Mitochondrial sequences reveal a clear separation between Angolan and South African giraffe along a cryptic rift valley.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The current taxonomy of the African giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis) is primarily based on pelage pattern and geographic distribution, and nine subspecies are currently recognized. Although genetic studies have been conducted, their resolution is low, mainly due to limited sampling. Detailed knowledge about the genetic variation and phylogeography of the South African giraffe (G. c. giraffa) and the Angolan giraffe (G. c. angolensis) is lacking. We investigate genetic variation among giraffe matrilines by increased sampling, with a focus on giraffe key areas in southern Africa.

Results

The 1,562 nucleotides long mitochondrial DNA dataset (cytochrome b and partial control region) comprises 138 parsimony informative sites among 161 giraffe individuals from eight pop

SUBMITTER: Bock F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4207324 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature