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<p>The Tibetan argali (<i>Ovis ammon hodgsoni</i>) is a trans-Himalayan Mountain sheep subspecies at the periphery of its range. The isolated population is a high conservation concern. We examined partial regions of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) from non-invasive samples collected from important habitats in Sikkim to evaluate genetic diversity, phylogenetics, and evolutionary history. Several distinct haplotypes and moderate nucleotide diversity indicated historic isolation and restricted maternal gene flow in argali. Combining new sequences along with available GenBank references, our analysis revealed that Sikkim’s Tibetan Argali forms a well-supported clade separated from other <i>O. ammon</i> lineages of central Asia and the Tibetan Plateau. Genetic distance of ~ 2.1–2.3% (cytochrome <i>b</i> divergence) indicates significant matrilineal differentiation. Consistent with phylogeny, the haplotype network depicts it as a separate cluster. The Bayesian Skyline Plot analysis indicates demographic stability, followed by a recent decline, which can be attributed to the negative Tajima’s D and Fu’s F neutrality tests. Coalescent dating estimates an early Pleistocene divergence (~ 2.41&#xa0;million years ago) of Tibetan argali from other populations. Our results provide baseline genetic data for <i>O. a. hodgsoni</i> of Sikkim, highlighting the role of topographic barriers in isolating this population as an Evolutionary Significant Unit (ESU). It underlines the necessity of transboundary genetic monitoring and management of <i>O. ammon</i> populations throughout the eastern Himalayas and the significance of integrating molecular data into regional conservation strategies.</p>

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Unveiling genetic differentiation of Tibetan argali (Ovis ammon hodgsoni) from other subspecies: insights into genetic diversity and phylogenetics of eastern Himalayan population

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年8月2日

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  • Deepesh Saini,
  • Himanshi Upadhayay,
  • Tushar Parab,
  • Vishnupriya Kolipakam,
  • Sandeep Kumar Gupta

摘要

The Tibetan argali (Ovis ammon hodgsoni) is a trans-Himalayan Mountain sheep subspecies at the periphery of its range. The isolated population is a high conservation concern. We examined partial regions of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) from non-invasive samples collected from important habitats in Sikkim to evaluate genetic diversity, phylogenetics, and evolutionary history. Several distinct haplotypes and moderate nucleotide diversity indicated historic isolation and restricted maternal gene flow in argali. Combining new sequences along with available GenBank references, our analysis revealed that Sikkim’s Tibetan Argali forms a well-supported clade separated from other O. ammon lineages of central Asia and the Tibetan Plateau. Genetic distance of ~ 2.1–2.3% (cytochrome b divergence) indicates significant matrilineal differentiation. Consistent with phylogeny, the haplotype network depicts it as a separate cluster. The Bayesian Skyline Plot analysis indicates demographic stability, followed by a recent decline, which can be attributed to the negative Tajima’s D and Fu’s F neutrality tests. Coalescent dating estimates an early Pleistocene divergence (~ 2.41 million years ago) of Tibetan argali from other populations. Our results provide baseline genetic data for O. a. hodgsoni of Sikkim, highlighting the role of topographic barriers in isolating this population as an Evolutionary Significant Unit (ESU). It underlines the necessity of transboundary genetic monitoring and management of O. ammon populations throughout the eastern Himalayas and the significance of integrating molecular data into regional conservation strategies.