The influence of invasive mongoose on the genetic structure of the endangered Amami rabbit populations

A study on Amami-Oshima Island reveals that the invasive small Indian mongoose has fragmented endangered Amami rabbit populations, leading to distinct genetic structures between a north-isolated (NI) and south-large (SL) group. The NI population exhibits lower genetic diversity, likely due to its smaller size post-fragmentation. While no clear ancestral clustering was observed, isolation-by-distance rather than habitat fragmentation appears to have maintained the genetic differences between the two populations. Researchers analyzed mitochondrial DNA and microsatellite loci from rabbit feces across the island's habitat, providing insights into the impact of invasive species on native biodiversity.

Ohnishi, N., Kobayashi, S., Nagata, J., & Yamada, F. (2017). The influence of invasive mongoose on the genetic structure of the endangered Amami rabbit populations. Ecological Research, 32(5), 735–741. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11284-017-1489-5