Identification of origins of Japalura polygonata polygonata by molecular biology techniques

2015 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 25430189
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Conservation of biological resources
• Research Institution: University of Tsukuba
• Principal Investigator: HONDA Masanao 筑波大学, 生命環境系, 教授 (60345767)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): OTA Hidetoshi 兵庫県立大学, 自然・環境科学研究所, 教授 (10201972)
• Project Period (FY): 2013-04-01 – 2016-03-31
• Keywords: 保全 / 多様性 / 琉球列島 / 爬虫類 / キノボリトカゲ科 / 遺伝子 / 原産地 / 人為分布

Outline of Final Research Achievements

We investigated data for DNA sequences and ecological features in order to elucidate the dispersal route of Japalura polygonata polygonata from the Central Ryukyus to southern Kyushu (Nichinan City, Miyazaki Pref. and Ibusuki City, Kagoshima Pref.) and to reveal persistence of invasive populations. Results based on mitochondrial data supported a close relationship between populations from Miyazaki and Amami Island Group although variation in nuclear genes failed to show distinct structures. On the other hand, Kagoshima populations were shown to have two haplotypes, suggesting independent origin from two areas, Amami and Okinawa Island Groups. Field observations found breeding colonies in southern Kyushu existed through environmental changes, such as destruction of forests for residential land developments.

Free Research Field

保全遺伝学