Korean Leopard Cat (Prionailurus bengalensis) population with low genetic diversity is distinct from Southeast Asian populations

Abstract

Effective conservation strategy for a species can be established based on population differentiation patterns. The results of population genetic analyses have been useful in the decision of ESUs and MUs to maintain evolutionary potential and the fitness of populations. To provide a basis for establishing a conservation unit for the leopard cats (Prionailurus bengalensis), we analyzed their mtDNA cytb gene sequences from the Korean populations and compared them with those in other Asian leopard cats' populations. The nucleotide diversity of the Korean population was lowest among the all Asian populations. Analyses of the haplotypes, phylogenetic tree, AMOVA, and migration rate showed that the Northeast Asian population including the Korean population is distinct from the Southeast Asian population, moreover, the divergence time between the Northeast and the Southeast Asian populations was sufficiently long for differentiation to occur; therefore, it would be reasonable to manage the Northeast Asian population as an independent conservation unit and introducing species to Korea from Southeast Asia should be avoided. In contrast, the differentiation within Northeast Asia was not clear. Additional studies based on a greater number of animals in Northeast Asia around Korea will be needed to secure sources of genetic diversity to rescue the Korean leopard cat.