TITLE:
Genetic Diversity and Structure in Japanese Populations of the Osprey (Pandion haliaetus), Based on mtDNA
AUTHORS:
Kazuya Nagai, Takayuki Sakakibara, Atsuki Azuma
KEYWORDS:
Genetic Diversity, Osprey, MtDNA, Phylogeography, Cytochrome b, Control Region
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Genetics,
Vol.11 No.3,
September
17,
2021
ABSTRACT: Osprey is a type of bird of prey that lives almost
all over the world. In Japan, it is designated as a near-threatened species
because it has less than 1000 individuals. In recent years, it inhabits more
inland than in coastal areas. In this study, we conducted a population genetic
analysis focusing on what kind of genetic structure Japanese Osprey retains and
whether there are differences between coastal and inland populations. We also
performed genetic diversity assessments. We sequenced about
2.3 kb of mtDNA for 27 individuals in Japan, and phylogenetic analysis, network
analysis, neutrality test and mismatch distribution analysis were performed. Eighteen
haplotypes were detected in 27 individuals, indicating that genetic diversity
was sufficiently high. Both unique and common haplotypes were detected between
inland and coastal populations, suggesting gene flow between the two
populations. Phylogenetic analysis results show no genetic differentiation in
the Japanese Osprey population. From the results of network analysis,
neutrality test and mismatch distribution analysis, it was inferred that the
Japanese Osprey had a population expansion in the past. This study indicated
that the dispersion of Japanese Osprey was random and there were no
restrictions on the breeding area. The information presented here can be used
towards implementing future conservation actions.