Historical and recent impacts on genetic structure of an island rabbit

A genetic analysis of the Amami rabbit (Pentalagus furnessi) on Tokunoshima Island reveals two distinct genetic groups, corresponding to northern and southern forested areas. These groups exhibit admixture in nuclear genomes but no gene flow in mitochondrial genomes, indicating historical divergence. The study estimates their separation occurred approximately 4,320 years ago, with the southern population showing higher genetic diversity but signs of recent inbreeding and a bottleneck. Human activities, including Stone Age influences, deforestation for sugar plantations (~300 years ago), and recent disturbances, likely shaped these patterns. The findings underscore the need to consider complex intra-island factors for effective conservation strategies of endemic mammals on islands.

Ando, H., Tsuda, Y., Kaneko, S., & Kubo, T. (2018). Historical and recent impacts on genetic structure of an island rabbit. The Journal of Wildlife Management, 82(8), 1658–1667. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1002/jwmg.21555