Abstract
The colonization of Ireland by mammals has been the subject of extensive study using genetic methods and forms a central problem in understanding the phylogeography of European mammals after the Last Glacial Maximum. Ireland exhibits a depauperate mammal fauna relative to Great Britain and continental Europe, and a range of natural and anthropogenic processes have given rise to its modern fauna. Previous Europe-wide surveys of the European badger (Meles meles) have found conflicting microsatellite and mitochondrial DNA evidence in Irish populations, suggesting Irish badgers have arisen from admixture between human imported British and Scandinavian animals. The extent and history of contact between British and Irish badger populations remains unclear. We use comprehensive genetic data from Great Britain and Ireland to demonstrate that badgers in Ireland's northeastern and southeastern counties are genetically similar to contemporary British populations. Simulation analyses suggest this admixed population arose in Ireland 600–700 (CI 100–2600) years before present most likely through introduction of British badgers by people. These findings add to our knowledge of the complex colonization history of Ireland by mammals and the central role of humans in facilitating it.
Highlights
The origins of Ireland’s comparatively depauperate mammalian fauna are an ongoing area of research [1,2], which has revealed the varied and complex processes of colonization [3]
Lower genetic diversity and weaker population structure in Irish badgers compared to Britain
Z tests of allele frequencies compared between road traffic accident (RTA) animals and sett side capture badgers from County Down, when corrected for multiple comparisons indicated there were no significant allele frequency differences, suggesting there is no representative bias in the Northern Ireland (NI) RTA dataset compared to Republic of Ireland (RoI) animals
Summary
The origins of Ireland’s comparatively depauperate mammalian fauna are an ongoing area of research [1,2], which has revealed the varied and complex processes of colonization [3]. For the pygmy shrew, it has been shown that while cytochrome b sequences linked extant Irish populations to those in Spain, the same sequence type was found in Great Britain (GB), with further detailed microsatellite and Y chromosome typing indicating this was likely the historical source of origin for the extant Irish population [2]. The latter highlights the importance of sampling genetic diversity more widely, before ruling Britain out as a source for Irish mammals
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
