Exploring genetic diversity and phylogenetic analysis of four native wild deer species of Pakistan using a combined effect of cytochrome B, C and D-loop DNA markers

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Abstract Bovidae and Cervidae are the most important families of mammals. Due to unusual human interference, extraordinary utilization of natural resources, uncontrolled and unplanned hunting, and other unfavorable environmental conditions, some of these wild species are on the verge of extinction. Genetic variations provide the base material for animal survival from the evolutionary perspective, which is vital for the conservation of animals, particularly endangered species that, if not be protected, will soon be extinct. Therefore, the current study was planned to investigate the molecular phylogeny and genetic diversity of Bovidae (Boselaphus tragocamelus, Antilope cervicapra) and Cervidae (Axis axis, Axis porcinus) families of wild deer in Pakistan using the collective effect of mitochondrial cytochrome B, C and D-loop regions. For genetic diversity study, we collected 25 unrelated wild deer blood samples from all four species in EDTA-containing vacutainers. Genomic DNA was extracted using phenol-chloroform method of DNA extraction. PCR was performed for amplification of cytochrome B, C, and D loop genes, and sequencing of the PCR products was performed at Foster City, CA, USA. In this study, we found evidence for a significant reduction in genetic diversity of the members of Bovidae and Cervidae from different regions of Pakistan. Both allelic richness and observed heterozygosity were lower in these populations compared to the larger populations from other regions of the world. The findings of current study revealed that the distribution of studied species inclined more towards endangered, which is alarming and demands immediate measures for their conservation.

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