mtDNA Cytb Research Articles

Integrated taxonomy supports the identification of some species of Phytoseiidae (Acari: Mesostigmata) from Georgia

The present study reports results of a survey carried out mostly on Citrus sp. and Rubus sp. in Georgia. Morphological and molecular (12S rRNA, COI and CytB mtDNA markers) data were analysed in a framework of integrative taxonomy. Eleven species were identified and among them seven are new for the Georgian fauna. Euseius stipulatus and Phytoseius finitimus were the most abundant species during this survey. We assume that Amblyseius eharai, only reported from eastern Asia, was most probably introduced. Neoseiulus californicus, retrieved from uncultivated vegetation, was almost certainly originating from commercial strains. DNA sequences comparisons disclosed phylogenetic closeness between Amblyseius andersoni and Transeius wainsteini, despite these species (i) being morphologically well differentiated and (ii) classified in different genera, thereby questioning the reliability of the genus Transeius. General morphological characters, including measurements, are provided for species for which diagnoses were doubtful.

Cryptocentrus steinhardti (Actinopterygii; Gobiidae): a new species of shrimp-goby, and a new invasive to the Mediterranean Sea.

A new species of shrimp-goby was collected at depths of 60–80 m off the southern Israeli Mediterranean coast. A unique ‘DNA barcoding’ signature (mtDNA COI and Cytb) revealed that it differs from any other previously bar-coded goby species clustered phylogenetically with the shrimp-gobies group, in which Cryptocentrus is the most speciose genus. A morphological study supported the assignment of the fish to Cryptocentrus and differentiated the new species from its congeners. The species is described here as Cryptocentrus steinhardti n. sp. However, the present phylogenetic analysis demonstrates a paraphyly of Cryptocentrus and emphasizes the need for revision of the genus based on integrating morphological and genetic characteristics. This finding constitutes the third record of an invasive shrimp goby in the Mediterranean Sea. An intriguing ecological issue arises regarding the possible formation of a fish-shrimp symbiosis in a newly invaded territory. Describing an alien tropical species in the Mediterranean prior to its discovery in native distribution is an unusual event, although not the first such case. Several similar examples are provided in the present article.

Molecular variation of the cytochrome b DNA and protein sequences in Phytoseiulus macropilis and P. persimilis (Acari: Phytoseiidae) reflect population differentiation.

Several phytoseiid mite species are important natural enemies used in biological control strategies. In the present study, Cytb mtDNA sequences of various populations of two species, Phytoseiulus macropolis and P. persimilis, were compared to determine whether the specimens collected in Brazil could belong to P. persimilis as this latter species is reported in South America but not in Brazil. The Cytb marker was used because of its high evolution rate, assumed to capture intraspecific variation. No overlap between intra- and interspecific distances was observed but the distances were quite low for interspecific variation. This can be due to the particular biology of Phytoseiulus species and this shows the difficulty to apply a universal threshold in genetic distances to conclude about the existence of one or several species. Cytb mtDNA sequences were also considered to assess intraspecific variation. The DNA sequences of P. persimilis populations were very similar, probably because they all originated from the West Palearctic region or because of a prevalence of commercialized specimens in natura. For P. macropilis, higher genetic distances were observed and differentiation was noted according to geographic location and, to a smaller extent, pyrethroid resistance. To determine how DNA variation might impact the protein function (CytB fragment considered), the amino acid compositions of the populations studied were compared. No diagnostic mutation was observed between pyrethroid resistant and susceptible populations, whereas four mutations were identified between populations of P. macropilis separated by 1300km (different climatic conditions). The impact of such mutations is discussed but knowledge is scarce, which makes it difficult to root testable hypotheses. The protein analysis clearly opens new perspectives in Phytoseiidae studies.

Using molecular markers to study epidemiologically important trematode representatives, Clonorchis sinensis and Metagonimus suifunensis, in the Russian Far East

Despite the epidemiological significance of the trematodes Clonorchis sinensis and Metagonimus suifunensis, these species are insufficiently studied in the Russian Far East. In this work, we compare various nuclear and mitochondrial markers used for population genetic studies, based on previously published articles, as well as new data on the nad1 mtDNA gene obtained for M. suifunensis. Even such conservative markers as the ITS1–5.8S-ITS2 rDNA region and the cox1 mtDNA gene are suitable for the analysis of genetic variability in the C. sinensis population, while more variable mtDNA genes must be used to assess the population structure of M. suifunensis. However, the level of variability is not the only determining factor when choosing a marker. The nad1 mtDNA gene did not reveal patterns within the M. suifunensis population, like the cox1 gene, while the mtDNA cytb gene, with lower variability indices, showed a geographical subdivision and migration ways for individuals of the species.

Multi-locus genetic analyses of Quasipaa from throughout its distribution

Montane frogs of the genus Quasipaa Dubois, 1992 occur from southern China to Southeast Asia (Frost 2021). Analyses of mtDNA (Cytb) and nuDNA data (Rag1, Rag2, Rhod, Tyr) for samples from 93 localities throughout its distribution yield a phylogeny. Clades A and B occur in Southeast Asia, clade C in northern Yangtze River, China, clade D in southwestern China, and clades E and F in southeastern China. Results place Q. yei within monophyletic Quasipaa and identify two new species. Based on nuDNA data, the basal split of clade A and B indicates an Indochinese origin of Quasipaa. The west–east diversification of five species across South China (Q. spinosa, Q. exilispinosa, Q. jiulongensis, Q. shini, Q. boulengeri) corresponds to topographic terrains II and III of China. Divergence of species from southeastern China (Q. shini, Q. jiulongensis, Q. spinosa, Q. exilispinosa) and southwestern China (Q. boulengeri) dates to 15.30–16.56 Ma (million years ago). A principal component analysis (PCA) and t-test involving 19 bioclimatic variables identifies significantly different environmental conditions between the two regions. Species’ distribution models (SDM) for Q. spinosa and Q. boulengeri identify the best areas to be eastern and western South China, respectively. Thus, environmental variation appears to have influenced the genetic divergence and distributions of Quasipaa in South China. Mito-nuclear discordance indicates that some individuals of Q. exilispinosa and Q. spinosa hybridized historically.

Natural history of the relict marsupial Monito del Monte at the most extreme altitudinal and latitudinal location

AbstractUntil a few years ago, the “monito del monte” (Dromiciops gliroides) was considered the sole surviving species of Microbiotheria, the sister group of Australidelphia (Australian marsupials). However, the recent identification of a new species relegated to the northern range (Dromiciops bozinovici) and newly discovered populations of Dromiciops beyond the known limits for the geographic range demands for new studies in extreme locations. In this report, we describe the northernmost population of D. bozinovici at a high Andean location (Reserva Nacional Altos de Lircay [RNAL], which represents a record of Dromiciops distribution both in latitude [35° S] and in altitude [1696 m a.s.l.]). We live‐trapped individuals, performed behavioral observations, and extracted mtDNA (Cytb) for analyzing phylogenetic affinities. Together with confirming the phylogenetic position of RNAL within the D. bozinovici clade, interesting aspects of this isolated population arose, such as the sympatry with a didelphid marsupial (Thylamys elegans), and phylogenetic closeness with populations 300 km southward coastal. Our trapping effort yielded approximately 9.3 individuals/ha, which is relatively high compared with other small mammal populations, but typical for Dromiciops. Using in situ thermographic imaging during a night transect, we detected free‐ranging animals running vertically at ~3.6 km/h through the logs of mature trees (Nothofagus pumilio), which is fast compared with other small runners (e.g., cursorial rodents), and also compared with Dromiciops from other locations. We compared the critical time to escape, of RNAL individuals which resulted significantly higher than Dromiciops from Nahuelbuta and Valdivia, suggesting that animals from RNAL are more tolerant to human presence than other populations, which is probably due to the high level of isolation of this population. According to the IUCN the northernmost distribution of Dromiciops reaches Cauquenes, thus this report extends the distribution in 120 km to the North East. Interesting aspects, such as hibernation at freezing temperatures and the existence of a viable D. bozinovici population northward of RNAL, warrant further research on this interesting location.

The Genetic Diversity and Structure of the European Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtur.

Simple SummaryThe European Turtle Dove, Streptopelia turtur, is a widespread Palearctic species. Due to a long-term population decline, it is listed as vulnerable by the IUCN. Population genetics studies are important to the management of threatened species. Previous research based on mitochondrial DNA cytochrome-b of European Turtle Doves sampled in Western and Southern Europe showed a lack of genetic structure of this species. The present study aimed to identify the possible genetic divergence in the European Turtle Dove. A total of 258 birds collected from Spain, Ukraine, and Morocco were examined using mitochondrial DNA cytochrome-b and D-loop sequence analysis. The high genetic diversity was evaluated in both loci analysed. Various population genetic analyses displayed genetic differences between Turtle Doves from Morocco and Ukraine, and certain Spanish samples. The results of this study will be vital for effective conservation and sustainable management of this vulnerable species.The European Turtle Dove, Streptopelia turtur, a long-distance migrant wintering in Africa, is a widespread Palearctic species. This species is classified as vulnerable and is undergoing a long-term demographic decline. The results of the previous study (based on mitochondrial (mtDNA) cytochrome-b (cytb) sequences of birds from Western and Southern Europe) indicated that the species was not genetically structured. We analysed the mtDNA cytb and D-loop of 258 birds collected from Morocco, Spain, and Ukraine. High genetic variability, expressed by haplotype diversity and nucleotide diversity, was revealed in both cytb (Hd = 0.905 ± 0.009, π = 0.00628 ± 0.00014) and the D-loop (Hd = 0.937 ± 0.009, π = 0.01502 ± 0.00034). SAMOVA and principal coordinates analysis revealed the birds belonged to two genetically distinct groups. One group included birds collected in Spain, while birds sampled in Morocco and Ukraine formed another group. Furthermore, significant genetic differentiation was identified between Turtle Doves from Morocco and Ukraine, and certain Spanish samples. The present results indicate that specific management and conservation plans relevant for the species in various regions should be applied. However, further nuclear DNA research and new studies (particularly in Eastern Europe) are necessary for the decisive results on genetic structure of this species.

Documentation of the Turkestan barbel, Luciobarbus conocephalus (Kessler, 1872) in the Iranian part of Hari River basin (Teleostei: Cyprinidae: Barbinae)

The Turkestan barbel, Luciobarbus conocephalus (Kessler, 1872), is documented from the Iranian Part of Hari River basin by providing its morphometric and molecular characteristics based on the nine collected specimens in July 2016. In addition, the ichthyofauna of the Hari river basin was discussed and an up-to-date inventory was provided. Based on the results, L. conocephalus was clustered in a clade as sister group of L. capito with K2P genetic distance of 1.8% in the mtDNA cytb region. Luciobarbus conocephalus probably has entered the Hari River from the Karakum Canal in Turkmenistan (diversion from the Amu Darya River) that in recent years was connected to the channels collecting the Hari River water. Also, a misidentified specimen of L. conocephalus sequence in the GenBank sequences is discussed.

Mitochondrial DNA Analysis Clarifies Taxonomic Status of the Northernmost Snow Sheep (Ovis nivicola) Population.

Currently, the intraspecific taxonomy of snow sheep (Ovis nivicola) is controversial and needs to be specified using DNA molecular genetic markers. In our previous work using whole-genome single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis, we found that the population inhabiting Kharaulakh Ridge was genetically different from the other populations of Yakut subspecies to which it was usually referred. Here, our study was aimed at the clarification of taxonomic status of Kharaulakh snow sheep using mitochondrial cytochrome b gene. A total of 87 specimens from five different geographic locations of Yakut snow sheep as well as 20 specimens of other recognized subspecies were included in this study. We identified 19 haplotypes, two of which belonged to the population from Kharaulakh Ridge. Median-joining network and Bayesian tree analyses revealed that Kharaulakh population clustered separately from all the other Yakut snow sheep. The divergence time between Kharaulakh population and Yakut snow sheep was estimated as 0.48 ± 0.19 MYA. Thus, the study of the mtDNA cytb sequences confirmed the results of genome-wide SNP analysis. Taking into account the high degree of divergence of Kharaulakh snow sheep from other groups, identified by both nuclear and mitochondrial DNA markers, we propose to classify the Kharaulakh population as a separate subspecies.

Cytochrome b as a more promising marker for analysing the distribution vector for Metagonimus suifunensis (Trematoda: Heterophyidae).

In this study of Metagonimus suifunensis (M. suifunensis) in the Russian Southern Far East, the variability of the full-length sequences of the cytochrome b (cytb) mtDNA gene was assessed for the first time. In addition, the cox1 mtDNA gene sequences were also obtained for this species from new localities. In total, 87 and 81 sequences of the cytb and cox1 genes, respectively, were used in the current study. The cytb gene proved more promising and revealed two haplogroups that are associated with the spatial distribution of the species: geographical isolation caused the fixation of differences between northern and southern populations. In addition, the results obtained for the cytb gene opened up new perspectives in the analysis of sequences of the cox1 gene, which was not sufficiently effective as a sole marker. Based on data for both mitochondrial genes, molecular processes influencing the formation of the modern population were analysed for M. suifunensis. The new data confirmed the previously expressed opinion that this species colonized the study territory from north to south and will form the basis for determining possible ways of its further expansion, which is important for predicting the emergence of new foci of metagonimosis.

Avian Haemosporidian Diversity on Sardinia: A First General Assessment for the Insular Mediterranean

The Western Palearctic is one of the most investigated regions for avian haemosporidian parasites (Haemoproteus, Plasmodium and Leucocytozoon), yet geographic gaps in our regional knowledge remain. Here, we report the first haemosporidian screening of the breeding birds from Sardinia (the second-largest Mediterranean Island and a biodiversity hotspot), and the first for the insular Mediterranean in general. We examined the occurrence of haemosporidians by amplifying their mtDNA cytb gene in 217 breeding birds, belonging to 32 species. The total prevalence of infected birds was 55.3%, and of the 116 haplotypes recovered, 84 were novel. Despite the high number of novel lineages, phylogenetic analysis did not highlight Sardinia-specific clades; instead, some Sardinian lineages were more closely related to lineages previously recovered from continental Europe. Host-parasite network analysis indicated a specialized host-parasite community. Binomial generalized linear models (GLMs), performed at the community level, suggested an elevational effect on haemosporidian occurrence probability (negative for Haemoproteus; positive for Leucocytozoon) likely due to differences in the abundance of insect vectors at different elevations. Furthermore, a GLM revealed that sedentary birds showed a higher probability of being infected by novel haplotypes and long-distance migrants showed a lower probability of novel haplotype infection. We hypothesize that the high diversity of haemosporidians is linked to the isolation of breeding bird populations on Sardinia. This study adds to the growing knowledge on haemosporidians lineage diversity and distribution in insular environments and presents new insights on potential host-parasite associations.

A morphological and molecular study of Hydrodynastes gigas (Serpentes, Dipsadidae), a widespread species from South America.

BackgroundStudies with integrative approaches (based on different lines of evidence) are fundamental for understanding the diversity of organisms. Different data sources can improve the understanding of the taxonomy and evolution of snakes. We used this integrative approach to verify the taxonomic status of Hydrodynastes gigas (Duméril, Bibron & Duméril, 1854), given its wide distribution throughout South America, including the validity of the recently described Hydrodynastes melanogigas Franco, Fernandes & Bentim, 2007.MethodsWe performed a phylogenetic analysis of Bayesian Inference with mtDNA 16S and Cytb, and nuDNA Cmos and NT3 concatenated (1,902 bp). In addition, we performed traditional morphometric analyses, meristic, hemipenis morphology and coloration pattern of H. gigas and H. melanogigas.ResultsAccording to molecular and morphological characters, H. gigas is widely distributed throughout South America. We found no evidence to support that H. gigas and H. melanogigas species are distinct lineages, therefore, H. melanogigas is a junior synonym of H. gigas. Thus, the melanic pattern of H. melanogigas is the result of a polymorphism of H. gigas. Melanic populations of H. gigas can be found in the Tocantins-Araguaia basin.

Population genetic structure of turbot (Scophthalmus maximus L., 1758) in the Black Sea.

Turbot, Scophthalmus maximus, is a commercially important demersal flatfish species distributed throughout the Black Sea. Several studies performed locally with a limited number of specimens using both mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and microsatellite markers evidenced notable genetic variation among populations. However, comprehensive population genetic studies are required to help management of the species in the Black Sea. In the present study eight microsatellite loci were used to resolve the population structure of 414 turbot samples collected from 12 sites across the Black Sea. Moreover, two mtDNA genes, COI and Cyt-b, were used for taxonomic identification. Microsatellite markers of Smax-04 and B12-I GT14 were excluded from analysis due to scoring issues. Data analysis was performed with the remaining six loci. Loci were highly polymorphic (average of 17.8 alleles per locus), indicating high genetic variability. Locus 3/20CA17, with high null allele frequency (>30%), significantly deviated from HW equilibrium. Pairwise comparison of the FST index showed significant differences between most of the surveyed sampling sites (P < 0.01). Cluster analysis evidenced the presence of three genetic groups among sampling sites. Significant genetic differentiation between Northern (Sea of Azov and Crimea) and Southern (Turkish Black Sea Coast) Black Sea sampling sites were detected. The Mantel test supported an isolation by distance model of population structure. These findings are vital for long-term sustainable management of the species and development of conservation programs. Moreover, generated mtDNA sequences would be useful for the establishment of a database for S. maximus.

First Data on the Contact Zone and Hybridization between the Cryptic Species of Shrews Sorex araneus and S. satunini (Eulipotyphla, Mammalia).

For the first time, based on sequence variation of microsatellite loci and the mtDNA cytb gene fragment, population genetic structure of the common shrew and Caucasian shrew in their contact zone was investigated. It was demonstrated that, although there was no complete reproductive isolation between the species under consideration, the gene flow was considerably limited. These data testify to the established reliable reproductive barriers between the common shrew and Caucasian shrew.

Transcription of mtDNA and dyslipidemia are ameliorated by aerobic exercise in type 2 diabetes.

Physical inactivity and unhealthy food intake are strongly associated with the growing prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2D). Dyslipidemia, a characteristic of T2D patient, contributes to an increase in intra-myocellular lipid accumulation and mitochondria dysfunction, in skeletal muscle cells and further to insulin resistance. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of aerobic exercise on dyslipidemia, mitochondrial homeostasis and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) transcription in T2D- induced animals. Wistar rats (8weeks old) were fed a diet containing 60% fat over 9weeks, at day 14 a single injection of STZ (25mg/kg) was administered (T2D-induced). At week 3 of the experiment half of the animals started on an aerobic exercise 5-days/week. Blood and soleus muscle were collected at 9th experimental week. Abdominal fat, blood glucose, triglyceride, low-density-lipoprotein and high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and cellular mtDNA copy number, cytochrome b (cytb) mRNA and 8-isoprostane were measured. T2D-induced animals exhibited changes in blood glucose, weight gain, abdominal fat, LDL and muscular 8-isoprostane, mtDNA copy number and cytb mRNA. Aerobic exercise attenuated the increase in weight gain and abdominal fat and the decreased cytb mRNA, and increased HDL. Our results suggest that aerobic exercise might not affect all characteristics related to the development of T2D in the same way. However, since T2D is a multifactorial disease, improvement in parameters such as HDL levels, abdominal fat and weight gain induced by aerobic exercise might delay or inhibit the onset of T2D.

Phenotype and Genotype Characterisation of the Asian Clam of the Genus Corbicula Megerle von Mϋhlfeld, 1811 (Venerida, Cyrenidae) from the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia

The Corbicula taxonomy in Malaysia is equivocal and scarcely being reported. This study aims to characterise phenotype and genotype of the Asian clam of the genus Corbicula (Mergele Von Mühlfeld, 1811) from three locations in east coast of Peninsular Malaysia. The phenotypic characterisation of the three population of the clam was evaluated on the basis of morphometric characters, while mtDNA cytochrome b (cytb) was used to characterise the genotypes. Results of morphometric analysis showed a significant difference (p&lt;0.05) in shell height (SH), shell width (SW) and umbo length (UL) among three locations between the evaluated population. Discriminant analysis also revealed significant difference of the characters among the study sites. However, cluster analysis revealed an overlapping of morphometric characters among evaluated C. fluminea intricate complete separation between populations. Besides, a comparison of the Corbicula with the morphotypes and holotypes had proposed the Corbicula in this region known as C. fluminea. The genotypes characterisation using mtDNA cytb verifies the existence of C. fluminea. Phylogenetic trees demonstrated polymorphism and low genetic variances although geographically separated which parallel to the phenotypic characterisation. Thus, these findings enhance the knowledge on geographical variation and elucidate the complexity of taxa.

Wild Boar-Specific PCR Assay and Sequence Analysis Based on Mitochondrial Cytochrome-B Gene for Halal Authentication Studies

Wild boar meat (WBM) is non-halal meat widely abused in Indonesia. The most common case is mixing beef with WBM either in raw or processed foods. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a detection method of WBM contamination. The objective of this study was to employ polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequence analysis using species specific primer (SSP) targeting on wild boar mitochondrial cytochrome-b (CYTBWB2-wb) gene for the identification of WBM in a meatball. The specificity of primer was tested, and the amplicon size was confirmed with conventional PCR and agarose electrophoresis. The base sequences were analyzed using GeneStudio software and subjected to BLAST using NCBI. CYTBWB2-wb primer was also used to test the reference meatballs made from beef and WBM using real-time PCR. The result showed that CYTBWB2-wb amplified wild boar Cyt-B mt-DNA gene specifically. The amplicon size was 194 base pair (bp) with a similarity of 93–98% toward gen Cyt-B mt-DNA of several wild boar types. The primer is able to detect WBM on the reference meatballs up to 0.1% wt/wt with efficiency value of 108.0% and coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.970. The CYTBWB2-wb primer proved to be specific and could be used as a standard method to identify the presence of WBM contamination in meatball products for halal authentication studies.

Estivasyon ve Hibernasyon Gösteren Doğal Bombus terrestris (L.) Populasyonlarında Genetik Yapıların Moleküler Markerler Kullanılarak Karşılaştırılması

Bu çalışmada estivasyon gösteren Faselis ve hibernasyon gösteren Termesos doğal B. terrestris popülasyonları arasındaki genetik farklılıkların 20 mikrosatellit lokus ve iki mtDNA gen bölgesi (COI ve cytb) temelinde incelenmesi amaçlanmıştır. Termesos ve Faselis popülasyonlarında sırasıyla; lokus başına ortalama allel sayısı 12,00 ve 11,00 olarak, gözlenen heterozigotluk değeri 0,68 ve 0,65 olarak, akrabalı yetiştirme katsayısı ise 0,22 ve 0,26 olarak tespit edilmiştir. İkişerli FST değeri 20 mikrosatellit lokus kullanılarak 0,023 olarak hesaplanmıştır. mtDNA COI gen bölgesine göre Termesos ve Faselis popülasyonlarındaki tüm örneklerin tek bir haplotipe dâhil olduğu (Haplotip B) belirlenmiştir. mtDNA cytb gen bölgesine göre 4 farklı haplotip (Haplotip 1-4) belirlenmiştir. mtDNA cytb bölgesine göre ikişerli FST değeri 0,0013 olarak hesaplanmıştır. Sonuç olarak, estivasyon ve hibernasyon gösteren bu iki doğal B. terrestris popülasyonu arasında incelenen 20 mikrosatellit ve iki mtDNA lokus bakımından önemli genetik farklılıklar bulunmamıştır. Araştırma sonuçlarına göre farklı B. terrestris doğal popülasyonlarının yaşam döngüsü bakımından farklılıklarının genetik etkilerden çok çevresel faktörler (fotoperiyod, sıcaklık, nem, yükseklik, bitki örtüsü vs.) ile şekillendiği anlaşılmaktadır.

Evidence of strong population bottleneck in genetics of endangered Brazilian Merganser (Mergus octosetaceus)

The Brazilian Merganser is one of the rarest birds of South America with three known remnant populations in Brazil and only 250 individuals existing in the wild. Thus, evaluating the genetic variability within the remaining population is essential to its conservation. This study assessed genetic diversity of remnant populations by mtDNA (Dloop and cytb) and nDNA (MUSK 13 intron, five microsatellites) markers, giving support to management and conservation efforts. Seventy-one samples were collected during eight years from Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park (PNCV), Serra da Canastra National Park (PNSC), and Alto do Paranaiba region (APR). Cytochrome b, Dloop, and MUSK intron showed only one haplotype, indicating a loss of genetic variability for the Brazilian Merganser. The microsatellites confirmed low genetic variability (1–4 alleles). Despite the low variability observed, it was possible to infer minor differentiation between remnant populations, with PNCV locale being the most differentiated subgroup, due to its being isolated by greater distance from the others. Low genetic diversity observed in Brazilian Merganser, is expected to be found in Critically Endangered species, due to small population size, being result of high inbreeding rates, and gene drift effects. Thus, our genetic data have confirmed the extremely critical status of the Brazilian Merganser, making it necessary to create an immediate recovery program for their populations, and develop a management plan to integrate and preserve all remnant populations to avoid the species extinction.

DNA barcode approaches to reveal interspecies genetic variation of Indian ungulates

In the past two decades, identification of species from noninvasive sampling has turned out to be an important tool for wildlife conservation. In this study a total 93 specimens representing 22 species of ungulates were analyzed from partial sequences of mtDNA COI and Cytb genes. All the species showed unique clades, and sequences divergence within species was between 0.01–3.9% in COI and 0.01–13.7 in Cytb, whereas divergence between species ranged from 2.2 to 29.5% in COI and 2.3 to 28.8% in Cytb. Highest intraspecific divergence was observed within the Ovis aries in COI and Porcula salvania in Cytb. Bayesian (BA) phylogeny analysis of both genes combined distinguishes all the studied species as monophyletic criteria. The Indian rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis) exhibited closer relation to horse (Equus caballus). No barcode gap was observed between species in COI. This study demonstrates that even short fragments of COI and Cytb generated from fecal pellets can efficiently identify the Indian ungulates, thus demonstrating its high potential for use in wildlife conservation activities.