Distribution and diversity of mtDNA lineages among southern right whales (Eubalaena australis) from Australia and New Zealand

Using a biopsy dart system, samples of skin tissue were collected from southern right whales (Eubalaena australis) in 1995 on two wintering grounds, southwest Australia (n = 20) and the Auckland Islands of New Zealand (n = 20); and on offshore feeding grounds at Latitudes 40 to 43 degrees, south of Western Australia (n = 5). A variable section of the mitochondrial DNA control-region (289 nucleotides) was amplified and sequenced from these 45 individuals (21 males, 20 females and 4 of unknown sex), distinguishing a total of seven unique sequences (i.e. mtDNA haplotypes). Two haplotypes were found on both wintering grounds (including a common type representing 45% of each sample), and five types were unique to only one wintering ground. An analysis of variance adapted for molecular information revealed significant genetic differentiation between the two wintering grounds (p = 0.017). The feeding-ground sample was too small for statistical comparison with the wintering grounds, but included two haplotypes found only in the Auckland Islands as well as the common haplotype found on both wintering grounds. The nucleotide diversity and differentiation of mtDNA among the right whales was similar to that among humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) from the same regions (Baker et al. 1998), but haplotype diversity was significantly reduced, perhaps as a result of more intensive hunting during the last century and continued illegal hunting during this century.