Related Experiment Videos
Hybridization between sika deer (Cervus nippon) and axis deer (Axis axis)
G W Asher1, D S Gallagher, M L Tate
1AgResearch, Invermay Agricultural Centre, Mosgiel, New Zealand.
The Journal of Heredity
|February 13, 1999
Summary
Natural hybridization between sika deer (Cervus nippon) and axis deer (Axis axis) was confirmed. A female hybrid deer was identified through blood protein analysis and karyotyping, with fertility yet to be determined.
Area of Science:
- Zoology
- Genetics
- Reproductive Biology
Background:
- Deer farming in Tennessee presents opportunities for interspecies interactions.
- Understanding hybridization events is crucial for wildlife management and conservation.
- Sika deer (Cervus nippon) and axis deer (Axis axis) are distinct cervid species.
Observation:
- A female deer with intermediate physical traits was observed on a Tennessee deer farm.
- The putative hybrid exhibited characteristics suggesting a cross between sika and axis deer.
- The hybrid was born around 1995.
Findings:
- Gel electrophoresis of blood proteins (TF, HBB, SOD) confirmed hybridization.
- Q-banded karyotypes revealed the hybrid's chromosome number (2n=67), consistent with sika (2n=68) and axis (2n=66) deer parentage.
- This represents a documented case of natural interspecies deer hybridization.
Implications:
- The findings highlight the potential for hybridization between introduced cervid species.
- Further research is needed to assess the hybrid's fertility and reproductive capabilities.
- This case has implications for genetic diversity and population management in farmed and wild deer populations.