Molecular phylogeny of Eurasian badgers (Meles) around the distribution boundaries, revealed by analyses of mitochondrial DNA and Y-chromosomal genes

Based on previous molecular and morphological analyses, Eurasian badgers are currently classified into Metes metes distributed in Europe, M. canescens in the Caucasus and Middle East, M. leucurus in continental Asia and M. anakuma in Japan. The precise locations of their distribution boundaries are still unclear. Therefore, in the present study, we clarified the phylogenetic relationships in the genus Metes around its distribution boundaries, based on mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and Y-chromosomal genes. From 71 badgers examined, 29 mtDNA haplotypes were identified, including new 26 types. Multiple haplotypes of SRY and CAN-SINEs were identified from 23 males, including two new haplotypes of SRY. The mtDNA phylogeny showed that the Ural Mountains were not a current distribution boundary between M metes and M. leucurus. In addition, our results supported the hypothesis that the Bosphorus Strait is a geographical barrier between M. metes and M. canescens. The badgers from Bulgaria north of the Bosphorus Strait shared haplotypes with M. metes. On the other hand, badgers from Far Eastern Russia distributed in the eastern peripheral region of the Asian Continent had haplotypes of M. leucurus. The badgers from Norway and Finland shared haplotypes with M. metes. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.