Colonization of the Scottish islands via long-distance Neolithic transport of red deer (Cervus elaphus)

Red deer (Cervus elaphus) on the Outer Hebrides and Orkney likely originated from long-distance maritime introductions by Neolithic humans, rather than natural colonization or migration from mainland Scotland, Ireland, or Norway. This finding, derived from ancient DNA analysis of deer samples across Scottish islands and the mainland, challenges assumptions about Neolithic seafaring capabilities and human-wildlife interactions. The study reveals common genetic haplotypes between the Outer Hebrides and Orkney, suggesting shared ancestry or gene flow, while also confirming Ireland's role as a source for deer introductions into the Inner Hebrides. These insights shed light on the processes shaping the distribution of Britain's largest indigenous land mammal and provide evidence for sophisticated Neolithic maritime travel.

Stanton, D. W. G., Mulville, J. A., & Bruford, M. W. (2016). Colonization of the Scottish islands via long-distance Neolithic transport of red deer (Cervus elaphus). Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, 283(1828), 20160095. https://doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2016.0095