Genetic and Morphological Differences among Populations of the Japanese Bush-Warbler (Aves: Sylviidae) on the Ogasawara Islands, Northern Pacific

Research on the Japanese Bush-warbler (Cettia diphone) reveals distinct genetic and morphological differences among its populations across the Ogasawara Islands, including Bonin and Volcano Island groups. The study found no shared mitochondrial DNA haplotypes between native subspecies C. d. diphone and C. d. cantans, with high discrimination rates (>75%) confirmed via canonical discriminant analysis (CDA) using five morphological measurements. Notably, the Volcano population, confined to a single island, is identified as a conservation priority due to its limited distribution. Additionally, unidentified subspecies observed on Mukojima Island since 2007 were determined to be non-native, potentially migratory birds exploiting improved habitat conditions. Continuous monitoring of these populations and their ecological impact is recommended.

Emura, N., Ando, H., Kawakami, K., & Isagi, Y. (2013). Genetic and Morphological Differences among Populations of the Japanese Bush-Warbler (Aves: Sylviidae) on the Ogasawara Islands, Northern Pacific. Pacific Science, 67(2), 187–196. https://doi.org/10.2984/67.2.3