Phylogeography and Genetic Ancestry of Tigers (Panthera tigris)

摘要: Eight traditional subspecies of tiger (Panthera tigris), which three recently became extinct, are commonly recognized on the basis geographic isolation and morphological characteristics. To investigate species' evolutionary history to establish objective methods for recognition, voucher specimens blood, skin, hair, and/or skin biopsies from 134 tigers with verified origins or heritage across whole distribution range were examined molecular markers: (1) 4.0 kb mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequence; (2) allele variation in nuclear major histocompatibility complex class II DRB gene; (3) composite microsatellite genotypes based 30 loci. Relatively low genetic mtDNA, DRB, loci was found, but significant population subdivision nonetheless apparent among five living subspecies. In addition, a distinct partition Indochinese P. t. corbetti into northern Malayan Peninsula populations discovered. Population structure would suggest recognition six taxonomic units subspecies: Amur altaica; corbetti; South China amoyensis; (4) jacksoni, named conservationist Peter Jackson; (5) Sumatran sumatrae; (6) Bengal tigris. The proposed lineage is tentative due limited sampling. age most recent common ancestor mtDNA estimated be 72,000–108,000 y, relatively younger than some other Panthera species. A combination expansions, reduced gene flow, drift following last diminution, anthropogenic contraction, have led partitions. These results provide an explicit will lead improved management conservation these isolated tigers.