Distribution of two distinct lineages of sika deer (Cervus nippon) on Shikoku Island revealed by mitochondrial DNA analysis

Abstract

Nucleotide sequences of sika deer (Cervus nippon) collected from the eastern part of Shikoku Island were investigated & compared with those from other areas. Nucleotide sequence of the whole D-loop region of the mitochondrial DNA was determined by direct sequencing technique for each sample. The phylogenetic tree constructed by the sequences indicates that sika deer from Shikoku Island are divided into two distinct lineages: the northern Japan group and the southern Japan group. Proportion of the northern Japan lineage was higher in the northeastern part of the sampling area. There was no border between the distribution of the two lineages, rather it seemed that their distribution intermingled. Besides, there were locations where both lineages were found within a small area. These results indicate that two lineages might be hybridized in some areas of eastern Shikoku.