Population Genomic Analysis Provides Insights Into the Evolution and Conservation of Two Critically Endangered Musk Deer Species.

ABSTRACT: Musk deer (Moschus), the sole genus in the family Moschidae, are critically endangered and face an uncertain future due to the limited understanding of their taxonomy, evolutionary history, genetic load, and adaptive evolution. These knowledge gaps hinder conservation efforts at crucial stages. Here, we conducted a comprehensive conservation genomic analysis by sequencing eight M. anhuiensis genomes and integrating public data from 15 M. berezovskii individuals. Phylogenomic and population genomic analyses confirmed that M. anhuiensis is a distinct phylogenetic species that diverged approximately 260 thousand years ago (kya). Both species experienced severe population bottlenecks, subsequently exhibiting marked genetic divergence. Over the past 200 kya, M. be

SUBMITTER: Chen G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12311986 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature