Genetic structure of, and hybridisation between, red (Cervus elaphus) and sika (Cervus nippon) deer in Ireland

Abstract

This study investigated the levels of genetic diversity and variation exhibited by red and sika deer in Ireland, along with the extent and regional location of hybridisation between these two species. Bi-parental (microsatellites) and maternally-inherited (mitochondrial DNA) genetic markers were utilised that allowed comparisons between 85 red deer from six localities and 47 sika deer from 3 localities in Ireland. Population genetic structure was assessed using Bayesian analysis, indicating the existence of two genetic clusters in sika deer and three clusters in red deer. Levels of genetic diversity were low in both red and sika deer. These genetic data presented herein indicate a recent introduction of sika deer and subsequent translocations in agreement with historical data. The origins of the current red deer populations found in Ireland, based on genetic data presented in this study, still remain obscure. All hybrid deer (red/sika) found in this study were found in Wicklow, Galway and Mayo where the 'red-like' deer exhibited sika deer alleles/haplotypes, and vice versa in the case of Wicklow. Molecular methods proved invaluable in the identification of the hybrid deer because identification of hybrids based on phenotypic external appearances (pelage and body proportions) can be misleading. Areas where red and sika deer are sympatric need to be assessed for the level and extent of hybridisation occurring and thus need to be managed in order to protect the genetic integrity of 'pure' red deer populations.

Phylogeny and evolution of Cervidae based on complete mitochondrial genomes

“…This dichotomy was proposed on the basis of molecular data, but our study is the first using all mitochondrial genome sequences, which makes the results more credible. To subfamily Cervinae, C. nippon, C. elaphus, and the other species of Cervus sensu have been added, and the monophyly of subfamily Cervinae is strongly supported by our data and previous data (Polziehn and Strobeck, 2002;Ludt et al, 2004;McDevitt et al, 2009). Muntiacus and Elaphodus have been grouped in the subfamily Muntiacinae, a position weakly confirmed by molecular data; in our phylogenetic trees, this grouping was well supported by Bayesian analysis.…”

Genetic structure and diversity of a rare woodland bat, Myotis bechsteinii: comparison of continental Europe and Britain

“…However, the use of molecular techniques has provided valuable information on a number of species by contributing towards a better understanding of mating behaviour (Bryja et al 2009), social behaviour (Kerth et al 2000) and other aspects of the biology. The high mobility of bats compared with other terrestrial mammals along with behaviours, such as migration (Ahlén et al 2009;Bryja et al 2009) and autumnal swarming (Glover and Altringham 2008;Kerth et al 2003;McDevitt et al 2009;Moussy et al 2013;Parsons and Jones 2003), has allowed them to maintain high levels of gene flow and little genetic differentiation throughout their range despite environmental pressures and changes in land management (Ibáñez et al 2006). The consequence of these pressures is, however, more likely to be apparent in Britain than mainland Europe since populations on highly inhabited islands are more susceptible to genetic drift and inbreeding which can subsequently lead to extinction (Frankham 1997).…”

Effects of human perturbation on the genetic make-up of an island population: the case of the Sardinian wild boar

“…Harvest can cause the loss of genetic variation, an alteration of genetic subdivision, and selective changes with effects on the phenotype (Allendorf et al, 2008). The introduction of exotic fauna accounts for allopatric taxa, species as well as subspecies, occurring in sympatry, and this creates the conditions for introgressive hybridization (Simberloff, 1996;McDevitt et al, 2009). Translocation of individuals, also for conservation purposes, can severely alter the genetic structure of indigenous populations (DeYoung et al, 2003;Frantz et al, 2006;Latch et al, 2006), and encourage the deliberate hybridization between domestic and wild organisms (Allendorf et al, 2001).…”