International Journal of Molecular Zoology 2024, Vol.14, No.3, 154-165 http://animalscipublisher.com/index.php/ijmz 158 5 Case Study: Panthera Tigris 5.1 Genetic diversity and population structure The genetic diversity and population structure of Panthera tigris, commonly known as the tiger, have been extensively studied to understand the implications for conservation. Recent genomic studies have revealed significant insights into the genetic makeup of various tiger subspecies. For instance, the near-chromosomal de novo assembly of the Bengal tiger genome has provided a high-quality reference that highlights the genetic hallmarks of apex predation and offers a comprehensive tool for conservation genetics5. This assembly has enabled the detection of longer stretches of runs of homozygosity, which are crucial for estimating genomic inbreeding levels. Additionally, the use of non-invasive methods such as eDNA from scat samples has proven effective in assembling complete mitochondrial genomes of the Amur tiger (Panthera tigris altaica). This approach has demonstrated that it is possible to retrieve accurate whole and nearly complete mitochondrial genomes without library enrichment protocols, providing a valuable resource for conservation strategies (Figure 2) (Baeza, 2022). These genomic resources are essential for understanding the genetic diversity and population structure of tigers, which is critical for their conservation. Figure 2 Circular DNA mitochondrial genome map of Panthera tigris altaica assembled from eDNA scat (Adopted from Baeza, 2022) Image capton: The annotated map depicts 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), two ribosomal RNA genes (rrnS: 12 S ribosomal RNA and rrnL: 16 S ribosomal RNA), 22 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, and the putative control region (not annotated) (Adopted from Baeza, 2022) Baeza (2022) found that the circular mitochondrial genome of the Siberian tiger (Panthera tigris altaica), assembled from environmental DNA (eDNA) scat samples, includes 13 protein-coding genes, two ribosomal RNA genes, and 22 transfer RNA genes. Their analysis also identified a putative control region, although it was not annotated. This comprehensive mapping of the mitochondrial genome provides essential insights into the genetic structure and diversity of the Siberian tiger, aiding conservation efforts by enabling more accurate population monitoring and genetic health assessments. The study underscores the utility of eDNA in non-invasive wildlife genetics research, offering a valuable tool for studying endangered species like the Siberian tiger.
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