The complete mitochondrial genome of Budorcas taxicolor tibetana (Artiodactyla: Bovidae) and comparison with other Caprinae species: Insight into the phylogeny of the genus Budorcas.

Takin (Budorcas taxicolor) is one of the most endangered species. However, the taxonomy of takin is still in dispute. Here, the complete mitochondrial genome of Budorcas taxicolor tibetana was reported for the first time, which featured a typical circular molecule of 16,665 bp in length, including 13 PCGs, 22 tRNAs, two rRNAs, and one control region. A + T content was higher than G + C content. All of the genes were encoded on the heavy strand, except for eight tRNAs and ND6 gene. The O region was 49 bp in length and highly conserved in the synthesis and stem-loop regions, and all of the substitutions and indels were found only in the loop structure. Three types of tandem repeat units, six pairs of hairpin loop structure (TACAT, ATGTA) and six CSBs were predicted in the control region. Our results clearly revealed the systematic status of Budorcas species, and the phylogenetic analyses indicated that Budorcas was closer to Capra and Pseudois, rather than to Ovis, which should be merged into the subfamily of Caprinae.