Phylogeographic and Feeding Ecological Effects on the Mustelid Faunal Assemblages in Japan

摘要: Phylogeographic and feeding ecological studies of seven terrestrial mustelid species (Carnivora, Mustelidae), the Japanese marten Martes melampus, sable zibellina, badger Meles anakuma, ermine or stoat Mustela erminea, weasel itatsi, least nivalis, Siberian sibirica, representing four biogeographic patterns in archipelagos (Hokkaido, Honshu-Shikoku-Kyushu, Tsushima, Hokkaido-Honshu), were reviewed order to clarify causes for faunal assemblage processes those Japan. Here, three main constraints extracted as important factors on assemblage. First, fundamental evolutionary differences maintained by niche conservatism each ecologically diversified lineage (“evolutionary constraint”) would enable co-occur without any major problem (coexistence among Martes, Meles, species). Second, “ecological constraints” force two closely related be allopatric competitive exclusion (Mu. itatsi Mu. sibirica) sympatric resource partitions erminea nivalis). Third most importantly, “geological allow specific embraced a particular geographic region, primarily deciding which co-occurs. The distribution Japan have been established strong effect geological separation Tsugaru Strait. Elucidating both phylogeny ecology co-existing community is know possess distinct traits are adapted local environments, fulfilling requirement field conservation biology that endemism adaptation should considered. would, therefore, provide valuable insight into small carnivoran species.