Genetic relationships among populations of the small Indian mongoose (Urva auropunctata) introduced in Japan

The small Indian mongoose, Urva auropunctata, is one of the most notorious invasive species in the world. In Japan, the mongoose was introduced to Amami, Kyushu (Kiire region), and Okinawa Islands. Currently, an eradication program for the Amami population is proving successful. To prevent reinvasion and conserve biodiversity, it would be advantageous to investigate the origin and dispersal history of introduced mongoose populations in Japan. We determined the mitochondrial genome of a mongoose from the Okinawa population and confirmed that the systematic status of the mongoose is Urva auropunctata. We also found two haplotypes of cytochrome b in the Amami population, one of which is common among the Okinawa, Amami, and Kiire populations. Based on our microsatellite analysis, the three populations were genetically different from each other. Furthermore, with a low pairwise F-ST value, the Kiire population was closer to the Okinawa than the Amami population. Our results suggest that the Okinawa population could be the source of the Amami and Kiire populations. These results align with historical records of mongoose in Japan and clarify its genetic status. Our results should aid the prediction of the pathway through which a new invasion will likely occur.

Automated summary

The small Indian mongoose is a notorious invasive species. In Japan, it has been introduced to Amami, Kyushu, and Okinawa Islands. The eradication program for the Amami population has been successful. Investigating the origin and dispersal history of introduced mongoose populations in Japan can help prevent reinvasion and conserve biodiversity.