Mitochondrial genomes reveal low genetic diversity in snow leopards

The snow leopard (Panthera uncia) is a vulnerable species native to the mountain ranges of Central and South Asia, and many snow leopards are distributed in China. A distinct genetic background and population history are critical for guiding conservation, particularly for snow leopards, but have rarely been explored. In this study, we assembled the mitochondrial genomes of 136 individuals from the Tibetan Plateau (Central group) and conducted a comprehensive genetic assessment on the basis of these mitochondrial genomes. We detected 84 polymorphic sites and 32 distinct haplotypes, with 24 haplotypes first reported in this study, revealing low genetic diversity in the snow leopard population. Our analysis suggested the possible existence of two distinct subpopulations within the Central group, with great genetic differentiation between them. Bayesian skyline plots showed different trends in the effective population dynamics over time for the two subpopulations. The findings of this study provide new genetic resources and information from a matrilineal perspective for snow leopards and are expected to aid in future planning for the conservation and protection of this species.