Abstract
BackgroundIdentifying factors shaping population genetic structure across continuous landscapes in the context of biogeographic boundaries for lineage diversification has been a challenging goal. The red muntjacs cover a wide range across multiple vegetation types, making the group an excellent model to study South and Southeast Asian biogeography. Therefore, we analysed mitogenomes and microsatellite loci, confirming the number of red muntjac lineages from India, gaining insights into the evolutionary history and phylogeography of red muntjacs.ResultsOur results indicated the Northwestern population of red muntjac or the Himalayan red muntjac (M. aureus) in India as genetically diverse and well-structured, with significant genetic differentiation implying a low level of gene flow. The phylogenetic, population genetic structure, as well as species delimitation analyses, confirm the presence of the lineage from Western Himalayan in addition to the previously identified red muntjac lineages. Relatively low genetic diversity was observed in M. aureus compared to M. vaginalis, M. malabaricus and M. muntjak. The M. aureus and M. vaginalis lineages have split during the late Pleistocene, ~ 1.01 million years ago (Mya), making M. aureus the youngest lineage; whereas, M. malabaricus split earlier, ~ 2.2 Mya and appeared as the oldest lineage among red muntjacs.ConclusionsPronounced climate fluctuations during the Quaternary period were pivotal in influencing the current spatial distribution of forest-dwelling species’ restriction to Northwestern India. Our finding confirms the distinct Himalayan red muntjac (M. aureus) within the red muntjac group from Northwestern India that should be managed as an Evolutionary Significant Unit (ESU). We recommend a reassessment of the conservation status of red muntjacs for effective conservation and management.
Highlights
Identifying factors shaping population genetic structure across continuous landscapes in the context of biogeographic boundaries for lineage diversification has been a challenging goal
The lowest number of segregating sites were found in M. aureus (S = 67), whereas it was high in M. muntjak (S = 658)
The genus Muntiacus is a useful model for identifying cryptic lineages and studying South and Southeast Asian biogeography
Summary
Identifying factors shaping population genetic structure across continuous landscapes in the context of biogeographic boundaries for lineage diversification has been a challenging goal. The genus Muntiacus belongs to tribe Muntiacini within the family Cervidae It is widely distributed throughout South and Southeast Asia [1], and exhibits extreme variations in chromosome numbers [2, 3]. Distinct morphological and genetic characters are a center of attraction to study the mystifying red muntjacs It is of urgent importance when anthropogenic activities such as habitat fragmentation and destruction with poaching have drastically influenced the population size, distribution ranges and population genetic structure of several deer species in the last few centuries [15,16,17].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
