DNA barcoding of an invasive mammal species, the small Indian mongoose (Herpestes javanicus; E. Geoffroy Saint-Hillaire 1818) in the Caribbean and Hawaiian Islands

Abstract

Background and aim: The use of DNA barcodes has been proposed as a promising tool for identifying species. The efficacy of this tool for invasive species requires further exploration. The species status of the small Indian mongoose, an exotic invasive in several parts of the world, has been contentious due to morphological similarity with its congeners in its natural habitat. Although the small Indian mongoose is recognized as Herpestes javanicus, this nomenclature has been used interchangeably with Herpestes auropunctatus.

Materials and methods: Here, we demonstrate the utility of using DNA barcoding approaches with mtDNA cytochrome b to discriminate between the two species and other sympatric members of the genus Herpestes (Herpestes naso, Herpestes urva, and Herpestes edwardsii). Using the diagnostic DNA positions we obtain, we can identity specimens of nonnative populations of the small Indian mongoose from the Caribbean and Hawaiian Islands to their species of origin.

Results: A singe diagnostic site accomplishes the identification of H. javanicus versus H. auropunctatus.

Conclusion: Our results indicate that the nonnative mongoose populations from the Caribbean and Hawaiian Islands are H. auropunctatus, and not H. javanicus.

Keywords::

• cytochrome b
• small Indian mongoose
• Herpestes javanicus
• invasive species
• Caribbean
• Hawaii

Acknowledgements

The authors are indebted to the local government, wildlife agencies, and wildlife officials for granting approval and scientific permits to conduct research in Jamaica, Puerto Rico, St Croix, and Hawaii, and for access to collection localities. The present study was supported by the American Society of Mammalogists (Grants-In-Aid of Research Award), The Explorers Club, Columbia University, The Korein Family Foundation, and the American Museum of Natural History (Theodore Roosevelt Award). In addition, the authors acknowledge support by the Sackler Institute for Comparative Genomics at the American Museum of Natural History for the laboratory work.

Declarations of interest: The authors report no conflict of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this paper.