Population Genetic Diversity and Viability of the North China Leopard (<i>Panthera pardus japonensis</i>) in the Eastern Loess Plateau, China.

ABSTRACT: The North China leopard population in the eastern Loess Plateau, China, is highly fragmented and faces an increased risk of extinction due to habitat loss and environmental change. Therefore, timely research on leopard conservation in the Loess Plateau region can provide scientific guidance for its management and population recovery. To investigate the impacts of habitat fragmentation on genetic diversity, we analyzed 129 fecal samples from the eastern foot of the Loess Plateau, China. Using eight pairs of microsatellite loci and mitochondrial ND-5 gene sequences, we genetically identified 41 individual leopards. Analysis of microsatellite data showed an intermediate level of genetic diversity (PIC = 0.60). Based on the ND-5 gene sequence, five haplotypes were identifi

SUBMITTER: Wen X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11922602 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature