Asia-wide phylogeography of wild boar (Sus scrofa) based on mitochondrial DNA and Y-chromosome: Revising the migration routes of wild boar in Asia.

Sung Kyoung Choi,Elmar Babaev,Inna Voloshina,Maryana Ranyuk,Kyung Seok Kim,Hang Lee,Nickolay Markov,Jong-Ryol Chong,Mi-Sook Min,Damdingiin Bayarlkhagva,Li Yu,Naotaka Ishiguro

doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0238049

Abstract

Genetics of pigs has been well studied in Europe and Asia, but most of previous studies of molecular phylogeny of Sus scrofa have been based on sequences of both wild and domestic forms. In this study we analysed genetic traits of Sus scrofa from 13 regions in Asia (including previously undisclosed Eastern Caucasus and Trans-Baikal regions) using purely wild boar samples. Mitochondrial control region and Y-chromosome genes (AMELY & USP9Y) were employed to resolve phylogeographic relationships. We discussed spatio-temporal dynamics of wild boar distribution and compared molecular data to morphological and cytogenetic data on wild boar variability and taxonomy. A total of 51 haplotypes were detected in mtDNA control region and five haplotypes were found in combined sequences of Y-chromosome genes. The phylogeography of Asia-wide wild boars supported a hypothesis of migration from South-East Asia to South Asia, followed by migration to East and West Asia. We present a hypothesis about independent dispersal of wild boars into West Asia from South and North-East Asia. Mitochondrial DNA phylogeny generally fits the morphologically based intraspecies taxonomy. Distribution of chromosomal variants of wild boar presently does not show clear correlation with mtDNA clades.

Highlights

Wild boar (Sus scrofa), the ancestor of the domestic pig, is one of the most widely distributed mammals
We aimed to investigate the phylogeography of the mtDNA and Y-chromosome genes based on purely wild boar samples
A total of 51 haplotypes of the mtDNA control region were identified in 171 wild boars sampled across Asia and Eastern Europe (Table 1)

Summary

Introduction

Wild boar (Sus scrofa), the ancestor of the domestic pig, is one of the most widely distributed mammals. It is distributed throughout Eurasia from Europe to the Far East, including South and East Asia, and extending to North Africa. According to Keuling et al [3] 16 wild boar subspecies are recognized based on morphological parameters, such as shape of skull, size and proportions of body, hair colour. These subspecies are divided into European, Asian and South-Asian groups. Geographical range of these subspecies includes Europe together with islands, and in North Africa some researchers recognize S. s. algeri, Loche, 1867

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