Phylogenetic analysis of a region of mitochondrial cox-۱ as a DNA barcode marker sequence for the Siberian ibex Capra sibirica (Bovidae: Mammalia) in Mongolia

Siberian ibex or Altain yangir, Capra sibirica Pallas from Central Asia is believed to be the most ancient species of the genus Capra. In Mongolia, it is distributed in the areas of the Mongolian Altai, Gobi-Altai, Dzungaria, Altai, Khan Khuhii, Khoridal Saridag, and Ulaan Taiga as well as in the desert and semi-desert steppe zones of Dundgobi and Dornogobi provinces. Capra sibirica, a near-threatened species, is affected by illegal hunting for meat and sport. The mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit ۱ gene (cox-۱) is used as a DNA marker to distinguish mammalian species for the investigation of illegal hunting. In this study, we sequenced a part of the cox-۱ of eight Mongolian Capra sibirica individuals. Our DNA sequences were clustered in a clade of Capra which is distinct from other clades of mammalian species in the phylogenetic tree. Our findings suggest that the DNA sequences can be utilized for the investigation of illegal hunting.

کلیدواژه ها:

Altain yangir ، Capra ، DNA barcoding system ، illegal hunting ، near threatened species