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Gautam, K. B.

Publications and source records attributed to Gautam, K. B..

2 recordsLinked to original sources
bioRxiv2020

Complete mitogenome of Kashmir musk deer (Moschus cupreus) and its comparative phylogenetic relationships

The endangered Kashmir musk deer (Moschus cupreus) is native to the high altitudinal region of the Himalayas. In this study, we sequenced, annotated and characterized the complete mitogenome of M. cupreus to gain insight into the molecular phylogeny and evolution of musk deer. The mitogenome of M. cupreus, which is 16,354 bp long comprised 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 transfer RNA genes (tRNAs), two ribosomal RNA genes (rRNAs) and non-coding control region. The M. cupreus mitogenome composition was highly A+T biased 68.42%, and exhibited a positive AT skew (0.082) and negative GC skew (0.307). The phylogenetic analysis suggested that KMD is the most primitive extant species in the genus Moschus whereas Alpine musk deer (M. chrysogaster) and Himalayan musk deer (M. leucogaster) are closely related. This result confirmed the placement of M. cupreus within the monotypic family Moschidae of musk deer. This study provides a better understanding of lineage identification and musk deer evolution for further research.

genetics↗
bioRxiv2020

Genetic evidence indicates new distribution record of endangered Kashmir musk deer (Moschus cupreus) with range expansion in Uttarakhand, India

Kashmir musk deer, KMD (Moschus cupreus) is one the most threatened species reported from the Himalayan region of Kashmir, Pakistan and Afghanistan. A comprehensive and reliable distribution range of musk deer is still lacking. Recently, a molecular study confirmed the presence of KMD in Mustang in Nepal, west of Annapurna Himalayas. Here, we investigated the phylogenetic relationship of musk deer from Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary (KWLS), and Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve (NDBR), Uttarakhand region, India based on mitochondrial control region. The Bayesian phylogenetic analysis indicated a close genetic relationship between samples from J&K, KWLS and NDBR with identified lineages of KMD from Nepal with high posterior probabilities (PP[~]100). It confirmed that the musk deer lineage from the Uttarakhand region of KWLS (1025-3662 m) and NDBR (1800-7817 m) to be of KMD (M. cupreus) and hence a distinct Evolutionary Significant Unit (ESU). Besides, as per the IUCN database, the Western Himalayan region also holds the population of M. leucogaster and M. chrysogaster. Hence, we suggest extensive sampling for proper identification and validation of the geographic limits of musk deer species. We report for the first time the existence of KMD from the Uttarakhand region that we recommend to be updated in the IUCN database. It will assist in the effective conservation and management of this enigmatic endangered species.

genetics↗