Genetic Diversity and Phylogenetic Relationships of <i>Castor fiber birulai</i> in Xinjiang, China, Revealed by Mitochondrial <i>Cytb</i> and D-loop Sequence Analyses
<i>Castor fiber birulai</i> is a subspecies of the Eurasian beaver that has a relatively small population size compared to other <i>Castor</i> subspecies. There is limited genetic research on this subspecies. In this study, mitochondrial cytochrome b (<i>Cytb</i>)...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2025-07-01
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| Series: | Animals |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/15/14/2096 |
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| Summary: | <i>Castor fiber birulai</i> is a subspecies of the Eurasian beaver that has a relatively small population size compared to other <i>Castor</i> subspecies. There is limited genetic research on this subspecies. In this study, mitochondrial cytochrome b (<i>Cytb</i>) and D-loop sequences were analysed in genetic samples obtained from 19 individuals residing in the Buergen River Basin, Xinjiang, China. The <i>Cytb</i> region presented a single haplotype, whereas three haplotypes were identified in the D-loop region. The genetic diversity within the Chinese population was low (D-loop Hd = 0.444; Pi = 0.0043), markedly lower than that observed in other geographical populations of <i>C. fiber</i>. Phylogenetic reconstructions and haplotype network analyses revealed substantial genetic differentiation between <i>C. f. birulai</i> and other Eurasian lineages (Fst > 0.95), supporting the status of <i>C. f. birulai</i> as a distinct evolutionary lineage. Although the genetic distance between the Chinese and Mongolian populations was relatively small (distance = 0.00269), significant genetic differentiation was detected (Fst = 0.67055), indicating that anthropogenic disturbances—such as hydraulic infrastructure and fencing along the cross-border Bulgan River—may have impeded gene flow and dispersal. Demographic analyses provided no evidence of recent population expansion (Fu’s Fs = 0.19152), suggesting a demographically stable population. In subsequent studies, we recommend increasing nuclear gene data to verify whether the <i>C. f. birulai</i> population meets the criteria for Evolutionarily Significant Unit classification, and strengthening cross-border protection and cooperation between China and Mongolia. |
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| ISSN: | 2076-2615 |