Abstract
The takin (Budorcas taxicolor) is a rare mammal endemic to the Asian Continent, with differing opinions regarding its taxonomic status. In order to clarify its evolutionary position within Bovidae, we sequenced the complete mitochondrial genome of a takin (B.t. bedfordi) sampled from Tangjiahe Nature Reserve in Sichuan Province, China, and reconstructed the phylogenetic relationships of eleven species within Bovidae based on 12 heavy-strand encoded protein-coding genes. The results indicated that (a) the takin shared a close relationship with the aoudad (Ammotragus lervia) and sheep (Ovis aries), and was most closely related to caprines; (b) the Bos genus did not exhibit a monophyletic structure, in which the yak (Bos grunniens) was closely linked to American bison (Bison bison). Combined with other DNA data, morphological evidence and paleontological data, we strongly support the designation of Poephagus for the yak, and yak should be nominated as Poephagus mutus or Poephagus grunniens.
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