Using DNA to Identify the Source of Invasive Mongooses, Herpestes auropunctatus (Carnivora: Herpestidae) Captured on Kaua‘i, Hawaiian Islands

Abstract

Two small Indian mongooses (Herpestes auropunctatus) were livecaptured in 2012 at separate locations on the Hawaiian Island of Kaua'i, which was previously considered to be free of this invasive species. Genotypes from these two individuals were compared to genotypes of H. auropunctatus from the islands of Hawai'i (n = 39), O'ahu (n = 91), Maui (n = 39), and Moloka'i (n = 19) to determine the island of origin of the Kaua'i individuals. Genotypes were generated from each individual using five microsatellite loci. Genetic clustering was estimated by Bayesian inference of spatial clustering of individuals and clustering of groups of individuals. Both analyses separated the samples into three distinct genetic clusters (K = 3). Kaua'i individuals consistently formed a single cluster with individuals from O'ahu, whereas Hawai'i and Maui formed a second cluster, and Moloka'i was the third cluster. Thus, we conclude that the origin of two H. auropunctatus captured on Kaua'i was O'ahu. All three genetic clusters showed evidence of transportation of mongooses between islands, indicating that sampled islands in the archipelago are capable of acting as both donors and receivers of mongooses.

The globally invasive small Indian mongoose Urva auropunctata is likely to spread with climate change

“…Pers. 104,105 ), or on the Hawaiian island of Kaua'i (Hawaii) in 2012 106 . In both cases, fortunately, the individuals were trapped and no further evidence of the presence of the species was found.…”

Hawaii as a Microcosm: Advancing the Science and Practice of Managing Introduced and Invasive Species

“…As a result of these efforts, including substantive investment into personnel trained to address early incursion, Hawaii has successfully stopped or limited the permanent establishment of a number of species (Kraus and Duffy 2010). For example, rapid response teams effectively halted the establishment of covertly released axis deer (Axis axis) on Hawaii Island (Hess et al 2015), the veiled chameleon (Chamaeleo calyptratus) on Maui (Holland et al 2018), and the small Indian mongoose (Herpestes javanicus) on Kauai (Wostenberg et al 2019). Similarly, the eradication of at least a dozen incipient invasive plant species on Maui, Lanai, and Molokai Islands has been successful through the sustained efforts of trained field crews and cooperative property owners (Penniman et al 2011).…”