Phylogenetic relationships of Newfoundland and other North American Caribou:
a representative DNA data set for evolutionary genetic analysis
MtDNA Cytochrome b sequences of 1,212 bp were compared among the four clades of Newfoundland caribou (A, B, C, & D) with other geographic samples of North American caribou (Quebec, Labrador, & Northwest Territories) from previous studies, and a Eurasian Reindeer. [Reindeer are domesticated Caribou. They were introduced onto the island early in the 20th century, but there is no genetic evidence of their survival.]
The Maximum Likelihood analysis supports the hypothesis of an endemic Newfoundland subspecies (Rangifer tarandus terranovae Banks, 1896) comprising clades B, C, and D. Clade A is more closely related to mainland animals in Labrador and Quebec, which suggests its presence on the island is the result of relatively recent and (or) ongoing migration. The presence of Newfoundland-descended animals in Quebec is also indicated (Ba & Db lineages).
Figure 3 from Wilkerson et al. 2018; Text material © 2025 by Steven M. Carr