Abstract
We mapped the distribution and diversity of mitochondrial D-loop haplotypes among 502 New Zealand house mice (
Mus musculus)
. By widespread sampling from 74 sites, we identified 14 new haplotypes. We used Bayesian phylogenetic reconstructions to estimate the genetic relationships between the New Zealand representatives of
Mus musculus domesticus
(all six known clades) and
M. m. castaneus
(clade HG2), and mice from other locales. We defined four distinct geographic regions of New Zealand with differing haplotype diversity indices. Our Results suggest (a) two independent pre-1840 invasions by mice of different origin (
domesticus
clade E and
castaneus
clade HG2) at opposite ends of the country; (b) multiple later invasions by
domesticus
clades E and F accompanying the post-1840 development of New Zealand port facilities in the central regions, plus limited local incursions by
domesticus
clades A, B, C and D1; (c) a separate invasion of Chatham I. by
castaneus
clade HG2; (d) previously undescribed New Zealand haplotypes, potentially the products of localised indigenous mutation, and (e) hybridisation between different lineages.