Wang Fuli, Yang Chengzhong, Xiong Yalin, Xiang Qian, Cui Xiaojuan, Peng Jianjun
School of Life and Health Sciences, Hunan University of Science and Technology, Xiangtan 411201, China.
Animal Biology Key Laboratory of Chongqing Education Commission of China, College of Life Sciences, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing 401331, China.
Animals (Basel). 2025 Jul 31;15(15):2254. doi: 10.3390/ani15152254.
The tufted deer (), a Near-Threatened (NT) species endemic to China and Myanmar, requires robust genetic data for effective conservation. However, the genetic landscape of key populations, such as those in Chongqing, remains poorly understood. This study aimed to comprehensively evaluate the genetic diversity, population structure, gene flow, and demographic history of tufted deer across this critical region. We analyzed mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) from 46 non-invasively collected fecal samples from three distinct populations: Jinfo Mountain (JF, = 13), Simian Mountain (SM, = 21), and the Northeastern Mountainous region (NEM, = 12). Genetic variation was assessed using the cytochrome b (Cyt b) and D-loop regions, with analyses including F, gene flow (), neutrality tests, and Bayesian Skyline Plots (BSP). Our results revealed the highest genetic diversity in the SM population, establishing it as a genetic hub. In contrast, the JF population exhibited the lowest diversity and significant genetic differentiation (>0.23) from the SM and NEM populations, indicating profound isolation. Gene flow was substantial between SM and NEM but severely restricted for the JF population. Demographic analyses, including BSP, indicated a long history of demographic stability followed by a significant expansion beginning in the Middle to Late Pleistocene. We conclude that the SM/NEM metapopulation serves as the genetic core for the species in this region, while the highly isolated JF population constitutes a distinct and vulnerable Management Unit (MU). This historical demographic expansion is likely linked to climatic and environmental changes during the Pleistocene, rather than recent anthropogenic factors. These findings underscore the urgent need for a dual conservation strategy: targeted management for the isolated JF population and the establishment of ecological corridors to connect the Jinfo Mountain and Simian Mountain populations, ensuring the long-term persistence of this unique species.
毛冠鹿（）是中国和缅甸特有的近危（NT）物种，需要可靠的遗传数据以进行有效保护。然而，重庆等地关键种群的遗传状况仍知之甚少。本研究旨在全面评估该关键区域内毛冠鹿的遗传多样性、种群结构、基因流和种群历史。我们分析了来自三个不同种群的46份非侵入性采集粪便样本的线粒体DNA（mtDNA）：金佛山（JF， = 13）、四面山（SM， = 21）和东北部山区（NEM， = 12）。使用细胞色素b（Cyt b）和D-loop区域评估遗传变异，分析包括F、基因流（）、中性检验和贝叶斯天际线图（BSP）。我们的结果显示SM种群的遗传多样性最高，是一个遗传中心。相比之下，JF种群的多样性最低，且与SM和NEM种群存在显著的遗传分化（>0.23），表明其处于深度隔离状态。SM和NEM之间的基因流很大，但JF种群的基因流受到严重限制。包括BSP在内的种群历史分析表明，种群在经历了长期的稳定之后，从中更新世到晚更新世开始出现显著扩张。我们得出结论，SM/NEM复合种群是该地区该物种的遗传核心，而高度隔离的JF种群则构成一个独特且脆弱的管理单元（MU）。这种历史上的种群扩张可能与更新世期间的气候和环境变化有关，而非近期的人为因素。这些发现强调了迫切需要采取双重保护策略：对隔离的JF种群进行针对性管理，并建立生态走廊连接金佛山和四面山种群，以确保这一独特物种的长期存续。
