B. Tamate; S. Tatsuzawa; K. Suda; M. Izawa; T. Doi; K. Sunagawa; F. Miyahira; H. Tado
• Keywords: Subspecies; Cervus

A partial sequence of the mitochondrial cytochrome-b gene was determined for seven subspecies sika deer (Cervus nippon) in Japanese Islands. Nine DNA genotypes were distinguishable among sampled. Sequence analysis revealed two major phylogenetic groups comprised northern (Hokkaido-Honshu) and southern (Kyushu) local populations. Estimated nucleotide divergence between found populations ≤1.1%, which indicated that genetic differentiation within this group occurred recently. Phylogenetic data suggest biogeographical boundary lies somewhere Honshu mainland not channels separate each Island as has been suggested. C. n. keramae, an endangered Kerama Islands, to be genotypically close other from keramae may have descended originally introduced Kyushu Island.