DETECTION OF INOBUTA FROM WILD BOAR POPULATION IN JAPAN BY GENETIC ANALYSIS

Abstract

Increasing habitat range and population size of wild boar has been of concern in Japan due to the risk for worsening crop damage. Inobuta, a crossbreed of wild boar and domestic pig (Sus scrofa), is strongly suspected of contributing to these increases in range and population size of wild boar. Genetic analyses used to detect Inobuta from wild boar population in Japan are reviewed here. Previous studies had revealed Inobuta existed in multiple localities in Japan. Furthermore, comparison between production process of Inobuta and its actual genetic profile in the wild indicates that gene flow from Inobuta to wild boar population had continued for multiple generations. However, it is difficult to estimate the degree of impact of Inobuta that still remain in the wild, due to lack of continuous study focused on same locality or population. From both aspects of crop damage control and conservation of genetic structure of wild boar population in Japan, the need for continuous genetic analyses that cover many localities are emphasized.