The complete mitochondrial genome of Eld's deer (Rucervus eldii eldii) and its phylogenetic implications

The complete mitochondrial genome of Eld's deer (Rucervus eldii eldii) has been sequenced, assembled and characterized for the first time using 25 sets of published primers. The Eld's deer, famously known as Sangai or Manipur's brow-antlered deer belongs to the family Cervidae and is critically endangered species in India which needs immediate attention and concern for wildlife conservation. The 16,357 bp long complete mitogenome of R. e. eldii was very similar to most vertebrates in organization with 13 protein-coding genes, 22 transfer RNA, 2 ribosomal RNA and a typical non-coding control region. Its protein-coding region exhibits codon usage common to all mammals. A detailed characterization of the available mitogenomes of Artiodactyla suggested conserved nature of gene organization, codon usage, gene orientation and evolutionary rates of proteins. A detailed characterization of the available mitogenomes of Artiodactyla, suggested conserved nature of gene organization, codon usage, gene orientation and evolutionary rates of proteins. The complete mitogenome and protein-coding genes of R. e. eldii were found to be highly A + T biased. Rate of protein evolution was highest in nad6 and lowest in cox1. The phylogenetic analyses based on concatenated amino acid and nucleotide sequences of 13 protein-coding genes provided a well-supported broader outline of Cervidae, which agree with the previously described traditional morphological classification. Besides, the well supported phylogeny of artiodactyls mitochondrial genomes helped to resolve relationships between Rucervus eldii eldii (India) and Rucervus eldii hainanus (China) being the other two Eld's deer species remains unresolved i.e. Rucervus eldii thamin (Myanmar) Rucervus eldii siamensis (Thailand). The whole mitogenome sequence of R. e. eldii will significantly benefit systematics, evolutionary studies, biogeography and conservation programs of R. e. eldii and the family Cervidae.