US EPA

6575530 

Journal Article 

Genomic evidence for two phylogenetic species and long-term population bottlenecks in red pandas 

Hu, Y; Yan, Li; Wei, F; Thapa, A; Fan, H; Ma, T; Wu, Qi; Ma, S; Zhang, D; Wang, B; Li, Min; , 

2020 

1 

Science Advances
EISSN: 2375-2548 

AMER ASSOC ADVANCEMENT SCIENCE 

WASHINGTON 

6 

9 

10 

English 

32133395 

10.1126/sciadv.aax5751 

WOS:000518999500006 

http://://WOS:000518999500006
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The red panda (Ailurus fulgens), an endangered Himalaya-endemic mammal, has been classified as two subspecies or even two species - the Himalayan red panda (A. fulgens) and the Chinese red panda (Ailurus styani) - based on differences in morphology and biogeography. However, this classification has remained controversial largely due to lack of genetic evidence, directly impairing scientific conservation management. Data from 65 whole genomes, 49 gamma-chromosomes, and 49 mitochondrial genomes provide the first comprehensive genetic evidence for species divergence in red pandas, demonstrating substantial inter-species genetic divergence for all three markers and correcting species-distribution boundaries. Combined with morphological evidence, these data thus clearly define two phylogenetic species in red pandas. We also demonstrate different demographic trajectories in the two species: A. styani has experienced two population bottlenecks and one large population expansion over time, whereas A. fulgens has experienced three bottlenecks and one very small expansion, resulting in very low genetic diversity, high linkage disequilibrium, and high genetic load. 

ailurus-fulgens; demographic history; y-chromosome; evolution; conservation; sequence; Science & Technology - Other Topics