Molecular phylogeny of the genus with special emphasis on the phylogenetic position of .

Muntjac deer (Cervidae: ) are often cited as an excellent model for the study of vertebrate evolution due to their fast rate of change in chromosome number among vertebrates. However, the phylogenetic relationships within generally, and the taxonomic status of specifically, remain unclear. Here, the phylogenetic relationships within were studied using mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) and cytochrome (cyt ) segments. Our results recognize 12 species within and support the controversial species , , and . Furthermore, Bayesian inference (BI) and maximum-likelihood (ML) approaches revealed and to be closely related species, with as their sister species, and and to be closely related, with as their sister species. The distribution range of was also confirmed in southwest China (Namdapha, Modong, Zayu and Gongshan) and northern Myanmar (Putao). The results of this study provide insight into the evolution of and further provide a molecular basis for the taxonomic evaluation of the genus in the future and fundamental data for the conservation of