The complete mitochondrial genome sequence of Lepus tolai in Xinjiang

Lepus tolai has a wide geographic distribution in the world, and there are some taxonomic confusions due to lack of studies. The complete mitochondrial genome of L. tolai in Xinjiang is 17,047 bp long with 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 tRNAs, two rRNAs, and a control region. The overall base composition is 31.81% of A, 29.40% of T, 25.67%of C, and 13.12% of G, showing AT-rich. Phylogenetic analysis results showed that L. tolai is closely related to Lepus timidus, and distantly related to Lepus earoupenses and Lepus capensis. The new mtDNA data will supplement the mitochondrial gene pool of Lepus and helpful for validating taxonomic status of L. tolai on mtDNA level

Complete mitochondrial genome sequence of Lepus yarkandensis Günther, 1875 (Lagomorpha, Leporidae): characterization and phylogenetic analysis

Lepus yarkandensis is a national second-class protected animal endemic to China and distributed only in the hot and arid Tarim Basin in Xinjiang. We sequenced and described the complete mitogenome of L. yarkandensis to analyze its characteristics and phylogeny. The species’ DNA is a 17,047 bp circular molecule that includes 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), two rRNA genes, 22 tRNA genes, and one control region. The overall base composition was as follows: A, 31.50%; T, 29.40%; G, 13.30% and C, 25.80%, with a high A+T bias of 60.9%. In the PCGs, ND6 had deviation ranges for AT skew (–0.303) and GC skew (0.636). The Ka/Ks values of ND1 (1.067) and ND6 (1.352) genes were >1, indicating positive selection, which might play an important role in the adaptation of L. yarkandensis to arid and hot environments. The conserved sequence block, the central conserved domain, and the extended termination-associated sequences of the control region and their features were identified and described. The phylogenetic tree based on the complete mitogenome showed that L. yarkandensis was closely related to the sympatric Lepus tibetanus pamirensis. These novel datasets of L. yarkandensis can supply basic data for phylogenetic studies of Lepus spp., apart from providing essential and important resource for further genetic research and the protection of this species

The complete mitochondrial genome sequence of Lepus tibetanus pamirensis

Lepus tibetanus pamirensis distributes only in the Pamir Plateau under a harsh environment with high attitude, cold and dry climates. The complete mitochondrial genome of the hare was determined (accession number MN539746) in a total length of 16,753 bp. The overall base composition of L. t. pamirensis mitogenome is 31.6% for A, 25.7% for C, 13.3% for G and 29.5% for T. It has the common characteristic with other mammals in regard to genome structure and gene arrangement. Based on published complete mitogenome sequences of lagomorphs, the phylogenetic tree suggested that L. t. pamirensis is closely related to L. yarkandensis and has far relationship with L. capensis. Our results would provide useful information for further study on conservation genetics and evolution of this hare species