Phylogenetic analysis of mitochondrial DNA sequences reveals non-monophyly in the Goitred gazelle (Gazella subgutturosa). Conservation Genetics. 12: 827-831. DOI 10.1007/s10592-010-0169-6
Goitred gazelle (Gazella subgutturosa) rank among the most endangered mammals on the Arabian Peninsula and the Asian steppes. Past conservation efforts have been plagued by confusion about the phylogenetic relationship among various—phenotypically discernable—populations, and even the question of species boundaries was far from being certain. This lack of knowledge had a direct impact on conservation measures, especially ex situ breeding programmes, hampering the assignment of captive stocks to potential conservation units. Here, we provide a phylogenetic framework, based on the analysis of mtDNA sequences of a number of individuals collected from the wild and captivity throughout the species’ natural range. Our analyses revealed a polyphyly within the presumed species of G. subgutturosa resulting in two distinct clades: one on the Arabian Peninsula, Iraq, Jordan, Syria and Turkey (Gazella marica; sand gazelle) and one genetically diverse larger clade from the rest of its Asian range (G. subgutturosa; goitred gazelle). Additionally, we provide a quick method (PCR-RFLP) to analyse the taxonomic affiliation of captive gazelles that will be used for re-introductions into the wild. KeywordsArabian Peninsula–Cryptic species– Gazella subgutturosa –Phylogeny–Conservation units
