Lingering genetic evidence of North American mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) introduced to New Zealand.

摘要: Introduced species are becoming part of the landscape around world. Unfortunately, in many cases, exact source population for these introduced is not known, which can hamper their proper management. Genetic investigations shed light on introduction process and we used New Zealand mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) as a case study to demonstrate insights that genetics provide. The was from United Kingdom (UK) States (USA) recreational hunting late 19th early 20th centuries. We mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequencing detect any enduring genetic evidence two small US-sourced introductions, both came same game farm. If introductions were pivotal establishing mallards Zealand, has been suggested, expected North-American-specific haplotypes (type-B) would be common Zealand's present-day mallards. From nationally distributed sample 122 mallards, identified 11 mtDNA haplotypes, comprising 10 type-A but only one haplotype, shared by six ducks. Mallards displayed low nucleotide haplotype diversity. also detected weak structure between North South Island populations (FST = 0.0961). conclude concerted breeding release 1940 1960 followed fuelled largely descendants previous UK-sourced introductions. Furthermore, speculate some may have descended game-farm imported Europe therefore representative wild US