Genetic diversity of golden takin (Budorcas taxicolor bedfordi) population from Qinling Mountains in China revealed by sequence analysis of mitochondrial DNA control region

The golden takin is an endangered species, listed as a First Grade Protected animal and found only in the Qinling Mountains in China. A great deal of research on the golden takin's living habitat, population size, and home range has been conducted. Here, we employed sequence analysis of the mitochondrial DNA control region to study the genetic diversity of the golden takin from three separate nature reserve parks in the Qinling Mountains. We also compared the results of our study with previously published data on the genetic diversity of mixed takin species located in the Qinling Mountains and the Minshan area. Based on 62 sampled golden takin individuals, we found an overall mean genetic haplotype diversity of 0.687. There is no significant geographic genetic diversity across different golden takin populations within the Qinling Mountains. However, we did show significant diversity between golden takin from the Qinling Mountains and from Minshan. These original data provide a foundation for the genetic diversity of golden takin, and will yield comprehensive information for better supporting the management in the national reserve parks.