Finding a new mitochondrial DNA haplotype of the masked palm civet (Paguma larvata) captured in Shimane Prefecture, Japan

The masked palm civet (Paguma larvata), distributed in Honshu and Shikoku, Japan, is considered an invasive species based on DNA analyses in previous studies; however, its invasive routes are still unclear. In this study, we analyzed the mitochondrial DNA cytochrome b gene and the control region (1,663 bp) of four animals collected in Shimane Prefecture, Japan, where they have recently invaded, and compared their invasive routes with the results of previous studies. The haplotypes identified in all four animals were identical. The haplotype was new (JA4/J4), with one nucleotide difference from haplotype JA4/J3 previously found in Shikoku, and was closely related to JA4/JT3, which is distributed widely in Chubu (Central Honshu) and Shikoku. Although this study examined only four animals, the obtained genetic data can be invaluable for further studies of the populations of western Honshu, where little information on masked palm civets is available. Future studies analyzing more animals from the Chugoku District, including Shimane, could also contribute to understanding their origin and population structures in Japan.