The complete mitochondrial genome of the vulnerable Australian crest-tailed mulgara (Dasycercus cristicauda)

Jaco D Zandberg,Wayne G Reeve,Frances Brigg,Serina M Mcconnell,Peter B S Spencer

doi:10.1080/23802359.2021.1911703

Abstract

In this announcement, we report the complete mitogenome of the vulnerable Crest-tailed Mulgara (Dasycercus cristicauda) (Krefft, 1867). The mitogenome was 17,085 bp in length and contained 13 protein-coding genes, two rRNA genes, 22 tRNAs and a 1583 bp variable control region (D-loop). The features of the D. cristicauda mitogenome are consistent with other vertebrate mitogenomes but, in contrast to other marsupials, appears to contain a functional tRNA-Lysine with a UUU anticodon. Phylogenetic analysis of available entire mitogenomes reveals it forms a cluster with other marsupials in the Dasyuromorphia order within the Australidelphian clade, being most closely related to the Northern Quoll and the Tasmanian Devil.

Highlights

Mulgaras (Dasycercus sp.) are small 65–185 g, voracious, nocturnal marsupial predators that live in the deserts and spinifex grasslands of arid and semi-arid Australia feeding on smaller mammals and reptiles (Masters 2008)
Since there has been an decrease in range and numbers, the crest-tailed mulgara is currently listed as Vulnerable under the Australian Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (EPBC Act, 1999)
We have, determined the complete mitogenome for D. cristicauda to enable genetic comparisons to be made to marsupials in the order Dasyuromorphia and to other vertebrates

Summary

Introduction

Mulgaras (Dasycercus sp.) are small 65–185 g, voracious, nocturnal marsupial predators that live in the deserts and spinifex grasslands of arid and semi-arid Australia feeding on smaller mammals and reptiles (Masters 2008). Since there has been an decrease in range and numbers, the crest-tailed mulgara is currently listed as Vulnerable under the Australian Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (EPBC Act, 1999). We have, determined the complete mitogenome for D. cristicauda to enable genetic comparisons to be made to marsupials in the order Dasyuromorphia and to other vertebrates.

Results

Conclusion