Historical mitochondrial diversity in African leopards (Panthera pardus) revealed by archival museum specimens.

摘要: Once found throughout Africa and Eurasia, the leopard (Panthera pardus) was recently uplisted from Near Threatened to Vulnerable by International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Historically, more than 50% leopard's global range occurred in continental Africa, yet sampling this part species' distribution is only sparsely represented prior studies examining patterns genetic variation at or level. Broad determine baseline historical important, as these measures are currently used IUCN direct conservation priorities management plans. By including data 182 museum specimens, faecal samples ongoing field surveys, published sequences representing sub-Saharan we identify previously unrecognized diversity African leopards. Our mtDNA indicates high levels divergence among regional populations strongly differentiated lineages West on par with recent other large vertebrates. We provide a reference benchmark leopards against which future monitoring can be compared. These findings emphasize utility collections understanding processes that shape present biodiversity. Additionally, suggest research clarify taxonomy differentiate between delineated units requiring action.