Molecular phylogeny of Eurasian badgers (Meles) around the distribution boundaries, revealed by analyses of mitochondrial DNA and Y-chromosomal genes. (April 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kinoshita, Emi; Kosintsev, Pavel A.; Raichev, Evgeniy G.; Haukisalmi, Voitto K.; Kryukov, Alexey P.; Wiig, Øystein; Abramov, Alexei V.; Kaneko, Yayoi; Masuda, Ryuichi
• Is Part Of: Biochemical systematics and ecology. Volume 71(2017)
• Page Start: 121
• Page End: 130
• Publication Date: 2017-04
• Subjects: Distribution boundary -- Diversity -- Eurasian badger -- Mitochondrial DNA -- Y-chromosomal genes; Chemotaxonomy -- Periodicals; Biochemical variation -- Periodicals; Ecology -- Periodicals; Biochemistry -- Periodicals; Ecology -- Periodicals; Chimiotaxinomie -- Périodiques; Variation biochimique -- Périodiques; Écologie -- Périodiques; 578.012
• DOI: 10.1016/j.bse.2017.01.011
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0305-1978

Abstract

Abstract: Based on previous molecular and morphological analyses, Eurasian badgers are currently classified into Meles meles distributed in Europe, M. canescens in the Caucasus and Middle East, M. leucurus in continental Asia and M. anakuma in Japan. The precise locations of their distribution boundaries are still unclear. Therefore, in the present study, we clarified the phylogenetic relationships in the genus Meles around its distribution boundaries, based on mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and Y-chromosomal genes. From 71 badgers examined, 29 mtDNA haplotypes were identified, including new 26 types. Multiple haplotypes of SRY and CAN-SINEs were identified from 23 males, including two new haplotypes of SRY . The mtDNA phylogeny showed that the Ural Mountains were not a current distribution boundary between M. meles and M. leucurus . In addition, our results supported the hypothesis that the Bosphorus Strait is a geographical barrier between M. meles and M. canescens . The badgers from Bulgaria north of the Bosphorus Strait shared haplotypes with M. meles . On the other hand, badgers from Far Eastern Russia distributed in the eastern peripheral region of the Asian Continent had haplotypes of M. leucurus . The badgers from Norway and Finland shared haplotypes with M. meles . Highlights: Phylogenetic relationships in Meles around its distribution boundaries, based on mitochondrial DNA and Y-chromosomal genes. Our results supported the hypothesis that the Bosphorus Strait is a geographical barrier between M. meles and M. canescens. Badgers from Bulgaria shared haplotypes with M. meles. Badgers from Far Eastern Russia had haplotypes of M. leucurus. Badgers from Norway and Finland shared haplotypes with M. meles.