Genetic Variations Revealed by Microsatellite Markers ina Small Population of the Sika Deer (Cervus nippon)on Kinkazan Island, Northern Japan

Genetic variations within a population of the Japanese sika deer, Cervus nippon, on Kinkazan Island were studied by microsatellite analysis. Seventeen pairs of polymerase chain reaction primers designed for several species of ungulates successfully amplified polymorphic microsatellite DNA in sika deer. About 20% of the Kinkazan population was sampled and genotyped for nine diagnostic microsatellite loci. Alleles at those loci in the Kinkazan population were found to be under the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. To determine whether the Kinkazan deer have a reduced level of genetic variability, an average heterozygosity in the population was calculated and compared with the values determined for other populations from Hyogo, Yamaguchi, Shimane, Tsushima, and Nagasaki. Neither the observed nor the expected heterozygosity in the Kinkazan deer significantly differed from that in the other populations. Our result indicated that, despite its small population size, the Kinkazan deer preserve extensive microsatellite variations.     

Effects of a Typhoon on Foraging Behavior and Foraging Success of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Macaca fuscata</Emphasis> on Kinkazan Island,Northern Japan

We studied the effects of typhoon damage on the food habits, time budgets, and moving distances of Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata) on Kinkazan Island, northern Japan. Before the typhoon (pre-typhoon phase), the macaques fed on various food items, including fruit in trees (Swida macrophylla) and nuts (Torreya nucifera) on the ground. After the typhoon passed (post-typhoon phase), the macaques fed intensively on the seeds of Perilla frutescens (a forb) and the nuts of Quercus serrata on the ground. One may attribute the changes to decreased food availability or foraging efficiency of fruits and nuts on the ground, due to their concealment by leaf litter and mud and their consumption by other animals, such as sika deer (Cervus nippon) and field mice (Apodemus argenteus). In the post-typhoon phase, the macaques fed more quickly on seeds of Perilla frutescens, spent less time traveling, and moved over shorter distances. The differences may be due to changes in the distribution of staple foods between the 2 phases. We also evaluated the energy intake and energy balance of the macaques in both phases, based on observations of foraging and nutritional analyses of the food items. There is no significant difference in either parameter between the 2 phases. The changes in food habits and movement behavior may have compensated for the reduced food availability or foraging efficiency caused by the typhoon. Both behavioral changes and nutritional issues are important when investigating the effects of storms on animal ecology.     

The evolution of nettle resistance to heavy deer browsing

We examined whether heavy browsing by sika deer, Cervus nippon Temminck, changed morphological characteristics of a Japanese nettle, Urtica thunbergiana Sieb. et Zucc., in Nara Park, where a large population of sika deer has been maintained for more than 1,200 years. Wild nettles of Nara Park exhibited smaller leaf area, 11–223 times more stinging hairs per leaf, and 58–630-times higher stinging hair densities than those of other areas where there was no evidence of sika deer browsing. There were no significant differences in stinging hair length between the areas. Nettles from Nara Park that were cultivated from seeds in a greenhouse retained a larger number and higher density of stinging hairs. In the field, nettles of Nara Park were less frequently browsed by sika deer and showed higher survivorship than nettles that were transplanted from an unbrowsed area into Nara Park. These results indicate that: (1) the U. thunbergiana population of Nara Park has an extremely high stinging hair density compared with those of unbrowsed areas; (2) this characteristic has a genetic basis, and (3) stinging hairs serve as a defensive structure against sika deer, contributing to an increase in survivorship. Thus, we conclude that a U. thunbergiana population in Nara Park, with extremely high stinging hair densities, has evolved through natural selection due to heavy browsing by sika deer.     

Mass emergence of a specialist sawfly species on unpalatable herbs under severe feeding pressure by sika deer

In recent years, the increase in sika deer populations has had a significant impact on forest ecosystems. Many studies have reported that this increase has led to the dominance of plants unpalatable to the deer; however, few studies have investigated the effects of this dominance on the specialist sawfly species that feed on the unpalatable plants. We observed the mass emergence of Aglaostigma amoorensis (Hymenoptera: Tenthredinidae), a rare specialist sawfly of the false helleborine Veratrum plants unpalatable to sika deer, in areas under severe feeding pressure by sika deer. An exponential increase in the number of emergent A. amoorensis adults was observed to occur with an increase in Veratrum album patch sizes. In addition, the increase in the A. amoorensis density had a negative effect on reproductive success of V. album. Our findings suggest that the relative abundance of specialist sawfly to the host‐plant abundance has changed for successive years after sika deer irruption.     

Changes of dominance rank,age, and tenure of wild Japanese macaque males in the Kinkazan a troop during seven years

Male age-rank and tenure-rank relationships were studied for seven years in unprovisioned Japanese macaque (Macaca fuscata fuscata) troop on Kinkazan Island, Japan. Males whose estimated ages were between 15 and 19 yr old monopolized the highest ranks, while older males whose estimated ages were ≥ 20 yr old tended to decline in rank, resulting in a humped age-rank curve. The ranks of males tended to rise as their tenure in the troop increased. The departure of higher-ranking males was the social mechanism for changes in rank, suggesting that the disappearance of higher-ranking males plays an important role in determining rank dominance.     

Comparative study of grooming relationships among wild Japanese macaques in Kinkazan A troop and Yakushima M troop

The influences of socionomic sex ratio (SSR; adult males/adult female) and troop size upon male-male, female-female, and male-female grooming relationships were examined and compared between two wild Japanese macaque troops (Kinkazan A and Yakushima M troops) in Japan. The Yakushima M troop was smaller and had a higher-SSR than the Kinkazan A troop. Between the troops, (1) the male-male grooming frequency and number of partners were greater in the Yakushima M troop than in the Kinkazan A troop; (2) the female-female grooming frequency and number of partners were not different; and (3) the male-female grooming frequency and number of partners were not different. Based on these features, the patterns of female-female and male-female grooming relationships appear to be independent of SSR and troop size variations. In contrast, male-male grooming relationships are influenced by both factors, especially SSR. Frequent grooming interactions among males may be useful for the continued coexistence of relatively many males especially in a higher-SSR troop.     

Seasonal change in browsing by sika deer on hinoki cypress trees on Mount Takahara,central Japan

Browsing by sika deer (Cervus nippon Temminck) on hinoki cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa (Sieb. et Zucc.) Endl.) was monitored for approximately 3years on 300 trees at three sites on Mount Takahara, central Japan. We investigated the seasonal change in browsing on hinoki cypress in relation to the availability of other food plants (dominated by Sasa nipponica Makino et Shibata) and preferred food plants (deciduous broad leaves). Browsing occurred mostly from November to April, while no browsing damage occurred from June to October. Browsing was observed in November, even when the amount of other food plants did not decrease. Therefore, the cause of browsing cannot be fully explained by a decreased availability of other food plants. Comparison of fecal composition and food availability showed that deer had a preference for deciduous broad leaves. The availability of these preferred plants decreased in November and increased in May. Chemical analysis of the hinoki cypress and deciduous broad leaves (crude protein and neutral detergent fiber) showed that the quality of deciduous broad leaves decreased in November, and as a result the quality of hinoki became higher than that of the deciduous broad leaves. Browsing on hinoki cypress occurred when the availability of deciduous broad leaves decreased, and vice versa. These results suggest that the availability of preferred food plants influences browsing on hinoki cypress by sika deer.     

Use of microsatellite markers to assess the spatial genetic structure of a population of sika deerCervus nippon on Kinkazan Island, Japan

To understand the relationship between social behaviour and gene distribution, we used microsatellite markers to resolve the spatial genetic structure of the sika deerCervus nippon Temminck, 1838 population on Kinkazan Island, a small island (9.6 km²) in northern Japan. We obtained 177 samples of deer which correspond to about 30% of the total population on the island. 126 were from a local population where each deer was individually identified, while 51 from other area on the island. Although there were no apparent geographical barriers on the island, the sika deer population showed local differentiation in its genetic composition. By comparing allele-sharing rates between gender and social categories, we demonstrated a higher genetic relatedness within males in a local group. The Assignment Index (AI) of each sex within a local group showed similar distributions. None of our analyses indicated a lower genetic relatedness among males than females, which contradicted our predictions based on the dispersal behaviour of males. Considering other factors, the results suggest that the range of male dispersal is quite limited on this island.     

A comparison of food habits of two sympatric ruminants of Mt. Yatsugatake,central Japan: sika deer and Japanese serow

Comparison of food habits of sympatric animals provides understanding of interspecific relations. Previous studies of food habits of the two ruminants of Japan, sika deer (Cervus nippon) and Japanese serows (Capricornis crispus), have shown that sika deer are variable, and they are gazers in northern Japan, but browsers in southern Japan, whereas Japanese serows are browsers. However, these studies described the food habits of each species separately, and no study has compared the food habits of these species living in sympatry. Therefore, we examined these species on Mt. Yatsugatake, central Japan, using microhistological analyses and nutritional analyses of feces. Sasa nipponica, a dwarf bamboo, predominated in the fecal composition of sika deer, whereas both S. nipponica and dicotyledonous plants were found in the feces of Japanese serows. Crude protein levels of serow feces were higher than those of deer. The particle sizes of plant fragments in serow feces were smaller than those in deer feces, suggesting that serow fed more selectively on digestible plants than deer did. These results support the suggestions of previous studies conducted in different habitats and show that sika deer are less selective grazers, and Japanese serows are more selective browsers. Thus, food differences are likely explained by the feeding ecophysiology of the animals and not habitat differences.     

A friend in need is a friend indeed: feeding association between Japanese macaques and sika deer

“Gleaning” is a behaviour observed in feeding associations between arboreal and ground-dwelling animals, wherein the former drop plant items that the latter consume. However, it is not well known whether gleaning is in fact beneficial for the ground-dwelling animals. We observed the gleaning association between sika deer,Cervus nippon Temminck, 1838, and Japanese macaques,Macaca fuscata Blyth, 1875, for 6 years (May 2000 to December 2005) on Kinkazan Island, northern Japan. The gleaning occurred most frequently in spring (from March to May, 28 events), followed by fall (from September to November, 15 events). Gleaning frequency seemed to be affected by both food shortage and nutritional requirement of the deer. Nutritional values of “gleaning foods” dropped by the macaques were higher than those of other non-gleaning foods. These results suggest that the gleaning association with macaques is beneficial to the deer.     

Immature Stages of Tomapoderus(T.) ruficollis Fabricius (Coleoptera: Attelabidae) from Korea

Eggs, larvae and pupae of Tomapoderus (T.) ruficollis Fabricius are described and illustrated. The species is found on host plants, Zelkova serrata Makino and Ulmus davidiana var. japonica Nakai. and is a well‐known forest pest. Taxonomic notes and cradle structure of this species are provided.     

Distribution and range expansion of deer in Ireland

• 1 Throughout Europe, the range of many deer species is expanding. We provide current distribution maps for red deer Cervus elaphus, sika Cervus nippon, fallow deer Dama dama and muntjac deer Muntiacus sp. in Ireland, and estimates of range expansion rates for red deer, sika and fallow deer.
• 2 There was a considerable expansion in the ranges of red deer, sika and fallow deer between 1978 and 2008. The compound annual rate of expansion was 7% for red deer, 5% for sika and 3% for fallow deer. The total range increase was 565% for red deer, 353% for sika and 174% for fallow deer. The potential implications of these expansions are discussed.
• 3 There are unknown numbers of red‐sika hybrid deer in some parts of Ireland. Range expansion is likely to lead to further hybridizations with implications for the genetic integrity of deer stocks.
• 4 Sightings of free‐roaming muntjac deer were first recorded in 2007. The distribution of confirmed sightings of single and multiple animals in the eastern region of Ireland suggests multiple releases.
• 5 Deer are already impacting on both the economic and biodiversity values of habitats in Ireland, where, at present, no sustainable deer management policy exists.

     

Sika deer presence affects the host–parasite interface of a Japanese land leech

Since the 1990s, increasing populations of a blood feeding land leech (Haemadipsa japonica) have become a serious issue in several Japanese prefectures, and it may be caused by the increases in sika deer (Cervus nippon) populations seen over the last quarter of the century. Therefore, this study aimed to reveal the host animal species of H. japonica using iDNA (vertebrate DNA isolated from invertebrates) and to test the hypothesis that the increasingly widespread distribution of sika deer results in increased H. japonica populations through changes to the host–parasite interface. We amplified mitochondrial DNA 16S ribosome RNA fragments from iDNA isolated from the blood clots of H. japonica collected across Japan. We identified 17 host animal species, including four orders of Mammalia (Carnivora, Artiodactyla, Rodentia, and Lagomorpha) and two orders of Amphibia (Caudata and Anura). The sika deer was the dominant host species of H. japonica. Additionally, the host animal species composition of H. japonica differed according to the presence or absence of sika deer. In the sites where sika deer were not found, Anura (frog) species were the most commonly identified hosts of H. japonica. These results suggest that the increases in H. japonica populations might have occurred via a change in host preference to sika deer. This change might be driven by the increases in sika deer populations and subsequent increase in the frequency that H. japonica uses the sika deer as easy prey, as well as by sika deer providing more reproductive energy per blood meal than blood meal from frog species. The present study suggests that a more widespread distribution of sika deer resulted in an increase in H. japonica through a change in the host–parasite interface. Therefore, management that focuses on decreasing sika deer populations would likely be an effective method for the reduction of H. japonica populations.     

Suppression of Regeneration in New Zealand Mountain Beech Forests is Dependent on Species of Introduced Deer

We compared the impacts on forest regeneration of introduced sika (Cervus nippon) and red (Cervus elaphus) deer in New Zealand. Plot data were used to compare mountain beech (Nothofagus solandri var. cliffortioides) regeneration between a region with sika deer, and four regions without sika deer. All regions surveyed had red deer present. In the region where sika deer had been present for more than a decade, there was evidence of poor mountain beech seedling regeneration. In the four regions without sika deer, there was evidence of a strong regenerative response at stands with low occupancy by trees. When compared to larger deer species, sika deer have a digestive morphology allowing greater dietary versatility, which may result in them impeding forest regeneration where red deer do not. In contrast to mountain beech, some small-leaved shrub species may have been competitively advantaged by intensive browsing from sika deer. This is contra to a current view that small-leaved shrub species with interlacing branches were able to tolerate browsing from extinct ratite birds, but not introduced deer. Sika deer have been introduced into countries where other deer species are indigenous, such as Canada, Denmark, Great Britain, Czech Republic, Ireland and the United States of America. Because of their dietary advantage, sika deer may have a greater potential to impede forest regeneration and competitively exclude larger deer species, particularly at low basal area sites where impacts on tree regeneration are likely to be greatest.     

Fallen leaves and unpalatable plants as alternative foods for sika deer under food limitation

Feeding behavior and rumen contents of sika deer (Cervus nippon Temminck) under food limitation were studied on Nakanoshima Island, Hokkaido. During the phase of population growth, the deer subsisted on tree bark and twigs, deciduous leaves and dwarf bamboos (Sasa spp.) in the winter. After a crash in population, the deer began feeding on the fallen leaves of deciduous trees and continued to do so throughout the year. They also ate unpalatable plants Cephalotaxus harringtonia var. nana Rehd., Senecio cannabifolius Less. and Cynanchum caudatum Maxim. as winter foods, which used to remain untouched by deer, and had accordingly expanded their distributions, following a decrease in the amount of dwarf bamboos available. These facts suggest that sika deer drastically shift their foods and exploit alternative foods under conditions of food limitation.     

Effects of Yearly Change in Nut Fruiting on Autumn Home-range Use by <Emphasis Type="Italic">Macaca fuscata</Emphasis> on Kinkazan Island,Northern Japan

Temporal changes in food availability affect foraging success and ultimately reproductive success of animals. They include both seasonal and annual changes. Although many researchers have investigated food availability and the corresponding ranging behavior of primates, studies of yearly changes have been limited. We studied the effects of the fruiting of nuts of Fagus crenata, Zelkova serrata, and Torreya nucifera on the ranging behavior of Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata) in autumn on Kinkazan Island, northern Japan, for 5 yr between 2000 and 2005 (excluding 2003). We divided the study area (3.3 km²) into 100 × 100-m quadrats to assess the distribution of nut-rich quadrats that contained high densities of nut-producing species. The home ranges of the monkeys contained more nut-rich quadrats than expected, and the difference was significant for 3 of 5 yr. Autumn home-range use was also affected by the distribution of nut production, although the effect differed by year: monkeys frequently used nut-rich quadrats in a Zelkova-year (2000) and in 1 Torreya-year (2001), whereas they nonselectively used nut-rich quadrats in 2 Fagus-years (2002 and 2005) and in another Torreya-year (2004). Thus, Japanese macaques flexibly change their autumn ranging behavior according to yearly changes in distribution of nut production.     

Evaluation of introgressive hybridization among Cervidae in Japan's Kinki District via two novel genetic markers developed from public NGS data

Hybridization and backcrossing of native populations with introduced species can lead to introgression and genetic alteration. In this study, we evaluated introgression in 43 deer from a potential hybrid zone around Okinoshima Island, Kinki District, Japan. This region witnessed the migration of a hybrid population (cross between the Formosan sika deer [Cervus nippon taiouanus] and other deer species) that could potentially breed with the native Japanese sika deer (C. n. centralis). We used an existing genetic marker for the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene and two novel markers for nuclear DNA, developed using publicly available next‐generation sequencing data. We identified one mainland deer with a mitochondrial haplotype identical to that of the Formosan sika deer as well as nuclear heterozygous sequences identical to those of Formosan and Japanese sika deer. This suggests that the mainland deer is a hybrid offspring of the Okinoshima population and native deer. However, only Japanese sika deer sequences were found in the other 42 samples, indicating limited introgression. Nevertheless, hybridization pre‐ and postintroduction in the Okinoshima population could cause multispecies introgression among Japanese sika deer, negatively affecting genetic integrity. We developed a simple test based on polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism to detect introgression in natural populations. Our method can accelerate genetic monitoring of Japanese sika deer in Kinki District. In conclusion, to prevent further introgression and maintain genetic integrity of Japanese sika deer, we recommend establishing fences around Okinoshima Island to limit migration, besides a continued genetic monitoring of the native deer.     

Introgression of exotic Cervus (nippon and canadensis) into red deer (Cervus elaphus) populations in Scotland and the English Lake District

Since the mid‐19th century, multiple introductions of Japanese sika deer (Cervus nippon nippon) and North American wapiti (C. canadensis) have taken place in the British Isles. While wapiti have generally been unsuccessful, sika have been very successful, especially in Scotland where they now overlap at least 40% of the range of native red deer (C. elaphus). Hybridization between these two species and red deer has been demonstrated in captivity and in the wild. Using a panel of 22 microsatellite loci that are highly diagnostic between red deer and sika, and moderately diagnostic between red deer and wapiti, we investigated the extent of introgression between these species in 2,943 deer sampled from around Scotland and from the English Lake District using the Bayesian clustering software STRUCTURE. We also used a diagnostic mitochondrial marker for red deer and sika. Our survey extends previous studies indicating little introgression of wapiti nuclear alleles into red deer, in particular in Northern Scotland, Kintyre, and the Lake District. We found a new area of extensive sika introgression in South Kintyre. In the North Highlands, we show for the first time geographically scattered evidence of past hybridization followed by extensive backcrossing, including one red‐like individual with sika introgression, two sika‐like individuals with red deer introgression, and six individuals that were apparently pure sika at the nuclear markers assessed but which carried red deer mitochondria. However, there has not been a collapse of assortative mating in this region. Similarly, in the English Lake District red deer, we found only traces of past sika introgression. No sika alleles were detected in the Central Highlands or the Hebridean red deer refugia. We make suggestions for management to prevent further spread of sika alleles into red deer and vice versa.     

Germination,growth and survival of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Berberis thunbergii</Emphasis> DC. (Berberidaceae) and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Berberis thunbergii</Emphasis> var. <Emphasis Type="Italic">atropurpurea</Emphasis> in five natural environments

Germination, growth and survival of green Berberis thunbergii and its purple ornamental form, Berberis thunbergii var. atropurpurea, were compared in five natural environments (full sun meadow, edge of woods, moist woods, dry woods, pine woods) to determine whether these two forms have a similar ability to naturalize. Berberis thunbergii and Berberis thunbergii var. atropurpurea had similar germination rates of about 25% at the end of 3 years. Most of the seed germination occurred in year one (89%), with a small amount of additional germination in year two (10%), and even less in year three (1%). Greatest germination occurred in the moist woods and full sun meadow sites and the least occurred at the pine woods site. Germination was reduced in the pine woods environment by the thick leaf litter layer present there. Barberry seedling survival during the first year was only 22% and survival dropped to 11.3% by the end of 2 years. Purple barberry seedlings had a lower 2 year survival rate than green barberry. There was no difference in seedling growth between purple and green barberry seedlings, but surviving seedling growth rates at the five environments were comparable. Seedlings achieved maximum growth in the edge of woods environment, but also grew well in the full sun meadow environment. At harvest, the full sun meadow had the greatest number of seedlings present, while no seedlings survived in the pine woods site.     

冬末春初圈养梅花鹿健康与腹泻个体粪便菌群的比较分析

腹泻是制约梅花鹿(Cervus nippon)养殖发展的主要因素之一，通常与肠道菌群失衡有关，而健康与腹泻梅花鹿个体菌群组成变化尚不清楚。为探究健康与腹泻梅花鹿肠道菌群差异，分析梅花鹿腹泻原因，以圈养雄性梅花鹿为实验对象，采集正常及腹泻梅花鹿粪便共18份，通过16S rRNA基因测序进行比较分析。研究结果表明，腹泻组菌群丰度及多样性较健康组均有所下降。在门至属水平，腹泻组理研菌科(Rikenellaceae)、克里斯滕森菌科(Christensenellaceae)等有益菌丰度下降，Treponema＿2菌属等促炎菌丰度上升。此外，瘤胃球菌科UCG-014菌属(Ruminococcaceae＿UCG-014)和理研菌科RC9菌属(Rikenellaceae＿RC9＿gut＿group)在健康组中显著富集；疣微菌门(Verrucomicrobia)、拟普雷沃氏菌属(Alloprevotella)、阿克曼氏菌属(Akkermansia)在腹泻组显著富集。腹泻梅花鹿与健康梅花鹿粪便菌群组成和多样性存在显著差异，疣微菌门丰度升高可能是导致梅花鹿腹泻的一个原因。